20 Hard Things to Write About

Writing is a rewarding pursuit, but it’s not without its challenges.

Even the most experienced writers grapple with topics that prove difficult to put into words.

These complex subjects require careful consideration, thorough research, and a deft touch to convey effectively.

In this article, we’ll explore 20 hard things to write about.

From deeply personal experiences to abstract concepts, these topics will test your skills as a writer and push you to grow.

So grab your favorite writing implement and let’s dive in!

Questions That Are Hard to Write About

Ready to challenge yourself as a writer?

The following 20 topics will stretch your abilities and help you hone your craft.

Tackling these tough subjects can lead to some of your most meaningful and impactful writing.

1. Grief and Loss

The pain of losing a loved one is a universal human experience, yet it remains one of the most difficult things to write about. Grief is intensely personal, and finding the right words to capture its depth and complexity can feel impossible.

When writing about grief, be honest about the raw emotions without wallowing in despair. Acknowledge the individual nature of the grieving process. Avoid platitudes and instead focus on the small, poignant details that make the experience relatable.

2. Mental Health Struggles

Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and addiction impact millions, but a persistent stigma makes them challenging to write about. Many worry about being judged or misunderstood if they open up about their struggles.

To write about mental health effectively, approach the topic with empathy and nuance. Resist the urge to romanticize or glorify mental illness. Include resources and encourage readers to seek help if needed. Your words could make a real difference in someone’s life.

3. Trauma and Abuse

Trauma and abuse leave deep scars, both visible and invisible. Writing about these painful experiences requires sensitivity, courage, and care. It’s crucial to avoid sensationalism or graphic details that could trigger or re-traumatize readers.

Focus on the survivor’s journey towards healing rather than lingering on the abuse itself. Emphasize resilience and hope without minimizing the impact of trauma. If drawing from personal experience, set firm boundaries around what you feel comfortable sharing.

4. Shame and Regret

We’ve all done things we’re not proud of, but writing about shame and regret takes vulnerability to another level. Putting our darkest moments down on paper can be terrifying, even if we’re the only ones who will ever read the words.

When exploring shame and regret in your writing, be gentle with yourself. Acknowledge your past mistakes without letting them define you. Consider what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. Remember that owning our imperfections is a sign of strength, not weakness.

5. Injustice and Inequality

Writing about injustice and inequality means confronting some harsh realities about our world. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or helpless in the face of systemic problems like racism, poverty, and discrimination.

To write about these issues responsibly, educate yourself thoroughly on the topic. Amplify marginalized voices rather than centering your own perspective. Be an advocate, but avoid saviorism. Most importantly, use your words to inspire action and change.

6. Faith and Spirituality

Faith and spirituality are deeply personal topics that can be tricky to write about without alienating readers. Whether you’re exploring your own beliefs or writing about a faith different from your own, it’s important to approach the subject with respect and open-mindedness.

Avoid making broad generalizations about any religion or belief system. Be specific about your own experiences without presenting them as universal truths. Remember that faith means different things to different people, so leave room for multiple interpretations.

7. Politics and Social Issues

In today’s polarized climate, writing about politics and social issues can feel like stepping into a minefield. It’s all too easy for well-intentioned words to be misconstrued or twisted to fit a particular agenda.

When tackling political topics, strive for nuance over dogmatism. Back up your opinions with facts from reputable sources. Anticipate counterarguments and address them head-on. Above all, write to foster understanding, even if you don’t expect to change minds.

8. Relationships and Heartbreak

The ups and downs of relationships provide endless fodder for writers, but capturing the intricacies of love and heartbreak is no easy feat. It’s tempting to resort to cliches or overgeneralizations when writing about something so universal.

To make your relationship writing stand out, focus on the specific details that make your story unique. Avoid painting people as one-dimensional heroes or villains. Explore the gray areas and complicated emotions that define real relationships. And if you’re writing about your heartbreak, permit yourself to be vulnerable on the page.

9. Parenting and Family Dynamics

Families are complex, and writing about the intricacies of parent-child relationships or sibling dynamics can be fraught. There’s a fine line between honesty and oversharing, especially if your family members are still living.

Consider your motives for writing about your family. Are you seeking catharsis, or do you have a larger point to make? Be willing to examine your role in family conflicts. Change names and identifying details if needed to protect privacy. Ultimately, write from a place of love and a desire for understanding.

10. Illness and Mortality

Confronting our own mortality is one of life’s greatest challenges, and writing about illness and death is equally daunting. Whether you’re grappling with a personal health crisis or exploring the universal human experience of facing the end, it’s important to approach the topic with sensitivity and care.

Avoid reducing people to their illnesses or fixating on grim statistics. Instead, focus on the moments of grace, humor, and humanity that can be found even in the darkest times. Write to comfort and connect with others who may be going through similar struggles.

