If writing was a religion… I’d be going to hell.
God help me, I’m a hypocrite.
Reading about writing, thinking about writing, talking about writing.
But…
Not writing.
No late night meetings with my muse. No midnight melting into morning as I put the finishing touches on… well, anything.
It’s embarrassing.
Pretense and Procrastination are my bedfellows, and that’s no fun because Pretense snores a lot–and he clips his toenails in bed. Procrastination is always trying to spoon me.
Why am I telling you this?
I know that you’ve had the same problem at some point
(if you’ve been writing a long time, that is).
Maybe you’re even struggling
with it right now.
You might not be as committed to your writing as you could/should be. If so, this article might be divine timing. If not, read it anyway to help you stay on track going forward and/or to laugh at the nun.
Why aren’t you writing more?
Probably because you’ve let yourself think
one or more of the following “dirty” thoughts:
I’m too young. I’m too old. I don’t have time. I’m single and I’d have to sacrifice my social life. I’m married. Have kids. Not talented enough. When I sit down to write, nothing comes out. I like writing, but not rewriting. Writing is overwhelming. Don’t want to miss the ball game. Not sure I can do it. There’s too much competition. It’s too hard to get published nowadays. I don’t know any literary agents or publishers–you need connections. I want a guarantee that all those hours won’t be a waste of time.
* * *
What’s Your Excuse for Not Writing?
Personally, I could come up with a thousand excuses for not writing. You see, coming up with lots of creative ideas is one of the skill sets that comes with being a good writer.
So, I can’t focus on reasons I shouldn’t be writing
(because I could write a whole book of them).
But wait, at least I’d be writing!
No…
Instead, I need to focus on the reasons that I should be writing.
Starting with the simple fact that…
* * *
If I’m Not Writing, I’m Not Right
I get a little “off” (moody, grumpy, grouchy… take your pick).
What about you?
Now, I’m not saying that I’m exactly normal when I write. But at least I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing (if there is such a thing). I laugh more, feel better about myself, and have more energy for other people when I’m coaching authors. And I have more energy for those things that I’m not that enthusiastic about (the less creative parts of life).
* * *
If You’re a Writer… Not Writing Can
Be A Form of Addiction or Martyrdom
Why do we punish ourselves
and push our muse away?
Maybe we’re afraid of what she’ll say. Maybe we’re afraid she won’t say anything. Or, maybe we’re afraid that we’ll spend time with her… and no one will care what we have to say (in our writing). That’s all understandable, but deep down we know better.
If we don’t commune with our muse, we’re going to go to our graves wondering what could have been (what should have been). And God only knows what we’re going to “find on the other side” if we don’t follow our true calling and live our big vision in this life.
It can’t be good…
Yes, I’m using God and the afterlife
to motivate you to write.
Is that bad?
Here’s the thing…
* * *
If You’re Not Writing, You’re Not a Writer
You’re a pretender.
So join me, right now (even if it’s only for a moment).
Turn down the throttle on your excuse-engine for a minute
(let it idle). Better yet, shut it off completely.
Take a deep breath,
invoke your muse,
and write.
Don’t think, just write.
Don’t challenge your muse.
Don’t try to control her.
Don’t try to contain her.
Let her run wild…
Because any writing
is good writing.
If you’re a writer.
You can start by telling me (and everyone else here)
one of the most common excuses or distractions
that has gotten in the way of you writing.
Tell the truth…
No one will judge you
(this is a supportive community).
And the only person I’m going to
make fun of here is myself.
By the way, a former coaching client of mine says that all you really need is bum (butt) glue. It’s simply a matter of putting your rear end in the chair (and keeping it there), until you produce something.
If that doesn’t work, rap your knuckles
with a ruler.
Or…
Although I hate to use coarse language
(especially in front of the nun),
simply tell yourself to…
Shut up and write,
– Mark
* * *
* * *
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
This was delightful. Totally enjoyed the nun, the information, and my reasons for writing. Thanks. I’m new to this site, but look forward to returning for more information.
Hi Sharon!
Thank you for that, glad you enjoyed it. 😉
If I can help you with anything let me know, but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former agent. Today I’m a coach and consultant helping authors get top agents, publishers, and book deals. To that end, I have several websites devoted to helping authors get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. You can see a complete list here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/.
Also…
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
And I’ll point you in the right direction.
Have a great night!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark, let me tell you, this is what I’ve been needing to hear. I got to the point that I pushed aside my desire to write to advise others on writing. Isn’t that ironic. My husband scolds me constantly about working on my craft and being the prolific writer I dream to be, but I always tell him I’ll get there eventually. It’s great to see someone like you feels the same as someone like me. The nuns are hilarious, btw.
