How to get back into writing your book
Have you taken a break from writing, and are wanting to get back into it? Perhaps the break was intentional, or maybe it wasn’t. I know, for me, breaks from writing are almost always not planned and not appreciated by my future self. But no matter the reason for this break in your writing, it is never too late, and never an impossible time to start again.
Life is busy. That is a fact most of us feel on a weekly, and perhaps daily basis. Life is busy and writing tends to fall off the daily list of things to do. I think it is because deep down we don’t want writing to be just another thing to do, but something we enjoy and look forward to. Thus, the writing stops because creating when we are tired, stressed, or not able to slow down enough is just straight up unenjoyable!
I will let you in on a sneak peek of my life lately, and tell you that writing has fallen way way way down at the bottom of the priority list. I don’t think I have done any writing in weeks. Although I keep thinking how I want to start again, there never seems to be a good time. Thinking about writing and sitting down to actually do it are two very different things. Not only that, but if I do sit down to write something, it has been blog posts, as that’s something I “have” to write. My dear book “Swimming with Lupins” has been very neglected recently.
Creating when we are tired, stressed, or not able to slow down enough is just straight up unenjoyable.
So how can we get back into writing our books?
To even think of it in the first place
If we want to start writing our books again, we probably need to even be thinking about it in the first place. Having our books on our minds is an important part. If you are lacking that passion for your project, think back to when you started.
Remember when you first came up with an idea? The characters were so alive, the world growing with every thought. Everything was exciting and amazing. It was going to be the best book yet. But then something very irritating happened: you started writing and the zeal you had seemed to slip away. The book wasn’t as interesting any longer, the characters weren’t as real. How can we get that passion back?
Why did you think of that book idea?
What was it about the story, world and characters that made your heart beat faster?
What did the story mean to you?
Consider all these ponderings and see where they take you. Hopefully you will catch a glimpse of that first wonder you held for this project. This might be the step you need to get back to wanting to write in the first place.
The practical part
The practical part of getting back into writing is real! Because the reason you are not currently writing is likely because there is no practical place for it in your life. So how can you create a space in your life for writing again?
Perhaps it feels that there is no place for writing in your life. Life feels busy, overwhelming, full.
Something I do when I feel I have no space in my days is look at my phone time. That always puts it in perspective. There are so many pockets of time in the day that aren’t used for anything in particular. It’s just the matter of making writing a possible option for those slots.
Here are some examples of time slots you may have:
- Lunch break at work
- Eating meals in general
- Evening after dinner but before bed
- During commute if you take public transport
- Waiting for appointments
- Early mornings before the day starts
- After kids are in bed
- Organised weekend times
- Writing instead of watching a movie
Of course what time slots you have will depend on what your day to day looks like. But with a bit of brainstorming, I’m sure you’ll find some. If you feel that there is literally zero time left in your days, consider what you could take out to fit writing in. This could be sleep, movies, a hobby – it’s really just a matter of prioritizing.
Something I do when I feel I have no space in my days is look at my phone time. That always puts it in perspective.
How I fit my writing in
Personally, at one time when I was working more full time I would write these blog posts in ten minute slots before I walked into work, and then on my half hour lunch break. It is surprising how much you can accomplish over many little time slots.
After you have found those times that work, set yourself something to keep accountable by. This could be a person messaging to check in, rewards, or a sticker book (I know they’re for kids, but I feel like that’d be fun).
I used to write in the early mornings (need to get back into that). Mornings are a great time for me creatively, so writing books then is a good use of that time.
Motivation and sticking it out
Having the motivation to stick it out is probably the most difficult part of this entire process. It’s easy enough to sit down at the computer and write for one session. But what about coming back to it day after day?
What is your motivation plan?
My motivation often comes from thinking about my book finished and published. Also my dream of being a published author helps me along. Other things I find useful is snacks, tea, and adding some ambience. I also enjoy watching YouTube videos about other people’s writing routines, or journey.
Find what will motivate you to keep going and remember the words don’t flow until you’ve actually sat down to write. Often, focus can take up to half an hour to settle in, so give yourself time to get in the flow of it again.
My dream of being a published author helps me along.
If you would like to learn more about writing, feel free to browse more blog posts here , or contact me if you have any questions. You can also find me on YouTube at The Windy Wildflower, or the podcast at The Windy Wildflower Podcast. We talk about writing, songwriting, and being a Christian creative in all these places. I also have a free writing resource you can grab on this website here! Join me on the journey of learning to glorify God with our creativity and making dreams a reality.
Till next time friends,
Nika
