Lauren Sapala

Category: Writer’s Block, the Inner Critic, and Limiting Beliefs

  • The Easiest Way to Unblock Your Creativity

    The Easiest Way to Unblock Your Creativity

    When was the last time inspiration hit you? When was the last time you were in the flow state with your writing? For many writers, the answer to both of these questions is either, “a long time ago,” or, “I can’t even remember.” Although all of us strive to tune into our creativity and enjoy the writing process, sadly, this is a reality for very few of us.

    What most writers don’t know is that there is always something specific blocking our creativity. Usually, we’re asking ourselves one particular question that not only interrupts our flow, but disconnects us entirely from the creative process. This is when we end up in a situation where we’re reacting to the creative process out of anxiety, instead of responding to our own creativity in the present moment. (more…)

  • Why You’re Failing at Writing

    Why You’re Failing at Writing

    Failing is a strong word to use when we talk about writing, mostly because writing is an ongoing journey, and so it’s almost impossible to say that we’ve “failed” at it. However, this doesn’t change the fact that many writers DO feeling like they are failing at writing. (more…)

  • Worried About Being Judged?

    Worried About Being Judged?

    INFJ personality types tend to struggle with perfectionism, especially INFJ writers. When we struggle with perfectionism, we want to do everything perfectly, not only to satisfy our own inner critic but also to prevent others from judging us negatively.

    The fear of negative judgment from others can affect our entire life. Why is this such a problem for some of us? Because it’s not just a worry, it’s an addiction to approval. This affects our writing, our creativity, and our entire lives. (more…)

  • Getting Past Perfectionism

    Getting Past Perfectionism

    Perfectionism is one of the biggest problems that writers struggle with on a regular basis. And most writers tend to blame themselves for this problem. We often see perfectionism as a character flaw, or a bad habit that we need to conquer. But what most writers don’t know is that perfectionism is neither of these things.

    When you suffer from perfectionism at a deep level, what you’re really struggling with is anxiety, and much of the time, that anxiety is out of your control. It is not something to be conquered or battled.

    It is something to be healed. (more…)

  • Will No One Believe Your Memoir?

    Will No One Believe Your Memoir?

    Most memoir writers worry about how their book will be received, but for those writers who are writing about controversial themes, they have an even bigger worry than what other people will think, and that’s whether or not anyone will even believe them.

    When memoirs feature controversial themes such as narcissistic abuse, abuse by a parent, relationships that revolve around mind games, and/or control and manipulation, many writers feel they won’t be believed because they weren’t believed when it was happening to them in real life. (more…)