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Contrary to the title of this article, there is no tried and tested guide to working with difficult writers. In my experience, all writers are difficult in their own sweet, sweet ways. It is truly an art to navigate through that laser trap or more accurately, a wire trap system of combustible egos, lethargy-inducing actions and occasional bursts of creativity. But there is always a certain kind of difficulty that is around a prescribed spectrum of crazy.
It is a tricky path to navigate, especially when the writer doesn’t give two hoots about what the editor thinks about a particular part of this manuscript. Writer tantrums might just be like baby tantrums. And if you know how to handle a baby, this might be easier for you but you don’t need to hyperventilate if you don’t. We have a list, yes.
- Give them food.
Keep a jar of cookies in your office. There is a chance of a writer being hungry when they come in to rant about another chapter that they’re having trouble finishing. Hand them a cookie and watch the anger dissolve into aggressive chomping. Wipe the crumbs off your desk and then talk to them. You’ll soon be their favourite editor, almost akin to a grandma who always keeps food in her home.
2. Be as straight with them as possible.
