I will be the first to tell you to kick productivity to the curb. Take a break from the capitalist scheme and REST.
However, as a full-time writer (it’s my day job, too) in a world where deadlines exist, I know there are instances where you maybe need to write when you don’t want to. And sometimes, it’s a war of wants—between the you that wants to have written your next great work and the you who wants to binge the next season of Broad City. (This may be based on true events in my life.)
I also know that we’ve just entered National Poetry Month and many poets attempt to write a poem every day in April. I’ve also done this and I know some days it feels like a grind to get a whole poem into the world.
What’s fun about these strategies is that they can help with more than writing. Some of these tips can help with chores and other projects you might have.
Here are my go-to strategies for getting that writing gear turning when it’s stuck:
1. Rest (Told you I’d say it first.)
In reality, rest and time away from what you’re working on can help you do better work when you return to it.
2. Expand your idea of “writing.”
Writing doesn’t always have to look like producing new words on the page. You can outline, revise, and research. All of that counts as writing!
3. Set a timer.
Try writing for 5 minutes. Just 5 minutes! Sometimes starting is the hardest part.
4. Try a small assignment.
If you’ve got a whole project you’re trying to complete, try breaking it up into smaller parts. Then focus on writing just one of the parts!
5. Write terribly.
Sometimes we get stuck trying to write well, but then we end up not writing at all. What happens if you let yourself just write badly? Remember you can always edit a bad page but you can’t edit a blank one.
I use these 5 strategies all the time to help me make progress on my projects. As always, take what serves you and leave the rest.
Happy writing!
For more writing tips you can check out these blog posts I wrote:
How to Find Writing Inspiration
4 Steps Developing a Writing Practice
I’ve been keeping to myself a lot the last month, spending a lot of time writing, attending poetry workshops, and, of course, drinking coffee.
Mostly been getting ready for this exciting announcement!
My new one-person spoken word comedy show is slated to premiere in the Kansas City Fringe Festival this July! Stay tuned for more details like dates and how to get tickets!
A couple of submission opportunities for your consideration:
trampset (They pay for accepted pieces!)
The Lumiere Review (They pay & also do feedback options!)
If you ever want to look for writing submissions on your own I highly recommend browsing Chill Subs, an awesome database that did not exist when I started submitting 👵
A writing prompt:
Write about an event as if it’s happening in reverse.