Why So Many Aspiring Writers Struggle (And What You Can Do About It)

Dear Joyvity™ Friends,

Have you ever dreamed about writing a book?
Have you made your dream a reality?
Why not?

If you’ve felt this, you’re not alone. I am in the middle of it myself, which is why I am writing about it.

These struggles are far more common than most people admit. And they aren’t a sign that you’re “not good enough.” They’re a sign you’re doing something courageous. Writing is committing to something for a long time without knowing what will come of it. But more than that, writing, at least for me, is about showing up for myself. Now that is worth it – at least on paper, no pun intended. The mind knows it, doubts it, and then discards it. Why is that? Survival?

Every writer dreams of holding their finished book in their hands. But most unpublished writers—no matter how passionate—get stuck. Many abandon projects halfway. A few finish drafts but never revise or publish.

Let’s talk honestly about what’s really going on—and how to keep going.

You're Not Alone: The Dream is Everywhere

Here’s what the numbers show:

• 81% of Americans say they want to write a book.
  That’s about 200 million people in the U.S. alone.

• A 2023 YouGov poll found that 55% of U.S. adults would love to publish one someday.

• But fewer than 3% finish a manuscript.

• And of those, only about 1% actually publish it—whether traditionally or on their own.

So yes—most people want to write a book.
Very few follow through.

Not because they’re lazy. Not because they’re not talented.
Because writing isn’t just about skill—it’s about courage, rhythm, and trust.

1️. Finishing the First Draft

Starting is easy. Finishing is where most writers stall.
The middle of a draft feels like a fog. Doubt creeps in. Life gets busy. The commitment fades.

Why it happens:

• Fear that the story isn’t good enough.

• Perfectionism (“It must be flawless the first time.”)

• Lack of a writing routine or realistic goals.

What helps:

• Lower the bar. Aim to finish it, and not for it to be perfect.

• Set tiny, doable writing goals, even 200 words/day. And I mean every day.

• Remember: no first draft is ever great for anyone, including the best ones you know and read.

2️. Self-Doubt and Impostor Syndrome

Most aspiring writers secretly fear they’re not “real writers.”
They read published books and feel their own work pales in comparison. Or worse, they ask themselves: “Who am I to think I can do this? That I have this in me?”

That’s me.

Why it happens:

• Comparing your rough drafts to polished, edited books.

• Lack of validation or support from others. Writing a book is shooting in the dark.

• Deep fear of being ridiculed.

What helps:

• Know that doubt is universal—even famous authors admit to it.

• Focus on progress, not perfection – remember the daily goal?

• Share your work selectively with kind, constructive readers. And dare I suggest: not in the beginning?

3️. Overthinking Craft Instead of Writing

Many writers fall into the trap of overanalyzing:
“Should I write in first or third person?”
“Is this plot structure right?”
“Am I using too many adverbs?”

Why it happens:

• Fear of making mistakes.

• “Course addiction”—constantly learning instead of writing.

• Lack of trust in your own voice – I have learned the only way to build that voice is, again, the write every day.

What helps:

• Accept that early drafts are experiments. Edits come after the draft is finished.

• Limit craft study to 20% of your time. Spend 80% writing.

• Your voice and style will evolve naturally as you write more.

4️. Fear of Feedback and Rejection

Some writers never show their work to others. Or they avoid querying agents or self-publishing because rejection feels too painful.

Why it happens:

• Fear that criticism will confirm their worst doubts.

• Belief that rejection equals failure.

What helps:

• Reframe rejection as a step, not a verdict.

• One’s opinion is not everyone’s opinion.

• Remember: every published author faced rejection before success.

5️. Time and Energy

Juggling writing with jobs, family, and other responsibilities is overwhelming. Many writers wait for “the perfect time”—which rarely comes.

Why it happens:

• Unrealistic expectations of long, uninterrupted writing sessions.

• Burnout from other life demands.

What helps:

• Write in small, consistent chunks - again, every day.

• Forgive yourself for writing “slowly.” You are you.

• Progress adds up over time. Fact.

6️. Platform and Marketing Pressure

In today’s world, writers feel pressured to build social media platforms before they’ve even finished their books. This creates burnout and distraction.

Why it happens:

• Advice from writing coaches and marketers.

• Fear that writing alone isn’t enough anymore.

What helps:

• Prioritize finishing the book first. Nothing else matters.

• Build a platform later—or at least keep it minimal early on.

• Remember: a finished book holds more value than 1,000 posts.

The Truth No One Tells Aspiring Writers

Your struggles don’t mean you’re not cut out for this.
They mean you’re human. And you care deeply about the story you want to tell.

If you stay with the process—writing, revising, learning at a healthy pace—you will grow. Not every writer will become a bestseller. But every writer who sticks with it becomes better, stronger, and more connected to the stories only they can tell.

Final Words

You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to be willing – to commit to shooting in the dark and learning what it truly means to value yourself. I am doing that now, and I doubt every day, and I continue until I will get my story out. I’ve realized the alternative is scarier than shooting in the dark.

The writers who succeed aren’t the ones without doubt. They’re the ones who keep going with doubt by their side. Happy writing and may the satisfaction of showing up for yourself every day gently crush your doubts!

Ana