The lovely and talented writer Carrie Mumford recently wrote a blog about journaling (http://www.carriemumford.com/why-i-stopped-journaling/) that got me thinking about the craft of writing and how it requires so much more than flashes of inspiration.
When I was in elementary school, I tried to write in a journal every night. The entries went something like this: “Dear Diary, today my crush pulled my hair in class. I think he likes me! I like him sooo much.” Or, “Dear Diary, my little sister is so annoying sometimes! She embarrassed me so much in front of my super cool friends today.”
I know, it’s the stuff of literary genius, truly. After three journals, I gave up because I just couldn’t be bothered to write on a regular basis. As I got older though, I found that I would have moments where I felt utterly compelled to put my thoughts to paper – usually to sort through a big decision, cope with a hard time, or record a brilliant (?) “aha moment.”
Writing is a huge part of my life now, but I find that the hardest aspect of writing content that you actually want to share with the world is the discipline it requires. Because I used to write only when I felt inspired, forcing myself to write when I’m not can sometimes feel like a monumental task.
The authors I work with continue to inspire me with their dedication to their work. Sometimes, no matter how much you would rather be hanging out with your “super cool friends,” you have to lay down the law with yourself.
The following are five ways to help push through a lack of inspiration and just get writing:
1. Bribe yourself. I’m way more likely to sit down at my desk and write if I first make myself a vanilla latte and turn on some jazz music. Create an appealing environment to write in.
2. Routine, routine, routine. I may write about freelancing to freedom, but routine can be absolutely necessary. Whether it’s 15 minutes every Monday morning or 5 hours a day for 5 days a week, dedicate a specific chunk of time to writing on a regular basis and don’t let anything disrupt it.
3. Write without a filter. Turning off my “editor brain” is probably my biggest challenge when I’m writing, but it’s impossible to produce anything if you’re constantly evaluating what you’re producing. Write, then edit.
4. Try writing exercises to open up your creativity. Here’s one of my favourites: write down twenty or thirty words on individual pieces of paper and put them in a hat. Then pick out two words, set a timer for ten minutes, and write about the connection between the two words – the more outlandish the better. You might be amazed at what your brain comes up with when forced to think outside the box.
5. Smile, take a deep breath, and remember all the reasons why you like to write in the first place. Did you love making up stories when you were young? See if you can get back to a place of childlike enthusiasm.
Writing can be very hard work, but in the end, it’s a craft that requires passion.
Song of the Week: “Idle Moments” – Grant Green
Namaste 🙂
Rachel
Freelancing to Freedom 
I like the idea of connecting two words. Free writing which people say is good does nothing for me. I need something more focused, and that may be it.
Jim
By: redjim99 on December 10, 2012
at 1:59 pm
I like this technique better than free writing too, Jim!
By: faultlessfinish on December 11, 2012
at 2:04 pm
I especially love the “Create an appealing environment to write in,” pointer. There is something special about having a space where you’re free to be creative.
By: colecrook on December 10, 2012
at 2:07 pm
Agreed – somewhere you can escape to! Thanks for stopping by Cole 🙂
By: faultlessfinish on December 11, 2012
at 2:05 pm
Really helpful!
I still journal though. I just call it “writing a memoir” now 🙂
By: Chris Brooks on December 10, 2012
at 3:03 pm
Thanks Chris! I still keep a journal too – I’m just not very disciplined about it haha. Who knows, maybe your journal will become the next best seller!
By: faultlessfinish on December 11, 2012
at 2:07 pm
I like number three. Write without a filter. I find if I turn off the editor brain I write more. I will edit in my second and thrid drafts. I cannot edit what I don’t write. Sometimes just “production,” produces results. Love the Jazz track on your site.
By: lylenicholson on December 10, 2012
at 3:08 pm
I like that – “I cannot edit what I don’t write.” So true! Are you a big jazz fan?
By: faultlessfinish on December 11, 2012
at 2:08 pm
Hi Rachel; Yes, big Jazz fan. Favorite track, Miles Davis, “So What.”
By: lylenicholson on December 12, 2012
at 7:25 am
Thanks for the additional motivation! I try to be conscious of turning off my editor brain until I’ve got down whatever it is I am trying to say. And that’s a challenge! However, the beautiful snow-capped mountain pic is inspirational,for sure! : )
By: gwendominica on December 10, 2012
at 4:19 pm
Thanks Gwen 🙂 Your photos always inspire me!
By: faultlessfinish on December 11, 2012
at 2:08 pm
[…] 5 Ways to Get in the Writing Groove (freelancingtofreedom.com) […]
By: On Journals « What If It All Means Something on December 13, 2012
at 2:23 am
Your so right about the Hard work and passion. You need both. My biggest problem is beleiving that someone would actually pay to read my stuff, given how many million other would be writers there are out there.
By: countingducks on December 14, 2012
at 1:39 pm
It’s true that there are many, many writers out there, but no one with your unique style 🙂
By: faultlessfinish on December 14, 2012
at 5:00 pm
[…] 5 Ways to Get in the Writing Groove (freelancingtofreedom.com) […]
By: A Prologue | Miss Capla on December 16, 2012
at 12:40 pm
Thanks so much for mentioning my post, Rachel! And thank you for the tips. I especially like #5: it’s a good reminder for those days when writing feels like work 🙂
By: Carrie Mumford on December 23, 2012
at 9:22 pm