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Don't Stop Writing
by Bob Valleau Have you ever felt like chucking the whole writing bit? Do you tire of trying to write something when nothing comes to mind? Does keeping a constant writing routine drag you down? Has the joy of writing dwindled or robbed you completely of inspiration? If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, it's time for a gut-check. Most writers, at some point, fall into that dreaded rut of the doldrums. Some people have said that writing is a journey, a quest to self-discovery. But how can it be when you've tried to conjure up another piece after the creative well has run dry, or you're just plain bored with the whole writing scene? Here are three ideas that may help save your sinking ship of imaginative thought and turn your writing from a frustrating foe into a worthy challenger again. Dream big. Try to think "outside the box." For instance, if you are writing an article about a certain topic and you think it's been well-covered in the past, think of a different angle -- no matter how strange or bizarre. Writing a novel and got stuck? Put your characters in a different situation. How would they respond? What would they think or feel? Write it all down, even if you don't use any of it in your story. Or, imagine you are the greatest writer of all time. What would you want to convey to others? As a Christian writer, that's easy to answer. But what avenue would your writing take to convey a message of love, hope or joy? Song? Poetry? Novel? Article? Do things differently. Sometimes you need a break, and that's okay. Schedule a writing sabbatical. A little R&R can rejuvenate the senses and rekindle your passion. Just be sure to return to your writing at some point. If no sabbatical, then try writing in a different location. Sometimes changing your environment can help kick-start your creativity. Join a local or online writer's group for sharing ideas, developing relationships and gaining support. Determine to write something. Today's technology can aid you in your writing quest. Join Twitter and see if you can convey something worthwhile within the limited characters they allow. Start a blog on a topic that interests you or that others may find interesting. Write in a journal any free-flowing ideas, feelings or thoughts. Write about anything and everything no matter if it makes sense or not. Visit your favorite web sites, and if they have a place to leave a comment or want a reader's response, then do so. Sharing your point-of-view on a particular topic or entering an online discussion may lead you to a plethora of new ideas. As a writer, the journey of self-discovery, or the desire to help others along the way, may be fraught with pitfalls, detours and unexpected delays. But you can overcome them. Whatever you do, however, just don't stop writing. Bob Valleau has over 30 years of writing experience for the Christian market. He was once named Christian Writer of the Year (San Antonio, Texas) by the American Christian Writers Association. He is the author of four books. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |