Day 14 of anti-slump protocol.
Writing like boxing, is a contact sport.
In order to get really good at either, you have to face criticism, examination, correction, and brutal testing.
It’s not like going to a mcdojo, put on some canvas pajamas, yell and scream, punch the air, and then after a while, you get your white belt changed for a nicely colored one.
Writing, like boxing, requires Heart. Your ego is on the line. your emotions are on the line. and not having any of these things under control can drastically affect your performance.
The common thing between both disciplines is, you could assume you are a natural talent.
You could assume you have excellent technique.
You could assume you need very little instruction.
But you will be tested. that is, if you want to see how good you really are.
Yes, you can practice in solitude. you can have a good friend sample some of your abilities and give some feedback.
But if you want to improve in either discipline, you are going to have to face someone with skills equal or above your own.
And that’s where things get scary.