Help! I’m Stuck! How to Find Fresh Energy for Writing

Almost every writing project reaches a point of stuckness. In my last blog, I explained one of my tried and true methods to get the ideas out of their logjam by simply beginning to write whatever comes to mind and having faith that you will stumble across the right flow in that process.

In some cases, that approach just won’t cut it. The multiple attempts don’t yield any good bits; the inspiration well is dry, so to speak. If you truly have nothing to say, if the writing feels like its coming from a parched idea desert, the ground cracked and crunchy under your soles, go ahead and quit. At least for a little while, put the project away. You are stuck. It’s time to hang out your Gone Fishin’ sign and go somewhere far away from writing implements. Preferably to some nature.

Step away from your desk!

If the project still isn’t done with you, the break will ease the tension and bring fresh energy in. A thought will bubble up as you’re walking the dog or staring at the sky. Or, it won’t. That’s good information too. A lack of ideas is a sign that your current draft isn’t “it.” If the project isn’t the right one, that’s okay. The work wasn’t wasted. You have to get the rotten ideas out of the way so you can find a good one hiding behind them.

While you’re out there in the world, not banging your head against your desk, you may find inspiration. Last week, I was at a neighborhood block party in conversation with an acquaintance named Mary, who told me about her life-story project. She was experiencing this exact loss of enthusiasm with the approach she’d been using. As we stood there sweating on the asphalt, we talked about our favorite sources of writing prompts. I mentioned a beloved podcast, Wild Card with Rachel Martin, and how I enjoyed the deep, probing questions the host asks. That gave Mary an idea. I shared a few of the prompts I have been gathering from that show, and in an instant, Mary’s project went from boring to exciting. The spark returned to her eyes.

You never know where an idea will come from. When the work itself isn’t yielding any results, forcing yourself to sit there will not make your writing better. In fact, that sensation that you’re done for the moment is important to heed. It’s your creativity telling you to refresh the source, to go stand amongst popsicle-wielding children and have a conversation with a neighbor. Or something else that feels exciting and fun. It will remind you you’re alive, that you’re a human who is connected to the world. Which is why we write. Right?

If your stuckness is more entrenched, it may be time to consult an editor. Find me (and some fresh energy) here.