We all have stories to share, but for those who take it one step further and write for publication, it can be a bit of a struggle at times. It can be stressful, even, trying to master a good story, and sometimes, we try really hard, and the words don’t flow as well as we want them to, or our brains are crowded with other stuff that takes away from creativity. 
It can be aggravating, to say the least. Wanting to write but without having inspiration is a challenge. You want the good energy back so you can finish your work in progress.  
As a writer, you get excited and long for the satisfaction of creating. It fills the gap in your heart. Then why is it that when you get those days, you can’t get started?
It happens to all of us at some point. 
Depending on how your week is going can play a big part in the creative process. When life is overwhelming there’s an increase of anxiety knowing there needs to be goals met and words written. 
One way to achieve this is to devote one day a week to your craft. 

​Butt in chair. The first step to getting any writing done is to sit down and write. You can’t write unless you’re devoted. Whatever writing you want to do, tell yourself you’ve got thirty minutes to write and see how it goes. If you don’t know what to write, set a timer for ten minutes and journal. Free-flow writing boosts creativity. There’s no spell check or correcting grammar; it’s just you and your thoughts. 
As hard as it is sometimes, stepping away from your desk and going for a walk helps clear your mind. You may find that while you want to figure out a scene, your mind might wander and think about other things like the weather or think about someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, or what you’re making for dinner. It’s fine. Your brain needs the break and when you come back you may feel refreshed and ready to write. 
Change the POV. If you’re writing fiction, try switching from first person to third. Or write from another character’s point of view. You never know, it can be used for a spinoff story or help you learn more about your character. 
Enter a contest. Maybe you’ve always wanted to write poetry or a children’s story. Make it fun and without pressure. Giving yourself another form of writing can lift you up and give you the break you need to get back to writing your manuscript. 
Add a scene. Put your character in a funny, or unpredictable situation. Giving your mind something else to work on for your character will entertain you and might spark the energy you need to keep writing. 

Write a prologue or epilogue. Not everyone is a fan of a introduction before the story, but it’s a great way to dive into your characters and learn about how the story came to be. It doesn’t mean a prologue has to be used for publication, but it can be used for your own personal benefit of getting to know where your story begins and why your characters have a story to tell. 
If you are a plotter, you know where your story is headed, and you could write an epilogue ahead of time. It doesn’t have to be perfect or the one you will use, but it can help figure out the end of the story. You might even learn something about your character that you can use in a chapter you were stumped on.
 
Being creative in other ways will boost your mood and trigger something to write about. Wherever you are on your writing journey, you’re not alone. 
Remember why you are writing. 
Amuse yourself and write. 
 
***opinions are my own
 
 

Writing.
​It's a muse which can feel blissful or frustrating, depending on your circumstance.
Writing is difficult when you’re writing for an audience that expects you to entertain, inform, or share your creativity. 
You're putting yourself out there to be explored. This allows you to be an open door for rejection and criticism because writing is subjective, but it’s not the reason to give up on what you love. 
When you sit down to write, sometimes the words flow easily, and sometimes they don't, and you're looking for inspiration. 
There are good days and there are challenging days, but either way, you are doing what you love or you wouldn’t be doing it. Right?
Like anything, it’s easier to say, I give up, instead of powering through the difficulties. When you are willing to show up, you are on your journey. Whatever your writing focus is, it’s important to acknowledge why you need to write. 
If you’re struggling to get words down or feeling like you’re not getting anywhere with your story or pose, you’re not alone, all writers feel it at some point and when you do, taking a break helps. Only you can decide for how long.
Maybe you’ve gone weeks or you’re faced with self-doubt and imposture syndrome has set in. It’s okay, it happens, and if it does, ask yourself: What am I trying to accomplish? What do I want?
The best thing to do is change the type of writing you’re doing. If you write fiction, write in a journal. If you write novels, try writing a short story or novella. If you write poetry, maybe try writing a piece for children. 
If you switch to writing something else, you might enjoy focusing on a different project. If you have a website, write a note to your visitors. Be creative. It’s how we fuel our tanks. When we’re filled with the satisfaction of creativity, our attitude changes and subconsciously we create. 

The point is, that the focus is on what makes your heart happy. 

Seven ways to keep going.
Take breaks- Finished your first draft? Set it aside and work on something else. In the middle of writing and stuck on a scene? Go for a walk, bake, do something else, and come back to it. Maybe you’ve been stuck for a while, weeks, even, then it’s time to set it aside and work on something else.

Surround yourself with other writers. Writing is a lonely profession, however, if you surround yourself with other writers and connect through email, social media, or a meet-up from time to time, it gives you hope and a reminder you’re not alone. When writing gets tough, know someone else is struggling or feeling down, too, or, maybe they're on the same path as you. With success comes struggles and vice versa. Every writer who’s on the same journey understands your struggles and triumphs. 

Lift someone else with encouragement. Checking in and telling another writer you loved their book or if you have something in common is great for human connection. Knowing someone is cheering you on is a benefit to you and the other person.

Change the type of writing you’re doing. A repeat here, but writing novels is a big undertaking and sometimes we lose focus or our ability to tell a story even if it’s the tenth, or twentieth book written. When stuck for a longer period, writing a blog or short story might produce ideas you need for the bigger project you’re working on. 

Make your goals reasonable. There are some things out of your control. Getting an agent, getting a contract, or traditionally publishing is all about timing and luck, besides writing a marketable book of course. What you can control is writing what’s in your heart and telling a story you want to share. 
Try something new. Writing aside, what else do you enjoy doing? Even if you don’t have hobbies, read a new-to-you author and write a review. Do other creative things. When you learn something new, it gives you something to write about.

Read. What authors do you love to read? Get inspired by their words and how the book makes you feel. Craft books about writing are helpful, too. There are a lot of good books out there to help develop and shape your story. 

Happiness. Does writing make you happy? Is it something you have to do? The bottom line is, that giving up means you’re giving up a part of you. 

Every writer has a unique journey. Our paths to publication are different because we have personal goals and experiences. What is your reason to share your story? 
The answer is why you’re not giving up.
Keep writing. 
Keep creating.
Keep smiling. 


*opinions are my own.