Over the years, I have spent a lot of time thinking about why writers struggle. In fact, the whole point of this podcast and, by extension, the Daily Writer Community, is to help writers overcome the obstacles to writing. I want to help them, and help YOU, be more successful.
A big reason writers seem to struggle is that they perceive writing as a different type of job than it really is. Many writers look at writing as a white-collar job. A white-collar job is the type of work that is professional, typically done in an office, and focuses on leadership and administration. You rarely get your hands dirty with manual labor.
A blue-collar job, on the other hand, is more hands-on and focuses on trades. Plumbing, construction, retail, and foodservice are good examples of blue-collar jobs.
Life gets a lot easier when you understand that professional writing is a blue-collar job. You’re not out there getting your hands dirty or digging ditches. But you’re showing up on time, putting in the work, and getting the job done. In fact, 90% of your success as a writer is just showing up, putting the time in, and doing the work.
Personally, I only feel like writing about 5% of the time. Even when I’m working on my own material, such as this podcast, I rarely feel super excited to do it. For me, writing is emotionally and mentally draining.
I look at writing the same way a bricklayer looks at their work. I try to separate my feelings about it from the work I have committed to do.
The weird thing is that my emotional state while writing seems to have no connection to the quality of the work. I can be totally not feeling it in the moment, but the writing can still be very strong. And the opposite can be true also. If I’m really into a flow, it doesn’t mean the writing will be that good. It’s so strange.
The ironic thing is that once I begin the work, I emotionally get into it. I feel the flow and get into a creative state. But you have to first show up and do the work. People used to look down on blue-collar work as it if was somehow less honorable than white-collar work. But all consistent and successful writers see themselves as people who just show up and do the work.
Daily Question: Do you see yourself as a blue-collar or white-collar writer?