18 Reasons to Write Today (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)

From Edie: Need motivation to write today? Here are 18 funny, honest reasons to put words on the page—even if you feel stressed, stuck, tired, or distracted. A practical pep talk for writers in every season.

18 Reasons to Write Today (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Writers are wildly creative people.

Not just in what we come up with to write about. But we’re super creative in thinking up reasons NOT to write.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a master at justifying procrastination. I can spin fear into logic. Most of all I can turn distraction into a full-time job. And when I’m really desperate, I can convince myself I’m being responsible by avoiding the very thing I’m called to do.

But today, I’m flipping the script.

Because the truth is?

Some of our best reasons not to write… are actually the best reasons to write.

So here you go.

18 Reasons to Write Today

1. Because you’re in the middle of a crisis.

Writing won’t fix everything… but it might steady your soul long enough to breathe again.

2. Because you’re not in the middle of a crisis.

This is called writing while life is calm, and it’s a rare and magical window. Don’t waste it.

3. Because you need to stay in your best writing shape.

You don’t have to run a marathon today… but you should probably put your shoes on.

4. Because if you don’t, you’ll feel worse.

You know that vaguely guilty, slightly twitchy feeling you get when you avoid the page?

That one.

5. Because you have a contract.

Deadlines are a gift. A terrifying gift. But still a gift.

6. Because you don’t have a contract.

That means today you get to write with freedom instead of pressure—which is also a gift.

7. Because someone told you you’re a good writer.

You should probably honor that encouragement and not let it die a lonely death in your inbox.

8. Because someone told you you’re not a good writer.

Nothing fuels a writer quite like proving the wrong person wrong—quietly, steadily, and with excellent punctuation.

9. Because you have a gift, and it’s rude not to use it.

Seriously. If God handed you words, you don’t hide them under a pile of laundry and errands.

10. Because you have an idea.

Ideas are like toddlers. If you don’t pay attention to them, they wander off and disappear.

11. Because you don’t have an idea.

Perfect. Write anyway.

Start with a sentence. A memory. A question. A prayer. Writing creates ideas the way walking creates momentum.

12. Because you’re young.

Write now while your brain still thinks staying up late is “fun” instead of “punishment.”

13. Because you’re older.

Write now because you’ve lived long enough to know time is precious—and your stories matter.

14. Because God called you to write.

Not when you feel ready. Not when you feel confident. Not when the schedule clears.

Called means called.

15. Because AI is everywhere and it’s messing with your head.

Write anyway. Your voice isn’t replaceable. Your stories carry something a machine can’t: lived experience, soul, and spiritual fingerprint.

16. Because you’ve been doomscrolling “for five minutes”… for forty-five minutes.

Writing is a better use of your attention than absorbing other people’s panic and highlight reels.

17. Because writers write… and you’re a writer, right?

Even if you don’t feel like one today.

Even if the industry feels weird.

Even if you’re tired.

Even if you’re tempted to scroll instead.

You don’t have to write perfectly.

You just have to write.

18. Because you’re tired—and the page is where you remember who you are.

Some days writing isn’t about productivity. It’s about returning to yourself… and to the God who meets you there. Writing isn’t always pouring out, sometimes it’s all about filling up. 

So who’s with me? Take your reasons not to write… and flip them into motivation to write? Be sure to leave a comment below and share what you’re working on this week—even if it’s just a few sentences. 

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

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18 Reasons to Write Today (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It) from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Edie uses the truths God has taught her as an author, photographer, and blogger to encourage others. She’s learned to embrace the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. As a sought-after speaker, she’s empowered and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others call on God’s strength during challenging times, often using creativity to empower this connection. She also knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences, and workshops on ways to use creativity to help strengthen our connection with God. 

She and husband Kirk have been married 44+ years with three grown sons and four grandchildren. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found with their big black dog hiking the mountains.