10 Things to Do When You Can't Write
Many of us were taught that to be a serious you need to write every single day. That’s nonsense even when life is going smoothly. And every writer goes through phases when it’s difficult or impossible to write. Illness, a new baby, or simply marketing your latest project can pull away energy and attention. It’s normal. And even good. So often when I’m working with a writer that’s struggling to revise a manuscript, I recommend taking time away from the project, but it can be hard to resist the feeling that we should rush to the finish line. If you can, try to see this time as a nudge from the universe or even an invitation to let things unfold in their own time.
Our writing is meant to grow and change with us, and our writing process is meant to grow and change right alongside it. Sometimes that means taking time away from writing to focus on life. Here are a few ways to take a pause with intention and peace of mind. (Note: Putting pressure on yourself is not on the list.)
Continue to think of yourself as a writer. Spend free time at a bookstore or read before bed each night. Introduce yourself as a writer, even if you can’t write now. Keep that mindset.
Make a list of all the projects you’ve finished. It’s a way to remind yourself of all you’re capable of, but it’s also a chance to reflect and notice patterns in your work. How have you grown? What themes keep coming up for you? What work do you still have ahead of you?
Take notes. You might get an idea as you’re reading or while you’re driving. Scribble it down, but don’t feel like you need to act on it immediately. Put all your notes in one place and plan to return to them when you can focus, organize, and attend to them. That might be when this pause is done or periodically throughout the pause, like once a week when you know you’ll have 20 minutes to yourself.
Journal (like a normie not a writer). Let yourself write a word at a time. Or in list form. Or in long rambling sentences. Use your journal as a place to complain and worry. Or try using it to write affirmations and visualize a positive future. No one else needs to read it. You don’t need to sell it. You don’t even need to fill every page. Just let yourself write.
And give yourself permission to not write anything at all. Trust that you’re in the right place at the right time, and you’re growing in ways you can’t see. I know that’s easier said than done, but I promise when you return to your work, it will feel easier and more meaningful.
Use this time as a chance to get into something new. Don’t know anything about flowers? Visit a nursery. Curious about horses? Buy a riding magazine. Want to learn a new craft? Try something you can do with your hands. I promise you will learn something about your creativity.
Satisfying your productivity demon by working on something that doesn’t require a lot of concentration. Update your website. Query agents. Take a class. Give your desk a little makeover. It will feel good to get something done and you’ll feel more prepared to return to your deeper work when it’s time.
Leave in the middle of a project or in between projects. Either way is ok. It can be nice to know what you want to work on next, so if you do have a surprise pocket of time, you can jump right in without having to think about it. Stick a note on your computer, so you can easily pick up where you left off.
Schedule recovery time if you can. Whatever is pulling away from your writing most likely requires attention and energy. You may need some time to rest and reflect when you’re done. What does this look like in real life? Giving yourself time to grief after a loved one dies. Easing back into work after a big move. Loosening your grip on your morning routine and taking time to see what feels good right now. Rushing will only add stress to your writing process. It will not make it faster or easier. I repeat, don’t rush back. It will not help.
Notice when you find yourself longing to write. It’s painful, but it’s a good sign too. It means writing is important to you, and you’ll return to your practice better understanding why you write and feeling more committed.
