Realistic Writing Slump Remedies Part 1

I’m sure all of us have heard the standard suggestions on how to get over writer’s block. I myself have read list after list when trying to find ways to get back into the flow of my story or start something new. However, I always notice that these lists recommend a variety of unrealistic tips that no average person could possibly do. I decided to provide a list of my own breaking down some of the impractical advice into more manageable recommendations the average everyday Joe like you and I can do to get back to doing what we love: writing stories.

Unrealistic: Read a lot of books! / Read every single day!

Realistic: Consume creative content.

Every single “Get Over Your Writing Slump Today!” article I have read has this on their list. Going back to the source of what initially encouraged a lot of us to become writers is, theoretically, a great way to regain some of that appreciation for storytelling. While I understand where they are coming from, reading an entire novel when you are already in a creative slump can take too much energy to sit down and focus on completing, especially after a long day. Not only that, novels are not the only form of storytelling to get the creative juices flowing.

Instead, try to have creative experiences. Going to an art museum, watching a new movie, or even going on a walk in a new place are great ways to stimulate creativity. I suggest even partaking in some creative challenges like a wine and painting night (a personal favorite) can help you express yourself in fresh ways. Storytelling comes in a lot of forms and changing the way you express yourself or changing what you consume is a great way to gain some new ideas!

Unrealistic: Commit a whole day to writing / Write for a few hours every day

Realistic: Write every day, no matter how small it is or for how long you write.

This one is a bit hard for me to argue against, especially because I think committing to a habit like this is a great way to make sure writing is getting done. However, what I can’t seem to understand is how some articles recommend getting over a writing slump… by writing. Don’t they see that that is the problem entirely? And a whole day? What I would give to be at a point in my life where I can set a whole day aside to write and play with my characters. With all the bills I have to pay unless I win the lottery soon, I don’t see a day like that coming in the near future. It’s not easy to disregard all of your tasks and other aspects of your daily routine to focus on writing. In fact, I believe it can become a source of stress and pressure when you plan out too much time to write.

Instead of trying to schedule a full day of writing or even a specific number of hours to write, just plan to write one thing a day. It doesn’t matter how small or how short it is. Just write a few sentences or a paragraph. Creating the habit of writing, no matter how small the amount of time it will naturally turn into allowing yourself more time to write or even to build off of what you wrote previously. Before you know it, you’ll be writing more and more frequently. A great way to start this kind of habit is with daily journaling. Write one or two sentences about your day, giving a brief summary of something. Think about the one thing you saw that day that made you feel something, even if it is associated with negative emotion.

Unrealistic: Get away from the daily grind to allow yourself to clear your head and reset.

Realistic: Create a writing space that makes you feel creative. / Find a writing space that allows you to work peacefully.

Okay, I know I’m not the only one who has heard of writers who locked themselves in a cabin for three months and then produced the next New York Times Best Seller. I have so many questions regarding this. Who are these people and how can they financially afford to not work for this long? Do they have a family? Who is taking care of their kids? Are they feeding themselves or do they have a live-in housekeeper (most likely their spouse or partner) cleaning and cooking for them so they can ‘get in the zone?’

For those of us who live alone, and cannot possibly risk leaving work even for a week, something like this is totally unrealistic. Instead, I think creating a space in your home where you are comfortable and one that stimulates you creatively is a great middle ground. Not only do you save a ton of money, but creating a space in your own home will help you commit to daily writing tasks and be more ready to write.

If your home is a bit too noisy for you, why not try to find a space near your home that provides a similar atmosphere? I’m lucky enough to live in a city with many study cafes and cafes that are generally quiet. I’ve found a few places where I can sit down, pop some headphones in, and write a couple of pages with a few look-out-the-window-and-sigh-artistically breaks in the middle. Something about the ambiance of a quiet cafe with natural lighting and plenty of plants really does it for me. Cafes, libraries, or even college campuses that allow the public to use their facilities are great environments to find other creative minds and force yourself to work.

My own special hack for this is to try to include a friend in your plan so you can both hold each other accountable. They don’t have to be a writer as well (although bonus points if they are). As long as they have some quiet tasks that they also need to focus on, you can schedule a time to meet up together to get your work done!

Let’s hear your hacks for getting out of your writing slump. Do you have some recommendations of your own? What about some unrealistic remedies you’ve heard? Let me know in the comments what works for you and what doesn’t!

Article edited by Lindsey Huddleston.