Lindsay Harrel, @LindsayHarrel

I started off 2019 feeling great. I had taken the month of December off of writing after drafting a book in four months. I’d spent several days filling out the My Brilliant Writing Planner I’d received for my birthday. I had a plan for diving back into working on my next book and making it a fabulously productive year.

And then, in early January, my beloved grandmother passed away. I spent nearly 10 days out of state, spending her last days next to her bedside, then helping around the house while funeral arrangements were made, then attending the funeral. Those were strange days—and definitely hadn’t been part of the agenda I’d outlined in the planner.

Not only that, but even once I returned, my routine was off. My husband was one of the furloughed federal workers, and while it was so nice to have him home with us, it was just different than the norm.

Then, my kids and husband got sick.

And all the while, I felt more and more drained. Grief does that naturally, but I think that the fact it was winter (my least favorite season, even though I live in Phoenix where it doesn’t snow) and that I’m an extreme lover of routine was not insignificant in making me feel the way I did:

Down.

A bit depressed.

Heavy.

And all the while, I’ve known I have a deadline looming. So it means that not working isn’t really an option, at least a long-term one.

But how do you keep writing when you feel drained emotionally? When you have nothing left to give—or feel that way, at least?

Here are four things that have helped me to make progress on my wip even in the midst of life’s trials:

1. Spend time praying in the morning.

As a Christian, and especially an author of Christian fiction, ultimately my faith is my inspiration. But even if you aren’t spiritual, the art of meditating every morning can help you to focus on what you need to do that day. For me, spending time praying and studying Scripture gives me a chance to connect with God. It also brings me a sense of peace, reminding me how often my perspective isn’t on what matters eternally.

2. Take breaks when you need them.

Even though I can’t take weeks off at a time, I can still allow myself mini breaks here and there. When building your schedule for the week, give yourself some breathing room. Remember that you aren’t at 100%, so don’t expect yourself to be able to work as long or as hard as you normally might. If you happen to be feeling good one day and want to work longer or harder than you’ve planned, great! That will help to cover the days when you just need to curl up and read instead of putting words on a page. Examine and discover what you need in this time, because everyone’s needs are different. Above all, be kind to yourself and remember that recharging your batteries is an important part of healing and giving yourself space emotionally.

3. Do a little at a time.

They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, right? Well, a book isn’t written in a day either (and if it was, I’d wager it wouldn’t be a very good one!). This advice is true any time, but especially when our emotional energy is low. On the days when you feel you have nothing to give, dig deep and find just 10-15 minutes of time—and be consistent. Often you’ll find that 15 turns into 30, 30 turns into 45, etc. Move forward a smidgeon at a time and eventually you’ll reach your goal—and hopefully not get too exhausted in the process.

4. Don’t be afraid to embrace your emotions.

The great thing about writing fiction is that it often becomes an outlet for our emotions, whatever those may be. I’m finding solace in writing my next book, which ironically (or not…hey, God) is about grief. I have somewhere safe to express my emotions. But don’t feel like you have to pretend to be okay. You don’t. Bottling emotions is never a good thing. Own them and find freedom in their expression.