By Nick K., @Nickesque
Most days I love to write. Then there are those days, weeks and sometimes, I’m sorry to admit, months, where I’ve been in a writing slump. Whether it’s writer’s block or just plain procrastination, writer’s slump can be disastrous, especially on a deadline. I’ve learned that the sooner I realize I’m in a slump, the easier it is to get back on track.
So, look around your writing space. Is it too neat? Have you alphabetized your craft books, bookshelf, and to-read pile? Are there more than three empty Caffe Bene, or Starbucks cups in your trash can? Have you organized your photos, color-coded your file folders and renamed every document on your laptop? You may be in a slump.
While these may be symptoms of a slump, the true test is to see how long it’s been since you wrote more than 300 words. More than a week and you aren’t plotting, editing or on vacation? You may be in a slump. If dust has taken up residence on your laptop, there is no way you’ve been writing. If so, wipe off the dust, power on the laptop and get to writing.
Better yet, don’t let it get that far. There are many things you can do to avoid a writer’s slump. Some of my favorites include:
1. Keep a Word Count Chart: When on a deadline, a word count chart with daily and weekly goals is a must have. There’s nothing technical about this. No need to order a fancy one online. Just write it on a notepad, calendar (only if it’s visible when you sit at your writing space) or Post-it notes.
My chair faces two monthly chalkboard-style calendar whiteboards leaning against my wall. They are the first things I see before I turn my laptop on. That’s where I write freelance deadlines, goals and word counts. Because I like color, different whiteboard markers indicate each project’s deadlines and word counts. Post-it notes also work with the added satisfaction in pulling each one off when the goal is met, which is the next tip.
2. Set Goals: Make them small – at least at first. Break them into achievable portions. This is especially true if you’ve been in a slump, but equally applicable when starting a project. A goal of 10,000 words per day for 30 days sets you up to fail.
10,000 words is a roll, not a goal. When achieved, celebrate it but don’t demand it. Increase your goal to a reasonable number (there is no magic number) and then think of it like interval training and change the goal up some days so you get mini breaks.
3. Overachieve: The good thing about setting smaller goals is surpassing them. Overachieving creates a feeling of success, which, in turn, empowers you to keep writing. Overachieving isn’t limited to word counts but includes everything from plotting to editing.
4. Write what you like: It is much easier to stay motivated if you love what you are writing about. Plot twists, characters, and narrative come much easier when you are excited about them.
If your friends buy you biscuit tins and oversized hats for every occasion, you might want to set your story in England, which leads to the next tip.
5. Engage: Writers need writers. We are the only ones who understand why we talk to ourselves and write snippets of conversations or descriptions of people on napkins. Writing friends encourage each other, hold each other accountable, help each other and, celebrate and cry with each other.
And, of course, don’t give up because someone out there needs to hear your story, even if that someone is just you.
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A Frasier Bronze Medalist, Rattler finalist and Splickety Love finalist, Nick writes contemporary, speculative and modern-day adaptations of Biblical stories with a touch of romance, as well as Christian living, Bible studies, and devotionals. You can find her on Twitter & Instagram and at nickesque.com.