6 Things All Writers Will Instantly Relate To

Whether your credibility can be attributed to critically acclaimed novels or simply a vast amount of Internet shares (yes, that was a jab at myself), writers all have one thing in common – their passion for telling a story with words.

People don’t always understand writers and the way we approach life.

They can’t relate to our practice of documenting our experiences, and making sense of them through creative analysis.

Therefore, here are 6 things that only writers will truly understand:

1. People-watching isn’t just a habit of yours – it’s creative fuel.

One of my favorite childhood authors, Judy Blume, once said “A good writer is always a people watcher.” When you observe others, it triggers ideas for material. Of course, what you see doesn’t necessarily have to be the focal point of your next piece. Something little can just ignite a small spark, eventually leading to something huge.

For this purpose, your tendency to over-analyze isn’t necessarily a problem – it’s a way to look past the surface and diverge into a topic that may otherwise be left alone.

2. Your You’re a total and complete grammar Nazi.

With my luck, I will actually end up committing a grammar error in this piece focused on writing. Hey, nobody’s perfect. It happens. However, the majority of the time, writers are pretty neurotic about catching any slight grammar mistake. This isn’t only limited to your own work. When editing friends’ essays or even a simple email, you won’t hold back from making punctuation errors left and right if necessary. You don’t mean to be annoyingly obsessive about it, but you just can’t help it.

3. Writer’s block is all too real – and you take it way harder than the next person.

Everyone has experienced that “roadblock” feeling when writing – whether it’s the lack of ideas, or the struggle to come to a closing point. The issue is, since you are so deeply invested in our writing, it is increasingly more difficult for you to just “let it go” or “walk away for a little bit.” You keep challenging yourself to work harder and think more critically, because it’s so important for you to reach the final product that you envisioned.

4. You experience emotional highs and lows – at unpredictable moments.

Due to your intuitive persona, it is common for you to fly to euphoric heights one minute, and plunge into sadness the very next. While it is your deep emotional thoughts that stimulate your best material, these same thoughts can simultaneously be your worst enemy. Although you are an expert at hiding these negative emotions through daily conversation, writing is the perfect opportunity to let these pour out.

5. When your creativity is at an all-time high, distractions will NOT be tolerated.

“Do not disrupt my creative process” is something you may or may not have actually said out loud. Sometimes you just get on this kick where your hands can’t type fast enough to keep up with the incoming ideas, and you can’t risk the slight chance of letting any of these brilliant concepts escape from your mind. Even though some may only consider your writing to be a hobby, you take it pretty seriously. So when you tell your boyfriend that he can’t disturb the “master at work”, he needs to understand that you’re not kidding around. Seriously, get the hell out.

6. Writing helps you stay sane.

Your passion for writing isn’t only about delivering something meaningful and highly favored by others. It also helps you unwind, relax, and clear your head. While it may seem like you are ineffectively dealing with stress by “working more”, writing isn’t always considered work for you. It serves as a creative outlet that lets you finally put those jumbled thoughts into one place. Even if only temporarily, the sense of control that writing brings is therapeutic – and helps you feel more at peace.