Hi Trina!
For some reason your comment/question went to my spam folder and I wasn’t notified about it… so my apologies for the delay getting back to you. Glad you liked the nuns and you’re devoted to your writing. More power to you.
If I can help you with anything let me know, but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former agent. Today I’m a coach and consultant helping authors get top agents, publishers, and book deals. To that end, I have several websites devoted to helping authors get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. You can see a complete list here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/.
Also…
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
And I’ll point you in the right direction.
Have a great night and keep writing!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks Mark, this is SO what I need right now. As I continue to face numerous rejection notices (and they don’t have time to tell me why I’ve been rejected), I am becoming completely discouraged, depressed even. I have definitely put down the pen. I have no idea why my story is such a failure. But I always have to remember, self-publishing is on the table, so I better start pumping stuff out again. Maybe somebody will read… one day. *weak laugh*
Of course, my real excuse is that I am spending all my time trying to write to authors for possible recommendations, writing summaries, and sending out queries as well….
Hi Nikki, didn’t recognize you last time because u used Nikki instead of Nicole and I didn’t see your email address. Now I know who you are. 🙂 That counts as writing, by the way, but do make time for the REAL writing too! Mark
Hi Nikki, your comment went to my spam folder and I wasn’t notified about it… so my apologies for the delay getting back to you. If it’s not too late, I’m happy to help if I can. Take a look at this article if you haven’t already seen it: https://literary-agents.com/get-a-literary-agent/literary-agent-turnaround-times/.
If I can help you with anything else let me know, but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former agent. Today I’m a coach and consultant helping authors get top agents, publishers, and book deals. To that end, I have several websites devoted to helping authors get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. You can see a complete list here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/.
Also…
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
And I’ll point you in the right direction.
Have a great night.
And don’t quit!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I write every day, at least 1000 words. It’s like exercise, which I also do every day, and in both cases I try to mix things up. One day I’ll do water aerobics, the next weight-lifting, and the same with writing, one day I’ll write a fun fantasy story for a friend’s birthday, the next day I’ll write a serious chapter for a new book. My problem is how to turn it off. I have insomnia just because I’m always thinking, thinking, thinking of the next thing to say.
Hi Arline,
For some reason your comment/question went to my spam folder and I wasn’t notified about it… so my apologies for the delay getting back to you.
Now to your comment, I guess that’s better than writers’ block. 🙂
Could be worse, right?
Have a great night and let me know if I can help you with anything.
I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I have began my literary journey after meeting you. Your inspiring letters have a magical life filled with abundance and happiness for a would be writer. The answer for my literary quest is on what you write for the writing knowledge is on your lips, it is inside your heart, and it is ready and waiting to bring forth for a would be writer like magic!
Hi Diogo, I had an issue with not being able to see some of my comments on this website for a while. Your comment went to my spam folder and I wasn’t notified about it… so my apologies for the delay. Your words were poetry to me. Thank you for being so thoughtful, and poetic. As a poet myself, your words are not wasted.
Have a great night and thank you again!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
WOW! Good stuff, Mark. Wish I had more time to write. Thing is, I have so many doctor appointments (129 miles both ways)that it eats away at my ‘self time’. If I have 3 days to call my own, I write for Glimmer Train. This magazine will accept short stories, 12,000 words or less. I can finish a story and submit it in 3 days, and they pay and print winning stories.
Still rewriting my 85000 word novel. Hoping to finish editing it by the end of the year, then I will seek and agent.
Love your input.
Hi Elizabeth, THANK YOU. Now, for some reason your comment/question went to my spam folder and I wasn’t notified about it… so my apologies for the delay getting back to you. Glad to hear you’re moving forward and getting it done. All in good time, you’re getting there. Keep it up.
And have a great night!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark,
Me too. I’m geting nun dun. I’ve been casting around for excuses and have landed more than I can cope with.
We had our one hour session a little while ago and that was great to boost my confidence. I’ve been sending out multiple queries, with my brand new query letter and find I’m tending to wait and see what happens, instead of galloping on with my follow-up. My mindset: I’ve done my best – it’s not good enough. Waiting is procrastinating. Your article was timely. I’ll start tomorrow.
Hi Eric, for some reason your comment/question went to my spam folder and I wasn’t notified about it… so my apologies for the delay getting back to you. Especially since it was funny (nun dun) and kind. Thanks for the love and I’m glad you’re staying the course.
Have a great night!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I have a Schwinn Airdyne bike in my garage where I do high intensity interval training. It’s a brutal workout, but, the hardest part of the workout is getting on the bike. For me, writing is the same way. I have a daily word count of at least 1000 words I try and finish. The hardest part of getting those words done is sitting on the bike and start pedaling. I also put on headphones and my favorite tunes and shut out the world. This is a great thing you’re doing for us writer’s Mark. Thank you.
