If you’re a writer you understand the difference in quality between a well-written project and a lackluster one. The quality of your writing is highly dependent on your ability to fuel your passion and keep that flame ignited, even during times when writing becomes difficult. Following are six powerful tips you can use to get through those challenging times and enrich the quality of your writing projects.
1. Practice Freewriting on a Regular Basis
Sometimes the best ideas for a new project come from freewriting. If you’re stuck in a creative rut, try stepping away from your project for a while and practice freewriting. Just write down whatever comes to mind and try not to force your writing to take any sort of direction. You could simply begin writing out a recipe or your favorite song lyrics to get started, or you could start writing your “to-do” list. You’ll likely be surprised with where your writing takes you, and you might even come up with a few great ideas along the way.
2. Allow Your Emotions to Fuel Your Writing
If you experience intense emotions like fear, anger, love, or joy, you might want to pick up a pen and start writing the next time they occur. Sometimes the best fuel for creativity is to write when you are going through an emotional experience. You might be dealing with conflict within your relationship, or maybe you had a difficult day. Writing about it will help you delve further into your feelings and possibly help you rediscover your passion for the creative process.
3. Write Through Your Struggles
If you’re having trouble tapping into your creativity, think back to a time when you experienced hardships. Write in detail about that time in your life and how you managed to overcome your struggles. People sometimes forget about everything they’ve had to overcome throughout their lives. By writing about these experiences and examining the decisions you made that helped you get through those difficult times you might discover that you can be your own best source of inspiration.
4. Consider Consulting a Mentor
If you’re struggling to get your project started or if your manuscript has hit major roadblocks, you might want to consider contacting a mentor. Seeking mentorship from an experienced writer is one of the most effective ways to fuel your passion, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned writer or just getting started. A book coach can offer you vital insight that can reignite your creative spark and inspire you to take your project to new heights. A book mentor can also help you clearly define your vision for your book, connect to your audience in an authentic way, and increase the chances of your project being a success.
5. Expose Yourself to New Experiences
If you’ve found yourself stuck in a creative rut for a while, you should consider changing things up for a bit. You could try taking your writing outside if you tend to write in the same place every day. Expose yourself to new experiences and take that spontaneous weekend trip you’ve always wanted to go on, or sign up for a new activity. Changing your atmosphere and being open to new experiences can be the perfect way to get over a creative slump and inspire you to take your writing in another direction.
6. Take an Occasional Break From Writing
If you’re dealing with severe writer’s block, sometimes the best thing you can do is take a break and step away from your project for a while. Trying to force the creative process might ultimately end up backfiring and causing your writer’s block to intensify. Allow yourself a few days to relax and engage in some of your other favorite hobbies. It could even be helpful to vent to a friend who understands your frustration. Sometimes a short break is all you need to clear your head and jump back in with a fresh, new mindset.
Closing Thoughts
Writing is one of the most powerful ways you can communicate your thoughts and feelings, as well as inspire others. By using these tips and tricks you can rediscover your joy and passion for writing, become more purposeful in your tone, and enhance the quality of your projects for years to come.