How to Keep On Keeping On

Something I've been struggling with lately, is writing the first draft of my main WIP.

Specifically, how to keep writing it.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore my WIP. But lately, I've just felt stuck on it.

So today, I'm going to give you all some tips on how to keep on writing when you feel stuck or drained of inspiration.

Taking a break is not always the right thing to do.

While many people will tell you that if you're having writer's block or just struggling with writing, you should take a break, I don't think that's the best option.

When you take a break, you're not exercising your writing muscle at all—unless you're doing something to specifically do that.

While there are times when we need to take breaks, that shouldn't always be your first plan of action.

I've found, at least for me, that the more breaks I take, the harder it is to get out of those breaks.

And while you definitely need to take breaks sometimes, when you have trouble continuing your writing, taking a break might not always be the best choice.

What could we do instead?

Plot.

If you're someone who doesn't plot out their novels a ton except for the basic plot—like me—or someone who doesn't plot at all, taking a break from the actual writing and taking some time to write out your plot might be helpful.

When you know where you're going with your scenes, it's usually easier to write them. I know it helps me.

And, while you're not technically "writing", you aren't taking a break from writing because you're still working on your book. You're still making progress.

Make aesthetic boards.

If you're lacking inspiration, I always find one way to regain it is to make aesthetic boards or videos of your WIP or the characters in it.

Basically, these are just a bunch of photos that embody your character or WIP and you can make a collage with them.

Pinterest is a great place to find photos.

And when you make aesthetic boards, often you'll find your inspiration returning. Sometimes it even helps you get a better handle on your character's personality or the theme of your WIP.

Skip a section.

This is probably the handiest trick in the book.

If you're struggling to write a certain scene, skip it and move on.

I've mentioned this before, but all you need to do is put what's supposed to happen in that scene in brackets [like this], and then skip over it and write what comes next in your story.

This has helped me so many times when I'm stuck. Sometimes I want to continue writing, but I just don't want to write the scene that comes next in the story. If I skip that scene and put what's supposed to happen in brackets, it allows me to move on in the story and still continue it without having to force myself to write a scene I have no idea how to execute at that moment.

Write something else.

If you're really uninspired and just can't write any more of your main WIP, move on and write something different. Write something you feel inspired to write, whether that be a side WIP, a one-shot, a short story, or just a random scene.

I've mentioned this before. Any writing is good for you.

If you're really stuck on your book, just take a break from that and write something else.

Whatever you do, just try to keep on keeping on.

This is our goal.

Like I said before in my blog post about first drafts, your first draft only needs to exist. You just have to write it. It doesn't matter if it's good or not. It only matters that it exists.

To finish a first draft, I guarantee you will have to write when you don't want to.

If you really need to, take a break.

There are just some times when we've written all we can write.

Everyone needs a break sometimes.

Even though taking a break should not be your first resort, sometimes it's your best choice.

Forcing yourself to write when you're completely burned out of inspiration and motivation can be impossible—or at least very difficult.

Sometimes it's good to take a step back, give yourself a break.

Use your judgement. If you need a break, take it. And don't feel like you're any less of a writer just because you needed one.

I hope you found this post helpful!

Keep on keeping on, writers. You can do it. I believe in you.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to send me a message in the contact bar below.

As always, happy writing!

-Jocelyn