The Write Kind of Problems

Life presents problems. Depending on our material and mental resources, these can be easier or harder to solve. But solve them we must – and do. Continuously.

Don’t want to get out of bed, when you need to? Problem. Find a way to get out of bed? Solution.

Don’t have a job, when you need one? Problem. Find one? Solution.

Can’t decide what to do with your spare million pounds? Problem. Decide? Solution.

Now, one of these examples is likely to be less relatable than the others. In fact, one of these examples might be a problem you’d love to have. It’s still a problem; it’s just the right kind of problem.

For some while now, I’ve let go of the fantasy of a life without problems. In fact, I’ve been able to see some of my problems as a privilege – “een luxeprobleem” – as my Dutch Granny used to say. There is a lot we can reframe as a “luxury problem”, if we choose.

But beyond that, I’ve actually started courting a new species of problem. They are what I think of as “the right problems”: the problems which indicate that you are living towards your goals. If your goal is to be a multi-millionaire, having an unallocated extra million is a “right problem”. If your goal is to get fit, then having aching muscles from a workout is a “right problem”.

If your goal is to be a writer, then, my friend, you need . . .

The Write Problems

Can’t find a synonym? Write problem.

Can’t work out how to end a scene? Write problem.

Book got rejected? Write problem.

Feedback was bad? Write problem.

Feel like it’s all hopeless and you’ll never make it? Write problem.

Huh, what? Yes, even despair is a write problem. (And a common one.) A write problem is any concern or obstacle, however large or small, which upsets your chosen activity: writing.

Of course, problems need solutions. Solutions may be tough to find and hard to implement. But we’re pretty good at solving them, when we want something else.

And conversely, it is wanting something else which is the root of all problems. As soon as you want something, you have problems to solve. So if you want to be a writer, start welcoming the problems that come with it. Because it means you know what you want. Because it means you are working towards it.

Because if you don’t have any writing problems . . . you’re probably not writing.

One comment

  1. Hi Alexa,

    I want say a big thank you for following me on futurelearn as it is appreciated that you like my comments and I will be looking at your site in the future.

    thank you,

    Alan

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