10 Ways to Keep Your Writing Passion Burning

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Writers are encouraged to wrap themselves in passion for their projects. And rightfully so. The definition of passion is enthusiasm or zeal that places something as a priority. The passionate person is willing to make sacrifices, and in the religious sense, to die if necessary, for their commitment or belief. We might not be ready to die for our writing, but we certainly want the zeal and enthusiasm needed to complete our calling.

What does that mean for writers who have lost interest in their craft? How do they regain their passion? 

Look at the following ways to keep a writerly fire burning.

1. Recognize if your desire to continue writing is trending toward burnout and choose to do the work to find out why.

2. Take a break. Yes, step back from the writing. Give yourself permission for a vacation. A writer doesn’t create his/her best when operating on a weary body and mind.

3. Let your mind wander. There’s wisdom in kicking down the doors to our self-imposed box. Do new ideas spark your attention? Has your interest in the subject matter taken a new direction?

4. Journal your contemplations. Record the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of your thoughts. Does your writing need a fresh vision? Are you bored? Is time management an issue? Do you feel your writing is merely repetition of what you’ve previously done? Do you need a sabbatical? Would a class addressing a specific aspect of the writing and publishing industry rekindle your enthusiasm?

5. Spend time praying, thinking, and reflecting on what you listed in numbers 3 and 4. What thing or things do you perceive as the root of the problem?

6. Confide in a trusted friend or family member about your dilemma. Sometimes talking through a problem brings about valid solutions.

7. Decide the best course of action for you as a person, your personality, genre, style, voice, and stage in life. Contemplate the decision(s) for at least a day before taking action.

8. List solutions for your lack of passion. How can you implement the one(s) that serves you best? Do you require professional assistance?

9. Locate the resources necessary to help you move forward. Strive for balance.

10. Do the work. Courageous writing means finding answers to problems.

Have you ever lost your enthusiasm for writing? How did you regain your passion?

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DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. 

She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson. Connect here: DiAnnMills.com