Ways To Work Around A Writing Slump

Let’s face it, writing can be difficult. Getting the right words down to form the necessary sentences and properly convey what we want to say can be it’s own adversary and we, as writers our own worst enemy. Even the most skilled writers can have days where they just can’t make the words appear on the page.

This is normal.

However, for us writers, it can be an excruciating process filled with frustration and agony. I know when I’m sitting down at my computer trying to write and I can’t form the sentences to convey what I’m trying to say, I can get REALLY irritated and it can ruin my whole day.

So, here are some tips on how to overcome a writing slump that I find useful.

1. Actually Writing

I know this seems like a no brainer, but as a writer, there are times when I’m just not in the mood to write, even though I know I have to. I think many writers feel this way. While writing is our passion, we don’t have to want to write twenty-four hours everyday. That can burn anyone out.

But, that being said, I think it is important to convince yourself to write when you’re stuck in a writing slump. Pushing yourself to write can be difficult (believe I know). But you’ll be happy that you did.

Even if it’s only 500-1,000 words at least you WROTE something. That’s the important part about writing. It doesn’t have to be ten plus pages or thousands of words. All it has to be is some work towards whatever goal you’re working on.

2. Allotting Time

This is very important for me when I’m having a writing slump. As a writer, if I’m not meeting the expectations I’ve placed on myself, then I feel like I’m failing. This, obviously isn’t true, and when I’m frustrated and trying to get those pages in, my writing is suffering.

So what I’ve started to do is set aside a specific amount of time for when I’m writing. If I’m having an off day I’ll give myself an hour (maybe two) depending on how I’m feeling that day. This gives me ample time to sort my words out and give writing for that day, a good attempt.

If, at the end of the hour or two, I’m still not finding the right words, I force myself to stop for the day or take a few hours off. This has saved me countless hours of writing pointless material that I’m just going to hate later.

Nobody likes to write for two whole hours, getting thousands of words down, only to have to delete it all later, because it wasn’t your best work.

3. Taking Necessary Breaks

Writing is time consuming. I’ve sat down at my computer for hours, getting only a few pages written or even less than a thousand words on the page.

It’s okay to take breaks. Depending on the type of person you are, you can decide what those breaks entail. Are they a couple of hours away from the computer screen? Or are they taking a much needed day or two and putting your efforts elsewhere?

For me, this tends of vary. I am not someone who has the capability to write all day long. My eyes end up hurting and truthfully, my creativity only lasts at a max of four hours before I have to stop. Between other priorities, writing can be exhausting. So, I take the necessary breaks for my mind to rejuvenate. Sometimes, this is a few hours on a weekend or I’ll take days off, needing to clear my mind of doubts or whatever else is stopping me from producing the type of content I know I’m capable of.

Taking the time to put my efforts somewhere else has always helped me improve my writing and get out of that “slump”. Sometimes I’ll go out with my friends or plan something fun with my family. And in doing that, I’ve found ideas that pop up that I am able to apply to my writing.

Sometimes a new perspective and a break is necessary for you to get out of that writing slump!

4. Change The Concept

I know this is something most writers don’t want to hear, but at times, it’s necessary.

Once I’ve put in a lot of work and effort towards a concept, the idea of changing it and starting over is aggravating. But, I also know when it’s time to change to something I am more passionate about.

The fact is, if you’re struggling with something so much, then chances are you might not be as invested in the idea as you think. Take a step back and consider if this is what you really want to write about or if you have another idea forming in the back of your mind that will prove to be less complicated.

I’ve changed things more times than I can count. It used to bother me a lot, writing pages upon pages of a concept, only to delete the entire thing and start anew. Now, that I’ve come to understand my second idea is usually better than my first, it doesn’t bother me as much. It has served me well in the past and I have been able to write without struggling so much.

There you have it! My four tips on how to overcome a writing slump. While these may seem simply and easy to apply, actually following through with them can be more challenging than you think.

Start off small and work your way towards finding a rhythm that works for you.

I hope you found that helpful! And remember, no matter what, keep writing! If it’s your passion, you’ll find a way to do it!