Good Old Fashioned Writer's Block
So, if I am being truthfully honest, I was drawing a blank about what to write for this blog post. I have way too much going on in my mind right now to concentrate. Yes, I have talked about trying to find inspiration, attempting to fight writer's block, and even creative outlets such as writing prompts, and short stories. However, when you need to take a break from actual writing here are some ideas.
Movie Marathon: Nothing gives my brain a break more than binge-watching my favorite series of movies or even a television series. Let's just say Netflix is my best friend.
Video Games: I personally am a nerd and love playing a good video game. My personal favorites are Stardew Valley, Minecraft, Call of Duty, and Story of Seasons. However, if something short gains your interest, candy crush and other games on your phone can do the same thing.
Reading: I love to get some hot tea or coffee and snuggle in my pajamas with a good read. I have often even read some of my favorite books over again. (Harry Potter- of course, Feed, Under The Never Sky) The list goes on and on.
The Niche Ideas: I love some Pottery Works. There is just something about finding something cool there to paint and make your own. Speaking of, I am always up to try one of those painting classes.
As wonderful as it is to find ways to recharge your creative side, there is always the question, Why am I facing writer's block? So let's talk about that.
Motivation: A lack of motivation can stem from several places. Working a crazy schedule for your daytime job, numerous family activities, and simply general things in life that take up the energy we had for writing in the first place. At the end of a long day or even a long week, we sit down to write and find that the motivation we previously had is gone.
Ideas: Has your idea supply gone dry? This is a problem for so many writers. My suggestion is to keep a notebook with you because you never know when an idea will come to you. I even keep one in my nightstand just in case, because let's face it, I'm not going to remember to write it down later.
The feeling of Failure: Something that unfortunately is not talked about enough, is how difficult it is to build momentum as a writer. After putting so much effort into creating something so special, writers put it out into the world hoping that it will catch on and take off. (Believe me, we all have the same dream. I know I did.) Realistically, we snap to autopilot, checking out daily sales sheets to get excited when we sell just one book. After so much time, writers start to give up, feeling like a failure for not having taken the reading world by storm. If you are one of these writers, who is about to give up, please don't. As difficult as this is to hear, you need to keep writing, keep promoting yourself and put more books out. You have a higher chance of growing your audience if you have more books out there. I promise you. I know people doing it right now! We have all been in the place you are now and if you keep at it, you too will have readers asking when your next book is coming.
These may not be for everyone, but when I find that I am drawing a blank I need to give my mind a break to allow my creative side to recharge. There are tons of other options like sports, traveling or even for people that need to do something physical like exercise.
I hope this helps you and allows you to recharge!