By Calista Jayne
Are you stuck? Writer’s block has plagued authors since the beginning of time (give or take a few years), and it will continue to plague them into the future.
But just because you’re stuck in a slump doesn’t mean you have to stay there! Here are some easy, DIY methods for getting yourself back to your novel and slinging words onto the page.
Reading other books, whether in my genre or out of it, can re-inspire me and make me want to sit down and write. I’m one of those authors who needs input in order to create output, so I try to read one book a week, minimum. Often, when I’m stuck, I’ll realize it’s been a while since I sat down with a good story.
Something about movement or travel can get creative juices flowing, and the feel-good endorphins from exercise are an added bonus. Writing can often be a sedentary endeavour, so movement never hurts.
Taking a shower, washing the dishes, folding laundry—some of my favourite breakthroughs have come while I’m doing something completely unrelated to writing.
Grab a buddy, pay for their coffee, and talk through whatever issues are holding you up. Your friend might have great ideas, or no ideas at all, but the act of talking it out can be extremely helpful. This can also work via email or text. I’ve exchanged messages with author buddies in Dirty Discourse and come away with workable solutions—and I’m always happy to return the favour when they need help.
For me, this works best when I journal with a pen and paper. Stepping away from the screen and allowing the motions of handwriting to carry me is liberating. I ask myself what’s holding me back, then free-write from there.
Start a fresh new shiny project
I only recommend this for writers who have proven to themselves that they can finish a book. If you haven’t finished writing a book, stick with one before moving on. My personal preference for that the shiny new project is something short, like a novella or short bonus scene—that way, I can finish it quickly for the “yay I’m done!” rush and use that momentum to return to my main project.
Whatever your struggles with your writing slump, remember: you aren’t alone! Writing communities are ready and waiting to troubleshoot with you.
Calista Jayne is an erotic romance author. She has published over one hundred books under various pen names. She loves nerding out over productivity hacks, plot structure, and grammar.
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