Writing can be a source of joy and creativity in our lives. But you must be aware of the obstacles that you will face in the process of writing. Even before you attend a creative writing workshop, you must figure out the difficulty that you have to overcome.

Dorothea Brande in her book, Becoming a Writer, emphatically points out that until the four difficulties of writing are overcome, you are able to get very little benefit from learning about the technical aspects of writing.

Let us first be aware of the four obstacles or difficulties of writing.

The Four Obstacles of Writing

We all have stories that are unique and interesting. The dream you had last night was dreamt by nobody else. Or the feelings and thoughts and emotions that you have are unique. And writing that out is good for you and the world. (Why write?).

So, the first obtacle or difficuly is:

1. Getting Started to Write

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. But many of us don\’t take that step.

…..the beginner may be waiting for the divine fire of which he has heard to glow unmistakably, and may believe that it can only be lighted by a fortuitous spark from above!

Dorothea Brande

2. Start & Stop

The second kind of obstacle is that for a writer who writes something very well once in a blue moon. This write can write but has no patience to repeat his or her success in writing. Some people call it a writers block.

3. Start and Sputter

The third difficulty happens to the occasional writer. They will write when they get into the mood of writing. The mood is again a divine light that they are always waiting for.

4. Start and Shutdown

This is the fourth difficulty where you start writing but face doubts and confusion about the technical aspects of writing. It\’s like getting on a drive to a place you want to go but get a flat tyre where you can\’t move!

This is the obstacle that the creative writing workshop would probably solve.

Each one of us have their own unique obstacle or difficulty among the four. You are either a:

1. reluctant beginner,
2. a one book/post author,
3. the occasional writer or
4. the uneven writer.

Being aware of the mental block or obstacle or difficulty in writing is a good thing to know. Once you know the problem, you can now solve it!

We are building this platform for young writers to express themselves and showcase their creative writing skills. Join us in this exciting journey at Elizquidana!

As always, your comments and thoughts are welcome!