My Greatest Enemy as a Writer

No, it’s not self-doubt. It’s buffering.

May 27, 2025

I’ve been dealing with an enemy that just won’t give up. It’s been especially aggressive the past few days.

Writer’s block? Nope. That’s easy. Just drink twelve cups of coffee. Sure, I might have an anxiety attack or mental breakdown, but at least I’ll feel productive.

Okay, going for a 30-minute walk outside is probably safer.

But I’m not here to talk about writer’s block, imposter syndrome, or any other fancy term that writers like to throw around.

I’m here to talk about the internet. Or more precisely, the lack of it.

Right now, I’m only able to write because I’m using my phone as a hotspot.

The only problem? My phone overheats if I use it too long. And if it explodes, I lose half my body and still don’t get Wi-Fi. Not exactly the data plan I signed up for.

And I even know why the internet sucks.

One of my nephews works at T-Mobile and two out of the three towers in the area are not working. Does that stop them from selling more internet modems to unsuspecting customers? Of course not. That would be ethical!

So, I’m stuck with a terrible internet connection that makes everything take twice as long, whether it’s responding to comments, working with clients, or even writing this article.

If I were living in 1750, no internet wouldn’t be a problem. I’d be a king back then, earning $1.43 on Medium and writing by candlelight.

Unfortunately, last I checked, it’s 2025.

I also have limited internet options because I live in the middle of nowhere, Texas. Population 1,487. (That’s a real number!)

Eventually, Spectrum Internet will soon be available in my area and maybe the days of dealing with an internet connection that thinks it’s 1999 will finally end.

Until then, slow internet remains the worst thing a writer can face. Well… other than reading Medium success stories.