6 Ways to Beat the Writing Blues

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

There's not a writer alive who hasn't sat in front of their computer and stared at a blank screen. It doesn't matter if they are a novice or a well-seasoned and successful writer. Sometimes, life pushes in directions that cause us to question ourselves and our calling.

It's important to remember that you aren't the only one in this dark hole. Finding ways to pull yourself out and renew your excitement for writing is key.

What draws a writer down? Many things can take a writer from the soaring highs to the deepest lows. Sometimes, it is family life, illness, or rejection. At other times, it's exhaustion, a sense of self-worth, or writer's block. Whatever drags you down is something any writer should address immediately. 

Beat the Writing Blues with These 6 Ideas:

1. Rest: One of the most common things that bring a writer to their knees is exhaustion. Our world pushes us to the edge daily, throwing more and more "stuff" for us to do or participate in. If you have a young family, you're torn between your writing and managing the multiple extracurricular things your children are a part of. Perhaps you manage a high-stress job and a family. There is so much, but taking time to rest is vital. Rest holds true not just for writing but for your health in general. Make time to relax. Go to bed earlier. Sit quietly. Turn off the television and your phone. Take time to remember peace and quiet. Our bodies need to recuperate.

2. Walk: There's nothing better than a short walk. Walking provides exercise and helps raise your heart rate, improve circulation, and move blood and oxygen to your brain. The more oxygen that circulates the body, the more energy and clarity you have – all things necessary to the writer. As writers, we tend to sit at our desks for hours. Set a timer, get up, and move every two hours. Allow yourself the opportunity to stretch and get moving. When you sit back down, you'll notice a big difference in how you work. 

3. Practice Affirmation: When we hit those funks, our heads sometimes allow negative thoughts to creep in. Once those "I can'ts" or "I'm not good enough" hit, breaking the negative cycle is hard. Practice good affirmations. Write one or two on Post-it notes and stick it on your computer. When you feel the negative thoughts crashing in, stop and read them. Remind yourself of your passion for writing. Keep in mind why you chose to be a writer and reach for your goals. Positive affirmations can turn around a rough spot quickly.

4. Reject the lies: When God created us, He placed within us those gifts and abilities He knew He could work through. You've heard the adage, "God doesn't make junk." So true. God knew what gifts He could place in you where you would excel. That never changes. These God-given gifts don't mean you don't have to learn to do them—you do. Growing tired of the learning won't allow you to excel, so jump into your gift and start learning how to make it your best.

5. Brainstorm with a friend: When you find yourself staring at a blank screen, call a writing peer. Toss your idea onto the table and then begin to brainstorm. One idea leads to another; before you know it, the spark happens, and you've found the door that opens onto your page.

6. Understand Your Personal Worth: It's easy for us all to fall into the hole of self-pity. Learning to understand your worth is vital. Take time to do a self-assessment, locate your amazing qualities, and then focus on the good you can do with those things. Believe in yourself and trust that God knows what He's doing. Remember, He gave you the gifts where He knew you would excel. You are worthy because God chose you!

When the writing blues hit you, stand firm. Sharpen your pencil, pull out your journal, and then take notes. Pray. Spending time in that deep-rooted relationship with the Father will help you clear your way. You are a writer. You are an amazing writer. Now, go and write.

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6 Ways to Beat the Writing Blues from @CindyDevoted on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. Having served for a number of years as a managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Ironstream Media, Cindy now works as a mentor, coach, and freelance editor. She is the co-founder of Writing Right Author Mentoring Services with Lori Marett and she is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Cindy is also the co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and WWW.CHRISTIANDEVOTIONS.US, as well as WWW.INSPIREAFIRE.COM. Her devotions are in newspapers and magazines nationwide, and her novels have become award-winning best-selling works. She is a popular speaker at conferences and a natural encourager. Cindy is a mountain girl, born and raised in the Appalachian mountains, where she and her husband still reside. She has raised four sons and now resorts to raising chickens where the pecking order is easier to manage. You can visit Cindy at WWW.CINDYSPROLES.COM or www.wramsforwriters.com.