A Novice Writer’s Battle by Iman Llompart
Today we welcome a new guest writer to Writer’s Fun Zone, Iman Llompart who is stopping by to chat with us about “A Novice Writer’s Battle.” Enjoy!
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The Struggle with the Blank Page
As a writer, especially one who hesitates before diving head-on into the blank page, I need to be in the right mindset before taking the plunge.
Like someone psyching themselves up before attempting something daunting, I imagine myself shaking my head, rolling my shoulders, and preparing for the fight ahead. Writing is a battle, and I have to be ready.
Seeking Inspiration from the Greats
One thing I often turn to for motivation is reading interviews or blog posts from accomplished writers about their journey into this crazy profession.
Are these resources helpful? Absolutely.
Do they always push me past my fear of the blank page? That depends on the day. But they consistently make me wonder.
It’s encouraging to see others achieve their dreams, knowing that if they can do it, so can I.
But what about the rest of us?
The unknowns, the novices, the ones still clawing our way toward authorship?
Successful writers acknowledge their struggles, yet they rarely talk about the raw fear, anxiety, and inadequacy they felt before making it.
The Reality of the Novice Writer
We are at the very bottom, while they are far ahead. Sometimes, I think it would help to hear about those early-day battles–the constant mini-wars of finishing a manuscript, editing it, landing an agent, and eventually getting published.
I am one of these novices.
I’m writing a fantasy novel, and sometimes I ask myself, What the hell was I thinking choosing this genre?
All writing is complex, but creating an entire world adds an extra layer of pressure to keep everything synchronized.
Drowning in the Writing Process
There are moments when my brain is barely above water, struggling to construct coherent scenarios.
At these times, reading about others wrestling with the written word helps keep me from spiraling.
Some days, I feel elated and inspired to write.
But those moments come in waves, and by the time I reread my work, that initial excitement has often faded under the weight of my critical editing voice.
Imposter syndrome is a constant companion, especially now that I’m nearing the end of my rough draft.
Currently, I’m on Chapter 24 of my planned 28-chapter epic fantasy novel.
I’ve been stuck on this chapter for over a week, writing mostly in my head and only putting words on paper over the weekends.
The closer I get to the end, the harder it feels to push forward. I almost miss the beginning stages–chapters 5, 6, or 7–when all I had to do was pose questions without the pressure of answering them.
Finding a Way Forward
So, how am I overcoming this?
I’ve joined writing sessions and sprints.
Being surrounded by other writers in the same position gives me hope.
I remind myself that rough drafts are supposed to be messy.
Unless you’ve been writing forever, most first drafts are crap.
And that’s okay.
Even if my manuscript doesn’t end on a perfect note, editing will shape it later. I’m learning to give myself grace.
Perfection isn’t the goal right now–progress is.
That’s why connecting with like-minded writers, whether in person or through their work, is so powerful.
It fuels my fighting spirit and helps me win my inner battle.
Your Battle Against Perfectionism
What about you?
How do you push past the pressure of perfectionism when working on your project?
How do you silence your inner editor and keep writing?
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About The Author
Iman Llompart is a Spanish American writer based in Dubai, raised in Mexico, and currently navigating the final stages of the rough draft of an epic fantasy romance novel. Passionate about storytelling and the writing process, Iman understands the struggles that many novice writers face—the self-doubt, the isolation, and the challenge of completing a book. Through blog posts, insights, and personal experiences, Iman seeks to remind fellow writers that they are not alone on this journey.
When not writing, Iman enjoys reading, deep-diving into writing sessions and lessons, and watching book-based shows and movies. Occasionally, she also braves the unpredictable world of dating—an adventure that sometimes feels more daunting than crafting an entire novel. With a love for words and a mission to inspire, Iman hopes to one day share her finished manuscript and continue helping others through the power of storytelling.
