when you have something to do life will not allow you to move forward until you do it. ― Iyanla Vanzant
When you have something to do, life will not allow you to move forward until you do it. So if you caught that writing bug and can’t seem to let it go, then follow that lead. How can you know? Here are for signs that both aspiring and seasoned authors are stuck.
1. You’re Always “Working on It”… But Never Finishing
You have ideas, drafts, notes, and even chapters. But nothing gets completed.
You keep tweaking, rewriting, or starting over instead of moving toward a finished manuscript.
What’s really happening: Perfectionism or lack of structure is keeping you in motion, but not in progress.
2. You Keep Second-Guessing Your Voice or Message
You wonder: “Is this good enough?” “Will anyone read this?” “Should I change direction?” So you rewrite, dilute your message, or abandon strong ideas.
What’s really happening: Lack of clarity and confidence is causing you to disconnect from your authentic voice.
3. You’re Consuming More Than You’re Creating
You’re reading books, watching writing videos, attending workshops. But not actually writing consistently.
What’s really happening: You’re hiding in “learning mode” to avoid the discomfort of execution.
4. You Don’t Have a Clear Path to Publishing
You have written (or started writing), but you don’t know what comes next. Self-publish? Traditional? Hybrid? So, the manuscript sits… and sits.
What’s really happening: Uncertainty about the publishing process is creating paralysis.
Know that being “stuck” isn’t about talent, it’s about clarity, structure, and support. As an author of 11 books, I have been there and now teach the process throughout different communities. If you identified with any of the signs and need help, let’s connect now and get you moving. Clarity is on the other side of the ‘Ask’.
Happy Writing!
