Some call it Writer’s Block™ – but that term is so overused, I’m definitely going to call it I Have No Inspiration To Write™. Y’all, this is a common debacle that every writer faces at one time or another. Whether you’re writing a novel or a blog post, the time may come when your creative mind trudges to a grinding halt. I can relate to this feeling!
But THERE IS HOPE, MY FRENS. I have learned how to overcome these inconvenient obstacles so that Writers Block™ doesn’t completely destroy my life. AND NOW NO DOUBT YOU WANT MY SECRETS. But my frens, you can’t have waffles AND sagacious advice. You have to choose one or the other. (I obviously chose waffles and this is why all sagacious advice is 100% fabricated by yours truly. Believe at your own risk.)
WHY ARE YOU UNINSPIRED?
Non-inspiration is kind of like inspiration. Only the exact opposite. (#LOGIC) If you are inspired by something, then you can also be uninspired by something. Maybe you’re simply losing motivation for your novel? Maybe you’re unsure about the story? Is it even good? Maybe you’ve been busy and your novel has been neglected for days or even weeks? Maybe you’re feeling like tHE WORST FAILURE EVER??
I cannot answer this question for you, my frens. YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST. But contemplating this question COULD help you to get out of that Writer’s Block™ rut. Now let’s figure out how to write when we have literally no inspiration.
PROTOCOL #1: GET RE-INSPIRED
ELIMINATE THE UNINSPIRING THINGS IN YO LIFE
Hopefully by now you’ve identified SOMETHING in your life that’s making you feel gloomy about your writing. For me, I’ve been sick for the past week and WOW THAT’S VERY INSPIRING, RIGHT?? No. Unfortunately I can’t snap my fingers and feel amazing, but as I recover each day, I’m beginning to feel more and more inspired. SO THERE. Being sick makes me really depressed. I’ve identified the source of non-inspiration and am (slowly) giving it the boot.
LAVISH YOSELF (OR YO BOOK) IN PRAISE
Nothing is more motivating than being told hoW FREAKING AWESOME YOU ARE. This kind of reaffirmation can come from your family, your frens, or ME. For goodness sakes, TELL ME WHEN YOU NEED SOME ENCOURAGEMENT. LET THE WAFFLE QUEEN SHOW YOU HOW AMAZING YOU ARE. Sometimes when I’m feeling particularly down on my writing, it really helps me to go back to old comments I’ve received on bits of writing I’ve shared over the years (fanfic, snippets, short stories, whatever.) If you don’t feel refreshed after reading people being like “adsfhjfksla your WRITING IS SO GOOD WHAT ASLKDLFJ” then idk who you are.
REMEMBER THE REASON WHY YOU LOVE WRITING
This can be kind of tough sometimes – especially for those of us who plan on making a career out of writing. Oftentimes writing becomes this thing that I “have to do” rather than something I “get to do.” Writing is an honor and a luxury. Yes, it is horribly difficult at times – but it is also a blessing. I started writing stories when I was about six years old and I never stopped. Have I made any money off my writing in the past thirteen years? LOL NOPE. But yet I continue to do it. Why?? Because I have a sick fancy. AND I FREAKING LOVE WRITING. So next time you’re feeling burnt out when you sit down to write, REMEMBER THE WHY.
PROTOCOL #2: REBOOT
SOMETIMES THE VERY THING YOU NEED IS THE VERY THING YOU THINK YOU DON’T NEED
Y’all, I have a confession to make: I HAVE NO CHILL MODE. When I’m feeling stressed* and someone suggests that I should “take a break” I’m like LOLOLOL DON’T SPEAK TO ME DEVIL. (It’s obviously not healthy, but my Pride™ objects to change.) Even though EVERY FIBER OF MY BEING CRINGES at the thought of putting aside work to reboot, I resign myself to the harsh reality that sometimes I don’t know what’s best for myself. Sometimes tea and a Downton Abbey marathon is what I need to get back in the groove of writing. IT FEELS HORRIBLY CHILL, BUT I PROMISE IT WORKS. Sometimes you just need to quit. For five minutes.
MAKE A PLAYLIST
I am lowkey obsessed with making book-themed playlists. My work-in-progress isn’t LEGIT until I make a playlist stuffed full of inspiring music that reminds me of said work-in-progress. I’m a very musical person (bc you didn’t know yet) so THIS REALLY HELPS ME. But something else might help you just as much. Such as…
MAKE AN AESTHETIC BOARD
Aesthetic boards is what I’m all about, bro. THEY WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE 100000% BETTER GUARANTEED. If you have no idea where to start with making an aesthetic board, I wrote a handy post all about it. Pinterest is kind of my second home** so I consider myself kind of an expert. BUT! If aesthetic boards aren’t your jam, try making ANYTHING THAT INSPIRES YOU. This includes but is certainly not limited to: small fires, knitted socks, movies, messes, and/or waffles.
*my current emotion 25/8
**or maybe it’s my first home??? idk reality is probably plan b.
OTHER HELPFUL ARTICLES ABOUT WRITING:
- 7 Reasons To KEEP WRITING When You Feel Like Giving Up
- What To Do With That ONE STORY That’s Just NOT Working For You
- How to Craft a “Strong Female Character” Who Isn’t Totally Annoying and Cliche
PROTOCOL #3: JUST DO IT
WHO NEEDS TO BE INSPIRED TO WRITE??
Some of us can write on demand. If absolutely NOTHING ELSE works for you, DO THIS. Watch some motivational speech videos on YouTube, grab you manuscript and GO TO WAR. Even if your writing absolutely sucks and you feel slaughtered from the inside out when you’re finished, HEY. AT LEAST YOU WROTE SOMETHING. AND YOU THOUGHT YOU HAD WRITER’S BLOCK™ LOLOLOL. YOU WIN.
TALK, BRO
What is your best cure for Writer’s Block™? DO SHARE BECAUSE I OBVIOUSLY NEED ALL THE HELP I CAN GET. Do you make book playlists? Aesthetic boards?? Do you have trouble finding your chill mode? Please help me find mine. IT RAN OFF ON MY SECOND BIRTHDAY AND NEVER CAME BACK.
love,
abbiee
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