Summer break is my writing sweet spot. Two months where I can focus on crafting a new novel or polishing an existing project.
At the start of summer 2016, I set several goals to conquer by August 1. One was to write the last half of my novel, Shutter, and another was to complete revisions on another manuscript, A Twisted Fate. I used the same strategy to prepare for my writing sessions, including music, coffee, and snacks. I jotted down major plot points for each scene and established a specific word count goal for the day.
But nothing happened.
With each passing writing session, each passing day without making progress, I became more frustrated. I started overthinking the creative process and tried forcing words and scenes to appear, only to find this strategy had the opposite effect.
By July it became obvious, I needed a different approach. So, I unplugged my thumb drive. I stepped away from the desk, the story, and my old strategies, and searched for a new path to bring back my writing mojo.
What else did I do?
Worked out: I poured my energy into fitness. Whether it was conquering a new challenge at the Crossfit gym (I still hate burpees and box jumps), or tackling my daily step count for the day, I moved forward mentally and physically.
Read: I dove into my huge to-be-read pile and enjoyed reading books from different authors and genres.
Gained Inspiration from others: I love Instagram. There are so many people out there who motivate me with their talents and creativity. Some of my favorite feeds are Rachel Hollis (who I was thrilled to meet this summer at the RWA conference), Shay Cochrane, Megan McQueen, Michelle Seivers, and Mindfully Gray.
Traveled: I took some amazing trips this summer, including one to San Diego for the RWA conference and another to Portland, Oregon, to spend time with lifelong friends.
Explored: I made time to explore the beauty around me and captured these moments in photos. In the process, my passion for photography grew and now I have a visual journal to remember each place.
What’s the status on getting my writing mojo back?
Well, August has turned to September and I’m still overthinking the storyline, still shuffling my way through writing the ending to Shutter. However, I gained something bigger from my time away from the desk.
I learned that one approach isn’t always the best. A detour off the usual path can provide a wealth of ideas, ones for describing a setting, crafting unique traits in my characters, and brainstorming intriguing plots.
Now when I sit down to write, I have a renewed perspective, a calmness that wasn’t present before. Perhaps the most valuable thing I learned during this time away – just WRITE!
Regardless if I wrote 500 words to describe a character’s backstory, a critique for another author, a book review, or a blog post, I was still growing as a writer.
What’s your best approach to stir up ideas when the creativity pool runs dry?
Featured photos courtesy of Stephanie Taylor.
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Word by Word 
Inspiring and motivating post! I’m bookmarking it for future reference. Thanks Stephanie! 🙂
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Thanks! So glad you liked the post, Joanne!
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I’ve had periods when I’ve had to stop writing for a while and I’ve done some of the things you have. I also took classes. The muscle comes back! Hugs!!!
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Glad to hear you did the same thing, Vicki. Now that the muscle is working, I can’t keep up 🙂 Hugs back at ya!
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Hey Steph, great post! It sounds like you’ve given yourself plenty of inspiration for writing- when you’re ready! I’ve found I waste more time when I’m forcing the words and then just have to go back and delete, than if I’d waited for them to flow.
What helps me is to write in different genres. If one storyline isn’t coming to me, quite often another will.
Good books that I can lose myself in help also. And it’s a painless way to learn techniques!
Good luck, my friend, you’ve got this!
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Thanks, Jacquie! I really like the idea of writing in different genres. I might have to give it a try. I appreciate the pep talk, my friend 🙂
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Thanks for sharing your journey, Steph! Finding our way isn’t always easy, but you’ve proven that it can be great fun. By the way, I’m so jealous of your Oregon Coast visit. It’s been a few years since I was there, and I miss it so 🙂
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Thanks, Kathryn! It was my 1st time there and I’ll definitely return.
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Hey, Steph. Great post. Isn’t it funny how sometimes our plans just go awry. Like you, I was going to release my next book. As you know, with a broken ankle I spent the time catching up on my TBR list. That really was the most fun. I could read without feeling guilty! Sounds like you had some super times. I agree with Kathryn. The Oregon Coast is gorgeous. Glad things are cooking for you again. We have to remember to replenish our souls in order to pour out our souls in our books.I’ve shared. 🙂
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Thank you, Marsha! So glad to hear how others have tackled the same problem. I appreciate you for sharing your thoughts and my post.
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What a lovely post, Steph. I loved hearing about your journey!
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Thank you, Sharon!
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Great ideas for inspiration, Stephanie! Glad you had a restful and soul-feeding summer!
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Reblogged this on Jeannie Hall Suspense and commented:
Get Your Writing Mojo Back!
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