Writing in an Inspiration Drought

Writing through an inspiration drought builds writing endurance. When an inspiration drought strikes, there are two options: push through without inspiration, or find a way to get inspired. Using either of those options eventually leads to better writing. Below are my nine most-used techniques for writing through an inspiration drought:

1. Change the playlist and write

Replace “playlist” with whatever external force brings you the most inspiration. I stumbled on music a long time ago as a primary driver for my inspiration. Manipulating the playlists I listen to based on the scenes I’m writing often increases my writing speed as well as my quality.

2. Complain in my journal and write

I struggle to find inspiration when my head is filled with banal everyday stuff. If I write the everyday things down in my journal, afterwards I find it easier to concentrate on writing really cool non-everyday stuff.

3. Find the part of the story I can focus on, and write that part

If part of me is itching to write an escape scene, concentrating on writing a cozy tea drinking scene may be difficult! I usually plan in advance what I’ll write on a given day, but if another scene seems way more appealing then I’ll switch to that.

4. Move to a different location and write

Even moving from one room to another has helped me. A more drastic move to a coffeeshop, library, or park can provide just the motivation needed.

5. Listen to my gut and write

Sometimes if I’m struggling to write a specific scene or event, the heart of the matter is that I don’t actually like the event or think another one would be better. If I get hung up for multiple days on part of a story, I’ll try to reimagine that part or change the variables.

6. Sprint with a friend and write

Companionship and competition sometimes spur my inspiration in a way that writing alone doesn’t.

7. Read something in a genre very different from what I’m currently writing, and write about that

This technique will vary for each person based on what you’re writing. I mostly write fantasy. When I’m in an inspiration drought, reading poetry and science nonfiction really encourages my creativity.

For me, this technique only works by reading a genre I don’t usually write in. When I’m in a fantasy inspiration drought and read more fantasy, I feel overwhelmed.

8. Write anyway

This technique is difficult and probably the most time consuming. I write my very slowest when I’ve tried all the other techniques and nothing is helping. Even so, sloppy writing is a million times better than no writing. My mantra for this technique is one I first heard from Elizabeth Gilbert, “Done is better than good.” (Source: ElizabethGilbert.com).

9. Take a break and then write

If I’ve exhausted all other options, I’ll take a break for the day. Once I’ve decided to take a break, I commit to it and don’t think about writing again that day. Instead I relax, focus on self care, and resolve to start writing early the next day!

Thank you for reading! May the words flow freely for you.

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