There is nothing worse than being a writer and having writer’s block. When you lack inspiration or the pressures of excellence are getting to you, it feels so hopeless. Sometimes when you are attempting to write something trivial, it can feel like the story will never get done, even if it is something you have done dozens of times before.

No wonder so many famous writers have been associated with various substance abuse and/or mental problems. But the [only?] good thing about this problem, is that it is not a unique problem. Everyone gets it.

In this TED talk lecture, Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert talks about her own struggle with inspiration and writing, and the daunting effort of writing her second novel.

Here are some quotes from other famous writers about the craft of writing:

There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed. – Ernest Hemmingway

Write your own part. It is the only way I’ve gotten anywhere. – Mindy Kaling 

If you can quit, then quit. If you can’t quit, you’re a writer. – R.A. Salvatore

Writer’s Tip: Stay close to your family for the material. – Kelly Oxford

And another classic from Ernest Hemmingway:

Write Drunk. Edit Sober.