A question for sonnet writers?

for the past few weeks i have been focusing on a sonnet with a strong message that i would like to portray and have in fact posted it here a couple of times for advice. i wonder if any of you have attempted sonnets before? how difficult was it your first time? and does it get easier? i have the basic structure but am finding myself having to force it around the restrictive rules! any advice on how to help make it flow? please comment