In a guest post on Jane Friedman’s blog, Joni Cole identifies seven very bad habits for writers. “As a long-time workshop leader, I’m in awe of how some writers are masters at putting themselves on a path of creative self-destruction,” she writes. “What is it that makes these master self-saboteurs so good at what they do?”
- Trash talking. Many writers will preempt criticism of their work by trash talking it before someone else can criticize – or praise – it.
- Doom thinking. Ineffective writers imagine that their efforts will come to naught, even before they’ve started their project. They lament their changes of finding an agent or a publisher or making sales, without evidence.
- Time wasting. Ineffective writers fail to put first things first, and instead spend their time and energy texting, scrolling social media, or engaging in busy work.
- People pleasing. Do you have family and friends metaphorically gazing over your shoulder when you write? Do you write to please your critique group? That kind of win-win-win philosophy is self-defeating, Cole says.
- Inactive listening. Instead of listening to what’s said – by a critique partner, agent, or publisher – you might be hearing criticisms or discouragements that aren’t voiced.
- Obeying too many masters. A writer has to wear many hats – production manager, editor, critic, and fan – but only one should be in charge at any time.
- Excessive recharging. We all need to take time from our writing to refresh and recharge. Ineffective writers may find it hard to find the balance necessary to get them back to the blank page.
