In the first half of December I didn’t write much because I was burnt out from the big November push.
From basically mid-Dec to mid-Jan I was traveling, and while technically I *could* have made time to write if I’d really wanted to, it was much easier not to.
But for the last two and a half weeks, I haven’t really had a good reason not to be writing. And yet I basically haven’t been. (I did make some serious progress on developing the backstory and character for one of the important secondary characters, thanks to my friend Devin’s invitation to join him for writing time at a cafe a couple of afternoons. But I haven’t written any scenes.)
The novel feels kind of like it belongs to a past life. 2022 life. But I’d love for it *not* to. I want to want to write, I just don’t seem to actually want to write.*
I know that some of you have also made serious progress on novels or other creative/writing projects, then paused, then made more serious progress.
So I’d love to hear: How did it feel for you? How did you get back into it? Peer accountability? Forcing yourself to sit in front of a blank page until the words started to flow again? Or something else?
P.S. The writers block / lack of momentum means I’ve also been avoiding sending out a newsletter, even though I actually have a stockpile of topics to write about here. I just don’t want to get y’all’s hopes up that I’m also working on the novel. But I decided I would just gonna bang this out before pickleball this morning, do minimal editing, hit send — and hope that it’s part of the solution!
*Not sure if this is writer’s block, strictly speaking, since I haven’t actually sat and started a blank page and been unable to write. I just have been avoiding even trying.
I'm sure everyone's different and I'm hardly qualified to give advice, but some things I find helpful:
- Having very attainable goals, like writing for at least 15 minutes, most days of the week, and aiming for consistency and sustainability over time.
- Reminding myself that feeling inspired and motivated doesn't correlate to better writing.
- Being willing to write a lot of terrible drafts as part of the process.
- Making my writing space feel pleasant. Eating candy while I write.
i have had a really hard time carving out the space, mental energy, and initiative to write since the pandemic. i used to be really productive in third-spaces like coffeeshops, but for a long time i not only didn't have a third space, i barely had a second space; the most comfortable chair to sit in and write is, sadly, the same one i sit at all day for work.
i find that time pressure and accountability to others is the only reliable way to get myself to write - i can't do it just for me, but if i tell a friend "i'm going to send you three pages by Sunday night," i'll write those three pages.
the time you spend away from writing/typing, the time spent mulling while you're out on a walk or musing in the shower, is nearly as valuable to the process as the writing itself, so don't get demoralized by actually taking that time.