When you have something important to say. When you are in “the zone”. When you suddenly have a zap of inspiration (or waaaay too much coffee?)….writing CAN be easy.
But what about the rest of the time – aka. most of the time?
The truth is writing can, and often is, quite difficult. Even for professional writers.
And it takes a lot of time to do it properly.
First there’s the brainstorming to come up with the idea. Then there’s the research, the first draft, the second draft, and however many more drafts after that, depending on whose all involved in the project, and how much of a perfectionist you are.
After that, you need time to step away from the project, so you can clear your head and make sure you’ve got the right perspective.
Then you might have more ideas and make a few ‘tweaks’.
You’ll have some additions or major edits. And of course, there’s always millions of tiny edits.
You need to delete all the little words that are in the way and don’t actually need to be there. You need to read it over and over again, to make sure everyone who might read or hear the words, will understand them and the context around them.
So yeah….that one page commentary or opinion piece you read in the newspaper yesterday, it might look like the author just whipped it up. But the more naturally and smoothly it reads, the more work and time was likely put into it.