Hi Sean, for some reason your comment/question went to my spam folder and I wasn’t notified about it… so my apologies for the delay getting back to you. Especially since I really liked your comment! Thank you. It means a lot, you just made my day. Thanks for taking the time to post and have a great night!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Love your article…plus, the wild & wacky nunster.
My #1 reason for not writing is fatigue. Family commitments are also high on the list. Maybe I’ll just shut my study door after putting an ‘out to lunch’ sign on the knob, and have a big caffeinated glass of tea close at hand. There’s always a successful way to climb over any stumbling block.
This is a wonderfully written article, Mark. Hilarious humor. It’s first-class energized motivation all the way. Thanks! | Not Writing
Hey Rhymster! Glad you liked it, and thank you for saying so. Wild and wacky is necessary for me to stay interested, stay awake, and keep people guessing about what’s coming next. Hope you’re getting more rest this week and finding time to put your fingers on the keyboard. Lock yourself up in the study and don’t come up until your writing therapy session has ended. 😉 Mark | Not Writing
I have a sub-file to my writing file named “words and phrases.” Entries often bring a smile when I recall the issue or circumstance which dictated the entry. Browsing those several pages during a break from anything often excites a productive action or turns a needed phrase. You are a contributor. | Not Writing
Hi Ken, I’m honored to know that I made it into your file. You made my day. Have a good night and hope to see you again soon. Mark | Not Writing
My biggest issue is being overwhelmed by a variety of projects. I’ll sit down and think: Should I edit? Should I blog? Should I work on my WIP? Which WIP?
I do a lot of writing related stuff, even if I’m not actually writing. It’s a mad mixture.
During the summer it was hard to focus because my husband or son would interrupt me every time I started writing. I kept getting pulled away. I eventually give up at that point and go do reading or something. | Not Writing
Since I shared my issues, I’ll share how I overcome them too. Which WIP is determined usually by deadline. Editing, etc, the same.
I know what you mean by not feeling “yourself” when not writing. I have that issue. I feel sooooo much better when I write.
Since school is back in session and I have hours of quiet time during the day, I plan to set myself a word count and not be allowed to do anything else – social media/email – ’til it’s done. I get a lot done when I do that. | Not Writing
My last comment was based in part on the heartfelt blog you published recently as well. It’s hard for me (and others) to watch the good people like you when they’re struggling. You usually come of as optimistic and in control. I know you’ll get a handle on it, the same way you know I will (I hope) when I tell you I’m overwhelmed. 😉 I’m just glad that school is back in session so you have more time, including quite time. Mark | Not Writing
We’ll both get to where we need to be. Believe me, I have my low points. I just don’t think it helps anyone or anything by staying low.
I know you’ll get it. 😉 I have faith in you! | Not Writing
Sounds like it’s time for you to spend more time writing/marketing full length books. Less or no time working on other projects… or on other projects for other people that don’t pay cashola (or enough cashola). I think I recently helped you prove that your platform is good enough. So not it’s just about making some difficult cuts in your life and knowing all you need now is more time spent on your books. And lay down the law in your house about some uninterrupted office hours. No joke. Mark | Not Writing
I can’t argue with any of that, because it’s all true. You’re right, Mark! | Not Writing
It’s hard when the editing is mine though. 😉 I have to work that in. It’s part of writing. | Not Writing
Yes, we can’t avoid the unavoidable. Those things are good to do. Hope you’re having a good week. Mark | Not Writing
Hey Mark!
