Dealing with Writer's Block & Anxiety

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   Adam Lee Andersenposted 9 years ago

   I've been dealing with a very personal problem in writing.  Right now I'm dealing with Writer's block and anxiety.  What usually happens is that I'll get started on an article in the middle of it, I either freeze or become anxious about my article.  Does anyone else suffer from this issue.  Sometimes,  I don't post for weeks at time.  But I eventually get over it and finish with what I started.  It's just hard sometimes.

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      lions44posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      One thing I try to keep in mind while writing hubs is that there is no deadline to make.  I used to feel "I have to get this hub done by next week," etc.  But you don't.  The most important thing is to write quality hubs, whether they take a week or a year.  I put hubs down for months sometimes, and when I return, the writing just flows.  It sounds cliche, but it's true.   As a rule, I now take 3 months to write a hub.  You can always go back and edit a hub over and over again. You will get lots of support here.  And take their advice.   Good luck. Don't stress.

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      csmiravite-blogsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I am guilty of the same crime. I procrastinate. I get writer's block. I look at the screen and nothing comes out. I have to kick myself to start typing the words, then more words, till it becomes a sentence...a paragraph...a number of paragraphs. I get stuck in the middle, and I need to push myself again. But once I am oft and running, I putter like a well-oiled machine.  Heheh!

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         Elsie Hagleyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Guilty also, it's very bad at the moment.
         I think it has a lot to do with all the changes at Squidoo, now HubPages.
         I now feel as though I'm a very bad writer.
         I had 240 hubs back in September, now only 120 or so.
         Everyone thats unfeatured I delete, have completely lost my writing skills, at the moment, while I'm writing this, tears are streaming down my face, maybe a good cry will sort out all the bad feelings I have about writing.
         Here's to a new day tomorrow.

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            csmiravite-blogsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            I think, it was easier to write  for HubPages before the  series of Google Panda slaps that hit most writing portals including HP. The site is now stricter with its interpretation of spammy content, writing quality, and overlinking. It adheres to what Google wants, to avoid being penalized by the great G god. We can't blame them, as the site needs to survive over the long term.  HP is continuously evolving--- becoming more rigid with every Panda "outbreak". This then questions our very core as writers: numbing us to  question ourselves, if we really have it takes. I also deleted a number of articles before, which I had difficulty of having  featured. I rehashed  some, and it passed QAP. I am now trying to edit all my hubs  (there's only a few of them), before cranking out another hub. Like the rests, I am also having problems with traffic --- so I need to tinker around with my hubs to see if I could put more life into it.  Just sit tight, breath deeply, and merely do what you can. That always works for me. Have a blessed day!   

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            1. 68

               Adam Lee Andersenposted 9 years agoin reply to this

               Good reply there. My initial strategy going forward is to write about things people genuinely truly care about.  That sorta helps go along with my writing style, also it helps prevent obvious word stuffing that truly doesn't belong.  That's what makes it so hard,  because I gotta dig deep to get certain points across that'll even be remotely attractive.

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                  csmiravite-blogsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                  You're on the right track.  Good luck! 

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            Jason Marovichposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Oh my dear Mrs. Hagley,
            
            Don't let the angst and uncertainty cloud over what is clearly your passion.  Isn't it wonderful that writing can evoke such emotions in us who love our craft?
            
            Bear down and write the next one as if it were your first.

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      Hezekiahposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      It happens with me a lot with music. Changes in life such a taking a different route home can often rack the imagination. Try it.

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      peachpurpleposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      ah, you are not alone, once I start to write a hub, it will take 2-6 months just to finish it. I can create 10 hubs at once but empty contents, just photos. I am loss for words. Need help from other sites and magazines

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2. 68

   Adam Lee Andersenposted 9 years ago

   Well Elsie, it looks like you've spent a lot of time and hard work on your hubs. I can see why that would make you feel unimportant and dismayed. If this is something that a lot of hubbers are feeling,  then I guess I'm not alone.

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