3 Takeaways from The War of Art on Writing Through Resistance

Tara Henton
Jun 22
3 min read

An unlit candle, a closed notebook, and a copy of The War of Art on a wooden table—suggesting a quiet, reflective space for creative work to begin. — Photo credit: Tara Henton

Finding your groove as a songwriter isn’t always about inspiration. Sometimes, it’s about persistence—especially in the face of resistance.

One of the most talked-about books on the creative process is Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art. Whether or not it’s your cup of tea, it hits a nerve when it comes to the invisible battle every artist faces: the fight to simply show up and do the work.

While the book has become a classic in many creative circles, it’s not without its criticisms. Some readers find the tone overly combative (although one could argue that the title is a bit of a giveaway on that front), the language a bit dated, or the framing of creativity as a battle to be unnecessarily rigid. That said, its core message—that resistance is part of the creative process and that showing up matters—is one that continues to resonate with a lot of writers.

At first glance, The War of Art might seem quite at odds with the softer, more intuitive vibe we’ve been leaning into this month. But in truth, it simply offers a different kind of energy—a more forceful, structured path toward the same end: committing to your craft, carving out time for your creativity, and taking your calling seriously. Whether you're drawn to grit or groove, discipline or flow, what matters most is that you keep finding your way back to the work.

Like any creative tool, it’s worth reading with an open mind: take what serves you, and feel free to leave the rest.

So, whether you’ve read The War of Art or just heard it mentioned in creative circles, here are three key takeaways that might support your writing practice this week:

1. Resistance is a sign you’re on the right path

According to Pressfield, resistance shows up because the work matters. It’s the voice that says, “You’re not good enough,” or “Maybe tomorrow.” The trick is not to wait for it to disappear—but to recognise it and write anyway.

➡️ In WWS, we call this showing up imperfectly. It’s not about conquering fear. It’s about coexisting with it and still writing the next line.

2. Inspiration follows commitment

One of the strongest themes in the book is that professionals don’t wait to feel inspired—they show up consistently, and the muse tends to arrive after the work has begun. While the tone can feel a little tough-love, the underlying message is clear: creativity isn’t about waiting for a lightning bolt. It’s about creating the conditions where inspiration can land.

➡️ Think of it like planting seeds. The more regularly you show up, the more likely something will grow.

3. You are not your inner critic

The War of Art paints resistance as an external enemy, but often it’s just your own self-doubt speaking. That critical voice might sound like it’s protecting you from failure or embarrassment—but really, it’s holding you back from fully stepping into your voice. Recognising that the critic isn’t the truth can be a powerful step toward freedom.

➡️ Here in WWS, we believe writing is an act of courage. That doesn’t mean fighting your fear—it means holding space for it while still moving forward.

Closing Thoughts on The War of Art

Whether or not you find yourself aligned with every part of The War of Art, the central truth remains: the creative process comes with resistance. And the more consistently and courageously we respond to it, the more we grow into our own unique rhythm.

This week, see what happens when you choose consistency over perfection.Even a few words can be a quiet act of resistance—and a powerful step toward momentum.

You don’t have to write a masterpiece. You just have to begin.