Loved the nun!!! Soooooo funny! All you say is true. Perhaps you will consider standing over me while I write or get ready to write with that ruler and threaten to beat me. I seem to need to take a break between new chapters to regroup and take a second look at what I already wrote so I’m sure I’m going in the direction I really want to. I’ve been a little slow this time to get going on the new chapter. (Just started a new job.) | Not Writing
Hey Marilyn, they are some funny ladies… aren’t they? About your request/suggestion, maybe there’s an app for that. Hmm. Maybe I should create one. The agent nazi who appears on your phone with message to inspire you and put the fear of the nun into you. But it would be hard for me to rap your knuckles through a ruler via long distance. Sigh. Congrats on the new job though and thanks for taking time out to read my stuff AND say hello. Hope to see you again soon. Mark | Not Writing
Thanks for the article. I love the part about reading each piece of junk mail as if it was a legal doc. When it comes down to it, I think my procrastination usually has to do with anxiety that I won’t be able to do it right or well enough. The work now is re-writing, so there’s less room for screwing up. The only way past that is just putting in the time and finding my way through. Sometimes, though, it seems the time away can help a bit — because it hurts too much not to keep going. | Not Writing
Hi Ellen, glad you liked the article… and thanks for saying so. 🙂 I understand the whole anxiety thing. To be honest, I don’t know that it ever goes away completely. But as long as we keep pushing through it, things will keep happening. I love your quote, by the way, about being away and and it hurting too much to not keep going. Well said. Here’s to less hurting and more success. Have a great weekend and hope to see you again soon. Mark | Not Writing
Hi Mark
I have lots of excuses. Have to look after a sick cat, feed the other stray cats, water my plants, too tired doing all the chores every day and have to relax in front of the TV, have to check emails and on and on. When I don’t write for some days, I lose my momentum and I feel something is missing and I start feeling guilty and grumpy. When I sit down to write, my mind falls immediately into a happy, relaxed state like you say, finally doing something right. | Not Writing
Hi SawLian… the good thing about coming up with lots of excuses is that it’s a sign of a creative mind. 😉 I’m glad you recognize it though and understand how it affects your momentum. Here’s to being more productive and less guilty and grumpy… and having a happy mind. Enjoy your weekend and I hope to see you again soon. Mark | Not Writing
I like the excuse of having to go get some string cheese! I was in the process of sharing my thoughts but this comments box cut me off and censored me at 97 words – I’ll take it as a sign to spend less time writing comments and put more time into creative writing, so I’m going to leave this blog and write something! 🙂 | Not Writing
Hey Gil, I had to install a comment limiter because some fools would paste things in like a query and synopsis and ask for my feedback. So I outsmarted them. Ha! Now it means you and I have to learn how to say things more concisely. Sigh. Have a wonderful weekend and talk soon. Mark | Not Writing
Thanks A LOT, Mark!
I WAS writing until I let myself become “distracted” by the subject of your email and decided to read it. 😉 But it was well worth it!
While I may have a lot of challenges, “not writing” is not one of them. In fact, I had the opposite problem, as work kept getting in the way of my next story. But I was fortunate enough to be in a position to devise a solution – simply re-structure my business to carve out more time to write!
1 problem solved, now for the next 10! 🙂 | Not Writing
Hey Derick, I love the sound of that. Hooray for subject lines that work. 😉 You’re definitely right that you don’t need this article. You’d write a new picture book every week if you didn’t have so many other things going on. Great hearing from you, and make sure you send me an update about you know what via private email when you have more info. Talk soon I hope. Warm wishes to you and T. Mark | Not Writing
Happy Friday Mark! Wonderful stuff – the photo of you 3, your “Writer Beware” column, & today’s fun piece too! I suppose with 4 dogs, I could use the excuse of having to “scoop poop,” or expel a canine’s anal glands, (or the UPS man’s or whomever is around), as angst ridden reasons not to write. However, I only use these truisms to avoid baby showers and the like. Amazing food inspires me back into scribe though! Thus Cheers to eating well, & to feeding one’s keyboard well too! Happy weekend! | Not Writing
Hi Leah, hope you’re having a great weekend… and thanks for letting me know you liked this week’s article. Love your humor and creativity. And it’s good to know someone is reading my blog! Here’s to eating well and also feeding the word count. 😉 Mark | Not Writing
For the past month my excuse has been, “I’m sick. I need my rest.” So writing time turned into nap time. But, you know, I wasn’t as happy and kept feeling like something was missing. DUH! I’m still sick, but I need writing time more than I need sleep 🙂 | Not Writing
Hi Jessica, once someone discovers a way for us all to write in our sleep… we’ll be able to get it all done. 😉 In the meantime, I’m sure you doing just fine. Your health is just as important as your word count. Enjoy your weekend and see you again soon I hope. Mark | Not Writing
I had to laugh once and then once again at the Nun images. I know all about nuns have spent Saturday’s in Catechism classes. The nature in which you blended them into the message of write write and write some more is brilliant. Thank you and as you can see… I’m writing. | Not Writing
Hi Janet, I think this was one of the cases where I saw the images and had to come up with some way to use them. This twisted article was the result. Glad you enjoyed it and now I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Keep writing and talk soon! Mark | Not Writing
Write constantly. It’s because I can’t keep any thoughts in my head. Have Memory Deficiency Disease. Working on hockey platform, so lots of bottomside work to be done. Quite scary to suddenly be shooting and writing KHL/Czech Extraliga without Czech. Doing homework: rosters/ background profiles, etc. Not quite fiction, but lots of homework. Now, the open-ended problem of market. Constant inquiries. Not much choice about getting over weak knees. Parachute doesn’t open till you jump. Terrified. | Not Writing