When A Writer Can’t Write

What To Do When The Well Runs Dry

I’m fresh out of ideas. There, I said it. That’s right, I got nothing. Not a damn thing. And for a writer that normally has a lot to say, this is a scary place to be. I mean, hey, if I don’t write, I don’t get paid. And if I don’t get paid, I can’t buy wine and treats. Plus I just adopted a big ass puppy that needs feeding. I also have a husband and a son that like to eat. Oh, and I like to eat. I like to eat a lot.

So, here I am, with the dreaded writer’s block. Sitting here looking out the window at yet another snowstorm with not a damn thing to say. The well is dry. I’ve exhausted the wonderful true love story my hubby and I share. The young love’s dream, pain, and reunion trope is played out. The hottish middle-aged woman being bugged by older fellas is even older. Sorry folks, I got nothing, nada, zip and zilch.

I suppose I should just shut up and watch my stats drop to nothing. I could adjust the wine and treats budget to accommodate the downturn. Let’s be honest, I could stand less of both. Or I could do something constructive. Since I’m not really interested in self-deprivation, I’ll go with constructive.

I’ve been here before. I’ve been here many times. Creativity is like a well, it can run dry. There are times that it just flows and flows without effort. And then, there are droughts. It’s natural. You can’t be “on” all the time.

This begs the question, what do we do when we’re off? Here are my top tips:

1. Read: That’s right, read. And when you’re done reading, read some more. Read books, read magazines, read stories from other writers on Medium. Read, read, read! To write one must read, so read. Read things you like. read things that are out of your comfort zone. I don’t care what you read, just read. I’ve gotten ideas for some of my most successful stories from reading someone else’s work.
2. Just Stop: Remember the old 9–5? Remember the weekend and that glorious 2-week vacation? Do you know why we get them? I’ll tell you; it’s because nobody can work effectively without a break. Take a break. I know it’s scary, especially when you’re working for yourself, but we all need to recharge. Let yourself rest. Sleep. Play. Eat. Just do other stuff and come back refreshed and stronger than ever.
3. Go Out: Yeah, yeah, I know. I don’t like this one either. I like going out, I just don’t like going out and mixing with other people. But, and hear me out, walking away from the laptop and going out is not only life-affirming, but it can also give you material. Going out into nature inspires me. A sunrise, a sunset, the look of the snow on the trees, it all inspires me. And if all that fails, go to Walmart, someone is liable to give you writing fodder. It might be the lecherous middle-aged man in the line trying to get your phone number, or the super-rude and entitled Karen who is livid about the Tim Hortons coffee being $3 more expensive than it was last week. Either way, who cares, if it gives you a spark, yippee!
4. Forgive Yourself: We’re writers, but we’re also human. We need breaks. We need rest. The literary world, nor the online world will collapse if we step away for a day or two. Balance is good. It’s necessary. Nobody wants to read something by a one-dimensional writer who never lived. So go, live! And when you’re done, we’ll be here to read all about it.

If you like my work, free free to buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/mistyrae