How to write words when you aren’t inspired
Sometimes my computer screen is nothing but a blank page that I can’t seem to fill. Needing to get words down but not feeling inspired is something all authors experience at some point. If that’s you today, you’re in the right place.
I’ve had plenty of days feeling blah, or meh, about my writing. It’s almost as if all the passion I had for the story idea and characters just snuck away somewhere and hid!
It’s times like these that make me want to just start that new idea for a book and leave my current project in the dust. But you know what happens if that cycle begins? No books ever get finished. I spent a year or two getting stuck on books and starting new ones, until I finally sat myself down and decided I had to end the cycle and finish a book. “Out of West Street” is the name of the novel that followed. (Unpublished and no plans to)!
So what are some “go to”s for when we’re stuck in the mud and struggling to break free from writers block, or whatever you want to call a creative slump.
1: Know your “why”
I have to start with this because if we don’t know our “why”, we have no reason to reach for all these other tools. Without knowing our reason for writing something, how can we expect ourselves to be able to push through?
To find out why in the story we’re writing, ask these questions:
- Why did I pick this story idea?
- Why do I care about these characters?
- What message matters to me in this book, that I’m trying to tell the world?
There’s a good chance that after answering these questions, we’ll have a pretty good idea of our “why”. A “why” looks different writer to writer of course. The “why” for my book “Out of West Street” was “I want to share with people that there is hope and light even in the midst of loneliness, that you are never alone, even if you feel it”. This is what drove me onwards. If you want more details on finding your “why” you can search up the other post I wrote all about it.
2: Writing Sprints
I love writing sprints. They’re fun, motivating, and a little competitive (even though I’m usually not that competitive). It’s the sort of thing that authors either love or hate. I find it a super easy way to motivate myself. Even if I’m not counting words or measuring which sprint was my best, just having the timer going reminds me that I’m working, and to stay focused (not trailing down Pinterest or YouTube rabbit holes).
I’ll often just set a twenty minute timer and tell myself I need to keep writing till it goes off, then I can have a break.
3: Immersive Writing Sessions on YouTube
I use these so often. Almost every second or third time I write I put one of these on to motivate me and keep me focused. My all time favourites are made by Abbie Emmons, who teaches writing on YouTube and many other place too I believe. (I’ll be honest and admit that I haven’t tried any other YouTubers sessions Abbie’s are that good I don’t feel the need to go anywhere else. But have a search around and see what works for you).
If you aren’t familiar with immersive writing sessions on YouTube, have a search and see. I’m also planning on writing a post all about immersive writing sessions soon!
I love these for getting me in the mood for writing, and transporting me into my story. They always paint such a good atmosphere and ambiance, it’s magical!
4: Calls with Writing Friends
I am blessed to have a very good writing friend, who has been there for much of my writing life. Unfortunately it can be difficult to built an author community, and we writers can be somewhat lonesome in our craft. But when you do have that friend, connecting with them can be all you need to get going with that book again. Just talking to someone who understands writing is incredibly encouraging and fulfilling.
So calling up a friend is one of our greatest tools for encouragement. Whether you want to call for a chat, or to just write together, both are great ways to motivate ourselves and stay connected as a writer.
One of my favourite things is calling my writing friend and just writing together. We get things done at the same time as being there for each other if we want to discuss or laugh about something.
5: Writing Somewhere New
I’m going to be honest and admit that I’ve never ever written in a coffee shop. I have written by a river, in my parent’s garden, and…okay, I’m not the most well versed person in writing somewhere new – but, I do think it helps make our writing times more exciting sometimes (especially if a hot drink and treat is included!). The change of atmosphere and t he addition of ambience could be just the thing you need.
Getting out of your usual writing space could be great for some, but for others it may be a nightmare. If a specific routine is what you need to get words down, you do that. But if you’ve never written somewhere different before, why not give it a go and see what you think. I’m putting writing in a coffee shop on my bucket list.
These are just a few of the many ways to get through that writing rut and creating with passion again. Praying over your story and writing life is a very powerful thing, and something I think as Christians is a great place to start. Heading into writing with prayer can change everything (I need to get way better at this).
Also keep in mind that if you’re just feeling super burnt out, a rest from writing might not be a bad thing. I am aware though, that whenever I take a break from writing it always turns into more than a break. Next thing I know, I haven’t written any of my story in months. So if a break is needed, I think having a timeline on that break could be a great plan.
May you use these ideas to fuel your way out of this writing rut, and into amazing creation!
