One of the things we talk about a lot around here is that there is no “right” way to do anything when it come to writing, and especially when it come to our writing processes.
HOWEVER…when we get stuck, or don’t know how to start (which is, by the way, super common and happens to everyone!) it is a slippery slope down into a mindset that will keep us stuck, and keep our stories from ever getting on the page.
I had an amazing conversation with from Writer-ish about how to manage these moments, and even how to prepare for them in advance. Because the truth is this: it will happen. You will get stuck. I get stuck all of the time. And yet it is possible to move through these moments with grace and compassion for ourselves and come out on the other side ready to let those stories out into the world.
We called these “Micro Wins” because they are small actions, but they can truly make a hug difference. Let’s jump right in!
Micro Win #1: Stay Curious (Darien)
If you're hitting the wall with your creative work, shift into a place of curiosity. What's happening with the manuscript or the work? What questions do you have (or does your work have for you)? Letting go of the process for one moment allows some fresh perspective to flow in.
Try This: Set the timer for five minutes and come up with a list that begins with "What if..." and see what shows up. It might be about form ("What if I wrote this as a list instead of a narrative?") or it might be about a character ("What if I made aunt Claire a composite of all the difficult aunts?").
Micro Win #2: Know Your Why (Stephanie)
Get to the roots of why you want to write in general and why you want to write a specific piece. This will help rekindle your enthusiasm and also clear up any confusion that might be keeping you stuck.
Try this: Freewrite for a few minutes about why you want to write this piece (or in general). Give it at least a full page, because the answer may surprise you.
Micro Win #3: Trust Your Creative Wisdom (Darien)
You know more than you realize, even about this writing "thing," this publishing "thing," this community "thing." Trust your lived experience that brought you to this moment. You've been reading and writing, and you know (and are getting to know) your own unique voice. Trust that you can find the answers you need.
Try This: Write down the top 3-5 writing projects that you are working on (could be a book or individual poems, whatever comes to mind). Look at them for a moment, then close your eyes and take a deep breath. Take another. Now ask yourself, "Which project do I want to work on right now? Which project feels important in this moment?" If the word "should" comes up, open your eyes and start again. It may feel scary but I invite you to lean into what YOU are telling yourself you WANT to do, not what you should do. Listen and trust your creative wisdom.
Micro Win #4: Manage Your Thinking (Stephanie)
The voice in your head telling you that you are not capable of writing (for whatever reason) is simply the primitive part of your brain trying to keep you safe. Hear the thoughts, acknowledge them, and then let them go.
Try this: Write a list of 3-5 neutral statements about yourself as a writer (such as "I know how to write words.") Practice saying them in response to those nagging thoughts when they come up.
Micro Win #5: Fast Draft It (Darien)
Sometimes in order to get out of your own way, you just gotta make a run for it. In other words, fast draft whatever it is you are trying to create. Fast drafting isn't just about working fast, it's about outrunning our inner critic and any second guessing. It's about getting the ideas or scenes down fast enough that you might see more possibilities with the work than you anticipated.
Try this: Set a timer for 30 minutes and clarify what you want to get done. Then... do it. Don't research or rewrite, don't delete or go backwards. With fast drafting, we only go forward. Don't stop until the timer goes off. If 30 minutes feels like too much, try 20. Push yourself to keep the pen moving or your hands on the keyboard, even if you're rewriting the same sentence over and over again. Don't stop to think—just write.
Bonus: Read more on fast drafting on Brevity here.
Micro Win #6: Make It Playful (Stephanie)
Find ways to make the process of writing playful for yourself. Taking the work too seriously, especially at the drafting stage, is a quick way to find yourself stuck. Find ways to enjoy the process, whether it's giving yourself rewards or drinking a special tea reserved for writing time.
Try this: Brainstorm a list of 3-5 playful things you can do to liven up your writing practice. Then give them each a try for a few sessions and see what sticks.
As with everything you find here on Writing From the Ground Up, take what resonates with you and leave the rest. But I urge you to, at the very least, take Darien’s first piece of advice: stay curious. Which of these strategies might be worth a try?
“We don’t have to earn grace for ourselves as writers.”
- Stephanie Dethlefs
What is one takeaway from our discussion that you might try out?
I’ll talk with you soon!
Warmly,
Stephanie
P.S. I’ll be here when you’re ready. 🌻
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