Writers, Are You Trying To Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone?

More on ease, less on comfortA picture by Wangphan on Pixabay

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “easy”?

As writers, writing doesn’t come to mind. The word “easy” still connotes to “no efforts”, “a gift” and pretty much anything that requires little to no healthy pressure to achieve it.

Definitely not writing.

Inspired by this beautiful piece by dear Casira Copes, I was very excited to come up with this article where I introduce a new concept of “ease” to writing as an attitude that can help us as writers, especially the high achievers among us, reach our goals and develop a new perception of this word that transforms “writing is easy!” from this intimidating monster to “writing is easy” as an attitude of self-reassurance and trust in our creative skills.

BUT FIRST, HOW IS “EASY” DIFFERENT FROM “COMFORTABLE”?

There is a reason why there is such a thing as a “comfort zone” and not an “ease zone.” When it comes to writing, “easy” and “comfortable” don’t mix. First, because the first is a skill while the other is an obstacle; writing about intense emotions is uncomfortable but inviting an attitude of ease into it can make it a much more subtle process as a writer, especially if it is all still new to you. For example, in fiction, if your protagonist is experiencing heartbreak (and you’ve been through that before), how “easily” do you think you can convey that in your piece?

“Easy Writing” means the ability to process mental or emotional challenges in your writing with mindfulness, patience, flexibility, and kindness towards yourself. It is the skill of trusting in the big picture what you want for yourself as a writer and the belief that it is manifesting even when you’re not writing. In contrast, “comfortable” is akin to a red flag, a pre-stage of feeling “stuck” in writing; Do you think writing about heartbreak is comfortable?

How easily can you convey difficult emotions in your writing?

HOW CAN YOU WRITE “EASILY”?

Like any transformational journey, developing an attitude of ease in writing requires 3 main steps: Notice, Acknowledge, and Action, but that is hardly clear, and easy writing is so practical (and smart!) because it doesn’t like complications. So here are a few tips on how you can “ease-out” of your comfort zone in writing:

Decide What Your Limits Are: We all enjoy the freedom of creative expression, but committing to writing doesn’t have to be exposing. Acknowledge the fact that you are challenging yourself to write about something difficult on your piece first, then ask yourself: “Why do I want to write about this?” How does it serve my piece in any way?” Remember, ‘creative’ expression doesn’t have to be this wild, unrestricted, compelling world that we think we’re getting into. In writing, you get more creative freedom by respecting your creative boundaries.Use Simple and Clear Language: What is your writing language right now? if you have decided to write about something you feel sensitive about, how can you express it without getting carried away? Can you use a language that doesn’t make you feel like you have “crossed a line”? and, what does this language look like for you? Personally, sarcasm or imagery are my go-to's when crafting a difficult scene. Even if you don't know your writing language right now — which is totally okay — it is always easier to know how it makes you feel. The next time you’re editing/writing, pay close attention to the words that you use most, and evaluate how they affect your piece; You might be surprised at how your ideas flow depending on how you use your words.Do Not Take Your Writing (Way) Too Seriously: Seriously! The most forward thing about creative expression is that the moment you make it into this big problem in your life, it becomes one. Let’s face it: we ALL want to become “writers” or be recognized for our truest potential at some point, and while writing about difficult issues may seem like a good reason to get serious, the last thing you want is to make writing about heartbreak harder than going through heartbreak. So are you taking your writing (too) seriously right now? Before your creative expression becomes your tormentor, learn that is it is okay to STOP when you need to. Honor your individuality through challenging times. You are not always a writer. The best way to illustrate this is a quote by the amazing author, Elizabeth Gilbert in her book “Big Magic”:

“Your creative expression must be the most important matter to you if you want to live a creative life and it also must not matter at all if you are to live sanely” — Elizabeth Gilbert, “Big Magic”.

And most importantly,

Believe That You Can Write Easily: Do you think you can write through your difficulties without sabotaging yourself? Willing to write about something challenging in your life means that you are already taking the first step into something really great. However, actually writing about it may not always be in your favor (unless it is journaling!). First, honor your recovery process before using it as this exciting new element in your manuscript (if you end up using it)!

Thank you and I wish you a fulfilling writing journey!

Imane Ben,

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If you like this article and want to see more, please visit my profile: Imane Ben.

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Writers, Are You Trying To Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone? was originally published in CRY Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.