How Writers Can Restart Their Writing Routine After a Creative Lull

From Edie: Has life interrupted your writing routine? Discover practical, encouraging ways writers can overcome creative burnout, rebuild momentum, and rediscover joy in writing again.

How Writers Can Restart Their Writing Routine After a Creative Lull

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Life happens.

Even to writers.

There are seasons when writing flows naturally and we can’t wait to get back to the page. Ideas come easily and words cooperate. During those times creativity feels alive.

And then there are other seasons.

Seasons filled with stress, caregiving, deadlines, health struggles, work demands, ministry responsibilities, grief, exhaustion, or simply trying to keep up with everyday life. Even traveling for fun or attending a writing conference can interrupt our writing rhythm. During those times, writing often shifts from something we love to one more thing on an already overwhelming to-do list.

Sometimes we stop writing completely. Other times we keep writing, but only because we have to. And the there are times when we sit down to write and realize the joy we once felt is nowhere to be found.

If any of these circumstances sound familiar, hear this clearly:

You are not failing as a writer.

Creative lulls happen to all of us. The good news is that a pause in our writing life doesn’t mean our creativity is gone forever. It simply means we may need to intentionally reconnect with our rhythm again.

Notice I said rhythm.

Not hustle, or pressure, or guilt! Rhythm.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that serious writers don’t all work the same way. Some write every day and thrive on that consistency. Others write several days a week because their responsibilities, health, jobs, or family life require a different pace. Both approaches work.

The goal is not to force ourselves into someone else’s writing system. The goal is to rediscover a sustainable rhythm that allows us to create with both discipline and joy. So, if your writing practice has drifted to the back burner, I have some suggestions. 

Ten Ways to Gently Restart Your Writing Life

1. Reevaluate Your Creative Rhythm

Our creative energy is not random. Most of us have certain times during the day when our minds are sharper, our creativity flows more naturally, and distractions feel easier to manage.

For me, mornings are usually my strongest creative hours. Because of that, I try not to fill those times with appointments or meetings on dedicated writing days.

Your rhythm may look completely different.

You may be someone who writes best late at night after the house is quiet. Or using your lunch hour is the best fit for finding uninterrupted time. Even utilizing weekends works best for others. 

Instead of fighting your natural rhythm, learn to work with it.

2. Take an Honest Look at Your Calendar

Sometimes the biggest obstacle to writing is simply that our schedule has become overcrowded. Life gradually fills every open space if we let it. I’ve noticed that during busy seasons, writing is often the first thing I unintentionally stop scheduling. Then, when I’m finally ready to return to it, I discover I’ve packed my calendar full during the exact times I usually write.

Take a realistic look at your current commitments. And when you make that evaluation do NOT criticize yourself or feel guilty. Just to assess where your time and energy are going so you can make adjustments that work.

3. Adjust What You Can—and Release What You Can’t

Once you identify scheduling conflicts, make changes where possible. This includes moving appointments when you can, returning to the discipline of blocking out writing time, and creating margin where you can. 

But equally important—stop stressing over what you cannot currently change.

One of the healthiest lessons I’ve learned is that constantly worrying about unchangeable circumstances drains my creative energy—energy I could be using on my writing. Remember, flexibility is not failure. Sometimes we simply must work within the season we’re living in.

4. Make Writing an Actual Appointment Again

Writing intentions are wonderful. However, scheduled writing times are far more effective.

When writing appointments disappear from our calendars, writing often disappears from our priorities. But when we intentionally schedule time to write—even for short blocks of time—we begin rebuilding consistency. For me, physically writing those appointments into my planner matters. It helps me treat writing as important instead of optional. And to be truthful, during busy seasons, I need that reminder.

5. Stop Waiting to Feel Ready

This one may be the hardest step for me—and maybe for you too. When I come through a writing lull, the blank page can feel strangely intimidating. We tell ourselves:

• I’m out of practice.
• I’ve lost momentum.
• The words won’t come.
• I’ll start tomorrow.

But tomorrow has a way of becoming next week. Restarting usually feels awkward at first—that’s normal. Don’t wait for confidence to magically return before you begin writing again. Often confidence returns because we begin.

The best way to combat this is to sit down, open the document (or pick up the pen) and WRITE. The words may not be perfect or brilliant, but the movement begins the process. 

6. Pray Before You Write

This one is non-negotiable for me. Before I begin typing, I pause and pray.

When we ask God to calm our discouragement, renew our creativity, and help us rediscover joy in the process again He answers. Sometimes we put enormous pressure on ourselves to produce something meaningful. Prayer reminds us we were never meant to carry that burden alone. I’ve found that when I invite God into my writing time first, the pressure eases. My focus shifts from performance to obedience and faith.

7. Give Yourself Grace While You Rebuild

If we haven’t exercised in a while, we don’t expect ourselves to immediately run a marathon. Writing works the same way. After a creative lull, our minds may feel rusty. Words may come slower. Concentration may feel harder. We may not produce at the same pace we once did. That doesn’t mean we’ve lost our ability. It simply means we’re rebuilding creative stamina.

Be patient with yourself.

Encourage yourself the way you would encourage another writer walking through the same struggle.

8. Reach Out to Encouraging People

Writing in isolation during difficult seasons can deepen discouragement. This is the perfect time to reconnect with trusted writing friends, critique partners, mentors, or prayer partners. Get together with a group—in person or online. Let them know you’re trying to restart your writing rhythm and could use encouragement and prayer. Sometimes a simple “I’m glad you’re writing again” can help more than we realize.

9. Celebrate Small Wins

One of the biggest mistakes writers make is only celebrating major accomplishments. Things like a finished manuscript, or a book contract. We have no trouble celebrating launch days and awards.

But restarting matters too. Opening the document after weeks away is a win. Writing 200 words is a win. Keeping your writing appointment is a win. Small victories build momentum. And momentum matters.

10. Make Writing Enjoyable Again

Not every writing session has to produce marketable content. Sometimes we need to reconnect with creativity itself. Try something playful:

• Write from a prompt.
• Experiment with poetry.
• Journal by hand with a favorite pen.
• Visit a coffee shop or park.
• Describe a scene purely for fun.
• Write a conversation between imaginary characters.
• Use sensory details just because you enjoy them.

Writers are creatives—not machines. And creativity thrives where joy still exists.

Bottom Line

Don't forget the joy. There will always be seasons when writing feels like work. Deadlines and responsibilities are part of the writing life. But if every moment we sit down to write becomes pressure-driven, eventually our creativity begins to dry out. That’s why protecting joy matters. It’s not that joy alone that makes us disciplined. But joy helps sustain writing discipline long term. 

So, if you’ve been away from writing for a while, don’t approach the page with guilt or shame. Simply begin again. Start with a sentence, a paragraph, and one writing session at a time. Your creativity hasn’t disappeared. It’s still there. Sometimes our creativity just needs a gentle invitation to come back. 

Now it’s your turn. What helps you restart your writing rhythm after a creative lull? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

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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. Edie is also the executive director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

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. Connect with her at www.EdieMelson.com and through social media.