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.
I’m not a writer, but loosing steam on my creative works is a thing that happens all the time. One thing that works for me is opening myself up to new inputs - paying attention again to all the things around me, without really trying to attach them to the project. I’ll read a book, I’ll switch to another type of creativity, I’ll run. I’ll go for a drive, with no real purpose but to let the drive happen and the rest flow. Staring at the empty page rarely helps (but sometimes does!). For me, it’s usually connecting with another source of energy and input that sparks me again.
Rick Rubin wrote a great book called “The Creative Act” - it’s full of good ways to think about the act of creating, and technique for handling the various stages of the work. Be a good one to read in this situation.
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.
Hope the block passes and the creative juices start flowing soon!
I’m not a writer, but loosing steam on my creative works is a thing that happens all the time. One thing that works for me is opening myself up to new inputs - paying attention again to all the things around me, without really trying to attach them to the project. I’ll read a book, I’ll switch to another type of creativity, I’ll run. I’ll go for a drive, with no real purpose but to let the drive happen and the rest flow. Staring at the empty page rarely helps (but sometimes does!). For me, it’s usually connecting with another source of energy and input that sparks me again.
Rick Rubin wrote a great book called “The Creative Act” - it’s full of good ways to think about the act of creating, and technique for handling the various stages of the work. Be a good one to read in this situation.