What elements of writing do you find most difficult, plot, theme, dialogue, pacing, developing real characters, or revising? Why, and how do you solve the problem?
I recently asked this question in an online writing group and received some interesting feedback. Many respondents said they struggle with the plot.  But answers varied. Here are a few paraphrased responses from those whose names I have changed. Their answers may be instructive.

Plot, I have a really hard time sticking to a singular plot for a long period of time without adding an exciting element that’ll completely ruin my well-revised plot and I can’t stand it when I spotted a plothole to the point I wanna rewrite the entire story just to fix it…

As for solving the problem… currently have no solution.

It’s frustrating since I can do the other stuff quite well without problems but this shit is the essence of storytelling.

Johnny

For me, all of the book is interconnected, so I have to work on every aspect at the same time. However, I always start with the dialogue and add descriptions later.

Robin

I have problems with battle sequences or one-on-one combat -the balance of trying to be descriptive and not technical is rough.

I’ve also had a problem with transitional passages, as I don’t like scene breaks. To get out of that, I usually write something like ‘The next day’ or ‘Hours later’ on a new paragraph – and if that doesn’t work, I make a new chapter.

The battle sequence or other parts of the story where I get stuck on: I found switching to hand-writing and doing so in a place, not in front of my desk, works for me.

Walter

So, the thing that gets to me is energy. After all this time, plot, theme, dialogue, characters, edits  I  do all these things almost automatically.

Thank heavens I have some true blue friends/writers that don’t cut me slack and force me to do better than get by.

When they poke me for not doing the extra work, it’s exhausting, but at the same time, the challenge posed gets me to push. Having to push keeps it new and keeps me motivated to finish.

Ted

It’s kind of silly, but I hate to kill characters, cripple them, torture them, or rape them.

I have to do it; the plots I like require powerful drivers. Heroes don’t go to extraordinary lengths and risk their lives for nuthin’. You have to prove the danger is real.

Also, I don’t bother with “theme”, I think theme is BS…

Ya’ll leave your comments and answers here. We’d love to hear from you.