Writers - The hard truth no one tells you

A WORDSLINGER PODCAST

WRITERS: THE HARD TRUTH NO ONE TELLS YOU

Writing doesn't necessarily get easier the longer you do it. In fact, sometimes it gets harder.

Even after writing more than 90 books, I still have days when I'm exhausted, uninspired, and struggling to get words on the page. And here's something every writer needs to hear: That's normal.

In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I'm sharing some hard truths about the writing life, including why experienced authors still struggle, why becoming a better writer can actually make writing more difficult, and what to do when your motivation disappears.

I'll walk you through my personal writing process, including a technique I call "looping" that helps me regain momentum, improve my manuscripts, and keep working even when I don't feel particularly inspired.

We'll also talk about the importance of rewriting, finding encouragement in creative communities, reading outside your genre, and gaining fresh perspectives that make you a stronger storyteller.

Whether you're working on your first novel, your fiftieth book, or building a creative business, you're going to face days when the work feels impossible.

But your stories matter. And the world needs them.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why writing doesn't get easier with experience
• How to keep writing when you're exhausted or uninspired
• My "looping" technique for regaining writing momentum
• Why rewriting makes you a better storyteller
• How to use AI as an editing assistant without surrendering creative control
• Finding motivation through other writers and creative entrepreneurs
• Why reading widely makes your writing stronger
• Remembering why your stories are worth the effort

PLUS: Dale L. Roberts joins us for a Rapid-Fire News Flash covering major changes to Kindle Unlimited, now called Kindle+, concerns about KDP royalty reporting, and an important ACX deadline for audiobook authors.

QUESTION FOR YOU: How do you keep writing when you're exhausted, frustrated, or simply don't feel motivated? Share your strategies in the comments. I could use the encouragement, and I know other writers could, too!

If you're serious about writing better books, navigating self-publishing, and building a successful author career, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is where writers come for practical advice, honest conversations, publishing insights, and encouragement from someone who's been doing the work for decades.

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Welcome to Wordslinger: When writing gets hard00:37 - How to keep writing when you're exhausted01:36 - My looping technique for maintaining writing momentum03:34 - Using rewriting to overcome creative resistance04:17 - Working on other projects without losing focus06:34 - Dale Roberts: Rapid-Fire Publishing News Flash06:34 - Kindle Unlimited becomes Kindle+ and adds audiobooks07:20 - KDP reporting problems and royalty concerns07:50 - ACX deadline: What audiobook authors need to know08:30 - Why keeping up with publishing news matters09:16 - The hard truth: Writing never gets easier10:52 - Why improving your writing skills creates new challenges11:39 - Learning to embrace editing and rewriting12:33 - Using AI to catch errors and improve your manuscript13:34 - Why writers must retain creative control14:27 - Editing makes you a better storyteller16:23 - Why writers need community and encouragement17:43 - Finding inspiration outside the writing world19:38 - Why writers should read widely21:46 - How life experience enriches your storytelling22:50 - Returning to your manuscript with fresh perspective23:38 - A pers