The Insecure Writers Support Group--Overcoming Procrastination

#IWSG DAY OCTOBER 3RD, 2025

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

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Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can't find you to comment back.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the October 1 posting of the IWSG are Beth Camp, Crystal Collier, and Cathrina Constantine!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional!

October 1 question - What is the most favorite thing you have written, published or not? And why?

Skipping the question for something different.

Hey Guys, 

This is Juneta. Since Ive been living in a nursing home my days ruu together despite being reminde4d that Wednesday Oct. 1 is  IWSG Day. Appologies, going up now==and then delayed because of computer problems. This time will be the charm.

My photo of my current coffee cup.

My other cup. I need lots of inspiration.

 

Procrastination and I are old friends—though not the kind you want hanging around when you’re trying to write. One minute you’re opening your document, the next you’re scrolling, cleaning, or suddenly deciding the.Chrome bookmarks needs alphabetizing. Sound familiar? The truth is, procrastination usually isn’t laziness—it’s fear, perfectionism, or overwhelm dressed up as “I’ll do it later.” The good news? You can push past it. Here are ten simple, practical ways (plus a bonus) to get the words flowing instead of stuck in your head.

10 Ways to Overcome Procrastination in Writing

1. Start Small – Commit to just 5–10 minutes. Momentum builds once you begin.
   
   

2. Break It Down – Big projects overwhelm; smaller steps make them doable.
   
   

3. Create a Routine – Anchor writing to a daily habit like morning coffee or bedtime wind-down.
   
   

4. Set Clear Goals – Know what you’re writing each session (scene, word count, paragraph).
   
   

5. Limit Distractions – Turn off notifications, close extra tabs, or use focus tools.
   
   

6. Time-Box Your Writing – Try Pomodoro (25 minutes writing, 5 minutes break) .(Wonderspace Pomodoro online workspace))
   
   

7. Change Your Environment – Switch locations to spark focus (library, café, or a cozy nook).
   
   

8. Accountability Helps – Join a writing group, partner with a friend, or share goals publicly.
   
   

9. Embrace Imperfection – Give yourself permission to write a messy draft—perfection comes later.
   
   

10. Practice Self-Compassion – Don’t guilt yourself; reset and try again tomorrow.
    
    

Bonus Tip: Reward Progress – Celebrate each session, no matter how small. Acknowledge the win and let that energy carry you forward.

  

Truth is I have been procrastinating a lot lately. As of a year ago, I’m living in a nursing home with three other roommates. My journey here is a long story but writing in this environment, loss of home and freedoms, with roomy’s, and a situation that at times can be depressing is challenging for writing.

After a year, I finally wrote a short story for Storytime Blog Hop–a magical romance meet cute. I’m getting there. It's been a process. I have a Star Wars coffee cup and a baby Grogru for ritual inspiration. I started out writing fan fiction.

I utilized from the list below: One, Two (Analysis each scene of my zero draft), Three (Ritual over Routine because of environment), Four (Loose goals because of distraction), Five is out my control, Six, Seven (when cant get past the blank page), Eight, Nine, and Ten (this one is harder than it sounds–remember “Failing is the FIRST STEP in success.) BONUS Coffee, Chocolate, and Cheese and sometimes Online Shopping.

The thing about procrastination is it feels powerful in the moment, but it only has as much control as you give it. Writing doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to exist. A messy draft is progress. A blank page is nothing. So, pick one strategy, try it today, and give yourself credit for showing up. Your story’s been waiting long enough—it’s time to meet it on the page.

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