“I can’t write.” < Something all writers say at one time or another. Whether you’re at the beginning of your novel, right in the middle of it, or trying to wrap it all up and pen those beautiful words ‘the end,’ every writer feels stuck at some point. Even if you’re not experiencing writer’s block! In fact, most of the time when I say “I can’t write” I don’t have writer’s block. I know exactly what I WANT to write…I just don’t think I can actually write it.
Does this sound familiar? Don’t worry. We’re all in this mess together. Being confused is just part of being a writer. Sometimes it’s tough and you feel like the LEAST qualified person to write a novel. But this is only your mind playing tricks on you! Self-doubt is a lie — but when we are convinced it is the truth, our whole attitude gets messed up. So before you read any further, change the way you think about yourself. We all feel like imposters sometimes – the important thing is to remind yourself that you are NOT an imposter. You are a writer! And you’re way better at it than you think.
Now, from this point of view, you can actually nurture your writing and boost your creativity! But first…
Make self-care a priority
Take it from an expert: pushing yourself to the breaking point isn’t a good idea. Unless you have a deadline to meet, there’s no reason why you can’t take a little time off! Listen to your body and listen to your brain. Chances are, you can’t write because you’re burnt out. And chances are, you’re burnt out because you’re too hard on yourself. BE NICE. You’re only human. And humans need breaks. We also need exercise, fresh air, food, and water. When you fill your proverbial cup with all these good things, you are better equipping yourself to create!
Stop consuming other creative content
A big myth in the writing world is that you “need to read a lot in order to be a good writer.” This is not necessarily true for every writer! I know what you’re saying: “But, Abbie, STEPHAN KING SAID THAT.” I know. And I’m glad that works for him. But it doesn’t work for everyone and it doesn’t work for me. When I’m running dry on creativity, my procrastination weapon of choice is someone else’s creative content — be it books, movies, blog posts, Pinterest boards, music… ANYTHING to distract me from facing my own writing.
By the time I’m done reading, watching, listening, and generally procrastinating, DO I FEEL LIKE WRITING MY NOVEL? No. Compared to all the other stuff I just consumed, my WIP looks like the most boring thing on the planet. This is not to say I don’t read books, watch movies, or consume other creative content — of course I do. But there’s a time and place for everything, and I carefully curate my information input to ensure other people’s art isn’t getting in the way of my own art.
OTHER HELPFUL ARTICLES ABOUT WRITING:
- What To Do With That ONE STORY That’s Just NOT Working For You
- 7 Reasons To KEEP WRITING When You Feel Like Giving Up
- How To Write When You Have Literally No Inspiration
Stop judging yourself
I get it. I really do. When you can’t write, you feel like your brain is broken, or like there’s a kink in your hose of creativity. But hitting a broken device (usually) doesn’t make it work. Beyond that, frustration does NOT help creativity! I know it’s difficult to stay positive when you feel like you can’t write, but looking on the bright side is actually the best thing you can do for your creativity.
viaTry some simple affirmations. Go into a quiet room (or go outside) and take a few deep breaths. Then say to yourself, “I am talented, energized, and full of creativity.” Repeat this a few times throughout your day or even write it down and keep it near your workspace! Also try my guided writing meditation.
No matter what, don’t give up.
There’s no one-stop solution to this problem. There are many reasons why writers sometimes just CAN’T WRITE. Maybe you’re having an off day. Maybe something else is going on in your life at the moment and that’s absorbing your attention without you even consciously realizing it. Whatever the case may be, it’s not going to last forever. Believe in your abilities, even when they are not at their best. If you can do that, you can do anything.
Let’s talk.
What helps you get inspired to write when you feel like you can’t write? Share all your tips and techniques with me because I could always use more!
Rock on,
Abbie
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