What are the greatest challenges you face about writing?
The biggest challenge writers face is finding long stretches of quiet time to think, daydream, and open ourselves to receive what David Lynch calls “the big idea.” Modern technology is great, but it constantly interrupts this process if you don’t set strict limits.
I have to get outside, away from people to think, and if I’m at my desk working, I have to turn off everything on my laptop except the word processor. I use music (no words), noise-cancelling headphones, whatever it takes to maintain focus when I write.
The other big challenge is that the “business” aspect of writing is a time suck and can drain your energy. While it’s important, writers must remember to keep the main thing, the main thing. If you’re not creating there won’t be anything to submit, nothing to read if you get invited to share your work.