by  Jennifer Chastain,  @JenniferCwrites

Photo by Christian Erfurt on Unsplash

Ever feel like you’ve lost, or misplaced, for lack of a better word, your writing mojo?

I think we all go through seasons like this. One day, you’re sitting in front of your computer, the words are flowing and you’re on a roll. The next day, nothing. No words. You’ve done your homework, researched your characters and their occupations, interviewed them, outlined your story, even written a synopsis. You sit and stare at a blank screen. A blinking cursor is mocking you, daring you to write. You realize at this point that your creativity has walked off and left you. There are a lot of factors that can cause a writing slump. Unexpected changes in family or home life, a new job, kids, this crazy world we’re living in right now. The list is endless.

Sound familiar? It happened to me earlier this year. I was drained. No energy, no motivation to write. I had nothing left. Or so I thought.

For the past two years, I’ve kept a rigid writing schedule but realized the schedule wasn’t helping me but hurting me. An acquisition editor challenged me to take a day of rest. I was so busy taking care of everyone else that I completely neglected myself in the process.

So, I’ve taken a step back, been a little more flexible with my writing schedule and guess what? The ideas are starting to flow again.

Here are a few things that have helped regain some balance in my work, personal and writing life:

1. Sleep. This is my number one go-to solution. Take a nap, go to bed earlier or wake up later if you’re able. Being tired does absolutely nothing for creativity.
2. Rediscover your favorite author. Again. Return to a favorite story, with familiar characters. It’s like coming home after a long absence. 
3. Limit your social media. I know, as writers, we’re supposed to build our platforms but taking a break isn’t a bad thing. I rarely post on the weekends.
4. Watch a movie. I love the old film noir movies or I can get lost in a good light-hearted musical.

5. Do something for yourself – get a massage, a manicure or pedicure. Buy a new pair of shoes or splurge on a book series, a pair of earrings or a new nail polish color. 
6. Do something creative. Other than write. Sign up for a painting class with friends. 
7. Find your tribe! Join a writers group that will encourage you and/or pray with you as you navigate your writing journey.  
8. Give yourself some grace. I know, the world likes to tell us ladies that we can be Wonder Woman, but unrealistic expectations are creativity killers. Do what you can do, at this time in your life. Take each task one day at a time. Maybe you can’t write every day, but don’t give up. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill 
9. If you’re a believer, meditate on one verse of scripture that applies to your life or situation.  

I’m not saying this list is comprehensive, but it might spark an idea for you. Embrace your call to write. Find your balance. It’s difficult, but so worth the effort.

What I’m working on now: I have a three-book series that I was asked to edit – heavily – and then resubmit to an acquisition editor. I’ve also finished up a romantic suspense novel and am submitting that in the next couple of weeks for consideration.

Ever since she was a little girl, living in her small town in New York State, Jennifer has always been a voracious reader. Her dad’s job moved them to Charlotte, NC in her teen years, but the memories of growing up in a small community have stayed with her. A Yankee transplant, she has grown to love the grace and charm of the South. In fact, she even married a native Charlottean. Jennifer is a member of ACFW, ACFW-NC, and Novel Academy. Several of her other stories were finalists in the Blue Ridge Mountains Foundations contest and she was a finalist in the Touched by Love contest, sponsored by the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of RWA. Her contemporary romance stories contain themes of redemption, grace, and forgiveness.  A hopeful romantic, Jennifer loves dark chocolate, Diet Coke, old movies and a good romantic movie. Growing up in the snowy North, Christmas has always been her favorite holiday, with the scents of cinnamon, vanilla, and pine scenting the air. She and her husband have been married for over 25 years and they are permitted to co-exist with their black rescue cat. Find her at: https://linktr.ee/CarolinaGirl94