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Writer's Time Stress: A Persistent Struggle

Time's relentless march is beyond our command. As deadlines loom and significant occurrences unfold, the relentless fear that accompanies time's rapid progress can prove debilitating and inescapable. This is a colloquial term for the persistent sense of anxiety that arises when time seems to be...

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Time's relentless march is beyond our command. As deadlines converge and significant events unfold,...
Time's relentless march is beyond our command. As deadlines converge and significant events unfold, the stress produced by time slipping through our fingers can be debilitating and unrelenting. This is commonly referred to as chronic time pressure.

Writer's Time Stress: A Persistent Struggle

Zipping Through Anxieties: Time Anxiety in Writing and How to Overcome It

Do you ever feel like time is running out before you can complete that novel or polish that poem? You're not alone. This nagging worry is often dubbed Time Anxiety, and it's a common affliction among writers, including the chronic scribbler typing these very words.

I've witnessed this restlessness in many scribes, myself included. As deadlines loom and significant events unfold, the tension to accomplish our goals can be overwhelming. The fear that we'll exhaust our time before achieving all we intend, and that our literary careers will wither away, can be paralyzing.

However, there's a way to battle this anxiety and get back to inking those stories. Here are four strategies:

Let Late Bloomers Blossom

Not every wordsmith launches their career with youthful vigor. While it may seem impressive when it occurs, the majority of talented writers find that same level of success later in life – and often after weathering numerous rejections and crafting several books. Check out these renowned authors who didn't make their literary debut until later in life:

  1. Toni Morrison penned her first book, The Bluest Eye, at 40.
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien didn't publish anything until he was 45.
  3. Bram Stoker authored Dracula when he turned 50.
  4. Laura Ingalls Wilder began writing in her late 40s, publishing her first book at 65.

Don't use these authors as a measure of your own success or a reason to feel inadequate. Rather, remember that starting your career late does not mean you are doomed to fail, nor does it imply you lack the ability to achieve literary success in the same way younger authors might have. If your career doesn't take off in your youth, it doesn’t mean it won't soar at all.

When Time Anxiety creeps in and leaves you feeling as if you're running out of time, remind yourself that writing is a lifelong pursuit. If you don't publish your opus at 25, it's not the end of the world. In fact, spending years honing your writing skills before publishing your first book means you have a wealth of time to master the craft of writing and hone your talents. Take your time and leave the anxiety behind.

[Craving insight into your manuscript's shortcomings? Seize a free book coaching sample today.]

Unveiling the Power of Patience

Time Anxiety incites a desire to achieve our goals as swiftly as possible. However, the truth is that writing takes time, even decades, to truly understand and master. This reality means that writers may publish their inaugural work, and it might be good, but their subsequent works will continue to improve and grow, thanks to increased understanding and experience.

So, remember the following truths:

  1. Treasure Time for Growth: Many writers begin writing other books at a younger age, then transition to grander stories, leaving their earlier works unpublished, as they hone their craft. This growth and development wouldn't have been possible if they ignored the process altogether.
  2. Embrace Progress, Not Perfection: Time Anxiety can leave you feeling as if you must accomplish your goal now or risk losing everything. But this pressure is unrealistic. You won't do everything perfectly the first time around, and that's just fine. Learn from your mistakes and continue to improve, then seize the opportunity to demonstrate your hard-earned prowess.

Navigating Your Own Path

Yes, we repeat this often, but it's difficult to digest. We fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. And when we do that, Time Anxiety can take hold of us, leaving us feeling as if we'll never reach the level of skill and talent we admire in others.

So, let's review:

  1. These writers took their time: Success stories often highlight writers who launch their careers early. However, most writers reach their goals by dedicating years to honing their craft and perfecting their stories. Some of their works even took years, or even decades, to complete. By the time they completed their books, the years invested had honed their story to perfection. So, don't worry about the days passing. Instead, use them to refine your work and elevate your craft.
  2. Wasting Time: On the other hand, wallowing in negative emotions can be a waste of time. Focus on editing, writing, rewriting, outlining, or brainstorming – these actions push you in the right direction, moving you closer to your goal.

Cherishing the Journey

Writing is a lifelong adventure, filled with obstacles and opportunities to learn and grow. It's wonderful to have writing goals, but don't compare yourself to younger authors who have perhaps accomplished more or may be garnering more attention. Our talents don't decrease as we age. Instead, they mature and develop. You have your entire life ahead of you to create, explore, and share your stories. There's no age cap on realizing your dreams.

Ernest Hemingway once said, "We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master." So, to become better at writing, be selfish with your time and your goals. Forget the anxiety that holds you back. Take all the time you need.

E.S. Foster, a fiction writer, poet, and graduate student at the University of Cambridge, St. Edmund's, is also the creator of the Foster Your Writing blog. Her work has graced over twenty literary journals, including Aurora Journal, Sour Cherry Mag, and Paragraph Planet. Her chapbooks have been published by Yavanika Press (2022) and Ghost City Press (2023). For more of her writing, visit here.

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  1. Engaging in writing and developing one's craft can contribute positively to mental health, as it allows individuals to express themselves, grow personally, and manage stress and anxiety through a creative outlet.
  2. By focusing on the process of continued learning and skill development, rather than comparing oneself to others or rushing to achieve unrealistic goals, writers can foster mental health and create a healthier relationship with their work and well-being.

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