If you’ve been writing for a while, or perhaps not long at all, you know that all writers experience writing droughts. I’ve written at length that I am not a believer in writer’s block, but there are times when writing gets hard. And figuring out how to get writing again can be even harder.
Finishing a beloved manuscript is the most common event that can trigger a writing dry spell. Or getting stuck rewriting a particularly tough scene over and over and hating the outcome every time. Even the daily stresses of life can sometimes cause your writing to evaporate. Maybe you’re overscheduled with adult responsibilities, going through something challenging, or so sleep deprived that you’d rather spend your evenings binging TV. Trust me, I have nothing but compassion for you if you’re experiencing one of these writing dry spells.
I’m Exiting a Desert of My Own Right Now . . .
I’ve felt like a lone woman wandering a barren landscape in the past six months. It’s pretty disheartening to look back and realize how long I’ve struggled with my current manuscript, and it’s not because I don’t want to write.
My current book project is both heavier and much more historically detailed than what I’m used to writing, which also makes it more intimidating. Add on top of this some recent difficulties in my life, summer distractions, and general fatigue of going through the querying process with one of my other manuscripts. I’ve been creatively tapped out lately, and this spell feels like it’s gone on FOREVER.
I’m Determined to Get Writing Again!
Just this week, something sparked inside me that brought my writing juices rushing back into my life. It was partly pure determination to kick my habit of procrastinating on YouTube every time I sit down to write. But it was also some other things that have helped me get writing again before.
If you’re also wandering a creative desert and could use a pick-me-up from a fellow traveler, here are some ideas that might work for you . . .
5 Tips to Get Writing Again
Tip #1: Read or Reread Something Awesome
There’s nothing that sparks a writer to get writing again like reading something they adore. If you’re dragging your feet on your latest project, consider whipping out your favorite book of all time to remember the magic of a wonderful reading experience. Or grab a newly released book in your favorite genre or by your favorite author. Another tactic that gets me excited is reading my old work. I just love to immerse myself into my old stories, reunite with my past characters, and see how far I’ve come as a writer. I know some writers would rather visit the dentist for a root canal than read any of their past projects, but hey, it works for me.
Tip #2: Get a Cheerleader in Your Corner
The biggest thing that got my writer mojo flowing this week was my favorite person in the world. That’s my husband, Andy, for anyone who is unclear. When I expressed that I really wanted to be productive this week and beat the procrastination, Andy looked me in the face and asked, “What do you need from me to help you write this week?” Since then he’s been taking care of the house, talking about my book, and encouraging me every step of the way.
I know I can’t lend my Andy to all you struggling writers in the world (sorry), but I can impress upon you how much you need cheerleaders to defeat your dry spells. Tell anyone who will listen about the book you’re writing so they can support you. And if you have a special spouse, friend, parent, sibling, or fellow nerd you can lean on, do it! Most people admire authors a lot and want to help you succeed.
Tip #3: Write a Candy Scene Outside the Confines of Your Book
I’m sure I’m not the only writer who does this, but one of my favorite ways to get out of a rut is writing what I lovingly refer to as “candy scenes.” These are fun beyond-the-book romps where you let your characters run wild. During a particularly frustrating dry spell, I revisited my favorite couple of characters and wrote a candy scene of them going out on a date that went hilariously wrong. It was pure pointless calories, and I enjoyed every second of it.
What can I say? Sometimes you need to write something fun to remember why you love doing this. Whether it’s a candy scene beyond your own book or good old-fashioned fanfiction, this type of thing does wonders to get you writing again.
Tip #4: Help a Writer in Need
Making friendly connections with other writers can REALLY help you get writing again. Even if it’s just grabbing a smoothie and talking animatedly about writing, give yourself the opportunity to drink in the passion of another writer. Better yet, offer encouragement to another writer who needs it.
Recently I had the opportunity to exchange manuscripts with one of my writer friends. Her book was a college time travel romance—not my typical reading fare—and it was a load of fun. Digging into someone else’s writing and taking the time to talk about our projects together was the exact spark I needed to get excited about my book again. Lean on the excitement of other writers if you’re looking for renewed motivation.
Tip #5: Put Your Butt in the Chair & Your Hands on the Keyboard
I can’t take credit for this tip since it comes directly from Brandon Sanderson’s Writing Excuses. But if you want a tried and true method to get writing again, just sit down and write. Stop surfing the internet. Cut the excuses. Stop procrastinating. Writing really does generate more writing, so there’s a lot to be said for making the decision to just do it. Make Shia LaBeouf proud.
Don’t Wait to Get Writing Again
Writing isn’t as romantic or magical as people make it sound. It’s putting in the hard work and making the time to hone your craft and write enough words to create something decent. However, I do believe that genuine magic comes from doing all the little steps to enable your writing. And once that flow hits, writing can turn from something you make yourself do into something you look forward to doing. ❧