11. Identity and Belonging

As individuals, we are shaped by a complex web of identities – race, gender, sexuality, class, ability, and more. Writing about identity requires self-awareness, cultural competency, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

Be specific and nuanced when discussing identity, avoiding broad stereotypes or generalizations. Recognize the diversity of experiences within any given group. If you’re writing about an identity different from your own, do your research and amplify voices from that community. Above all, write with empathy and respect.

12. Body Image and Self-Esteem

In a world that places so much value on physical appearance, writing about body image and self-esteem can be challenging. It’s easy to fall into the trap of reinforcing harmful beauty standards or promoting unattainable ideals.

When exploring these topics, focus on health and self-acceptance rather than size or weight. Avoid language that could trigger readers struggling with eating disorders or body dysmorphia. Celebrate the diversity of bodies and challenge the notion that worth is tied to appearance. Share your journey towards self-love, warts, and all.

13. Addiction and Recovery

Addiction is a complex issue that touches millions of lives, yet stigma and shame often prevent open discussion. Writing about addiction requires sensitivity, nuance, and a willingness to confront hard truths.

Avoid sensationalism or graphic details that could be triggering for those in recovery. Focus on the humanity of those struggling with addiction, not just the statistics. Highlight stories of hope and healing alongside the harsh realities. If you’re in recovery yourself, set clear boundaries around what you feel comfortable sharing.

14. Failure and Rejection

We live in a culture that celebrates success and often glosses over failure, but some of the most powerful writing comes from exploring our lowest moments. Writing about failure and rejection takes courage and vulnerability, but it can also be cathartic.

When sharing your failures, resist the urge to paint yourself as a victim or place blame on others. Instead, focus on what you learned and how you grew from the experience. Remind readers that failure is a normal part of the human experience, not a personal defect. Encourage resilience and perseverance in the face of setbacks.

15. Art and Creativity

Writing about art and creativity can be intimidating, especially if you don’t consider yourself an “artist.” But the truth is, we all have a creative spark within us, even if it manifests in different ways.

When exploring creativity in your writing, avoid getting bogged down in technical jargon or insider language. Instead, focus on the emotions and experiences that drive the creative process. Share your struggles with creative block or imposter syndrome. Encourage readers to embrace their unique creative voices, even if they don’t fit traditional molds.

16. Ethics and Morality

In a world full of gray areas and complicated choices, writing about ethics and morality is no simple task. It’s easy to come across as preachy or judgmental when exploring these weighty topics.

To write about ethics effectively, avoid black-and-white thinking or oversimplifications. Acknowledge the complexity of moral dilemmas and the fact that reasonable people can disagree. Use specific examples and thought experiments to illustrate your points. Encourage readers to think critically and form their own conclusions rather than simply accepting your views as gospel.

17. Money and Finances

Money is a taboo topic in many cultures, which can make it challenging to write about personal finance or economic issues. There’s a fine line between being honest about financial struggles and oversharing information that could make readers uncomfortable.

When writing about money, be transparent about your own experiences and biases. Avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes about wealth or poverty. Focus on practical tips and strategies that readers can implement in their own lives. Remember that everyone’s financial situation is unique, so leave room for individual circumstances and choices.

18. Technology and Innovation

Writing about the latest technological innovations requires staying up-to-date in a field that’s constantly evolving. It’s easy to get bogged down in technical jargon or assume a level of knowledge that not all readers possess.

To make your technology writing accessible, focus on the human impact of innovations rather than just the specs and features. Explain complex concepts using relatable analogies and examples. Consider the ethical implications of emerging technologies and don’t shy away from asking tough questions. Above all, write with curiosity and a sense of wonder at what the future may hold.

19. Environment and Climate Change

The existential threat of climate change can feel overwhelming to write about, but it’s a topic that demands our attention and action. It’s easy to fall into a doom-and-gloom mindset or resort to dry statistics and scientific jargon.

To write about the environment in a way that resonates, focus on the tangible impacts on people’s lives. Share stories of communities already grappling with the effects of climate change. Highlight the work of activists and innovators who are finding solutions. Offer practical steps readers can take to make a difference, no matter how small. Remember that hope is a powerful motivator for change.

20. Purpose and Meaning

Writing about life’s big questions – Why are we here? What gives our lives meaning? – can feel like an impossible task. These are the kinds of topics that philosophers have grappled with for centuries, and there are no easy answers.

When exploring purpose and meaning in your writing, avoid offering trite platitudes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, share your journey of self-discovery and the insights you’ve gained along the way. Encourage readers to look inward and define their values and priorities. Emphasize that finding purpose is a lifelong process, not a destination to be reached.

Wrapping Up: 20 Hard Topics to Write About

Writing about the hard stuff is never easy, but it’s often where we find the most meaning and connection as writers.

By tackling these 20 challenging topics with honesty, nuance, and care, you can create work that resonates deeply with readers and pushes the boundaries of your craft.

Remember, writing about difficult subjects isn’t about having all the answers or achieving perfection on the page.

It’s about showing up, being vulnerable, and trusting in the power of your words to make a difference.

So take a deep breath, pick up your pen, and dive into the messy, complicated, beautiful work of writing about the hard things.

You’ve got this.