When Your Writing Well Runs Dry
Written by Michele T on February 12, 2008 – 5:35 am -Has your writing well ever ran dry? Be honest. It probably has, right? I know mine has. During those times I’ve felt like giving up, like I don’t have any good ideas, and like I should have really written extra blog posts as backups for when the well wasn’t flowing as freely as I’d like.
I’ve recently gone through a dry spell. I’ve felt as if I just didn’t have anything to write, or say. Oh, I’ve still been writing. I just haven’t felt as inspired, motivated, or like my writing well was overflowing with brilliant creativity. In a sense, I guess I’ve really felt burnt out – as in fried to a crisp! Melissa Donovan refers to it as Freelance Fever. That definitely makes sense.
Life’s chaos brings exhaustion, overworked minds, and nowhere near enough hours in the day to tend to daily tasks and find enough quiet time to focus on quality writing. I’m the type of person who needs quiet to write, so if the phone rings or a knock comes at the door… that’s it, I’m sidetracked – as in lost my train of thought and wonder how I’ll get it back.
When your writing well runs dry, here’s a few things you can do:
1. Rest whenever possible. You need your health to be able to function and think properly. Give it the respect it deserves and give yourself some time to re-energize – even if it’s just a few short moments of peace with a hot cup of tea.
2. Exercise frequently. It’s proven that exercise sends signals to your brain. Your entire body will thank you and your mind will be stronger, sharper. You’ll write more efficiently if you make exercise a habit.
3. Write backup posts for your blog. Like I mentioned earlier, I should have done this myself for those busy or dry times. It’s a great idea and I’m working on a few right now so I won’t find myself in a pinch again. You can also ask for guest posts.
4. Surround yourself with inspiration. Pictures of loved ones, motivational quotes or poems, decorative cups for your pens, and your favorite books are all things that will make you feel more inspired to write.
5. Eat a healthy diet. It’s essential for a strong body and mind. For me, there’s no exception to this rule. After losing over 100 pounds and realizing how much better I can feel, I make it a top priority to eat healthful meals every day, drink lots of herbal tea and water, and juice fast at various times throughout the year. Just think, if you’re not carbed out on french fries and donuts, you’ll have a lot more energy to write!
With these tips, your writing well should be overflowing abundantly in no time. I know mine is! So, what do you do when your writing well runs dry? Share with us in the comments!
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Posted in Writing Wisdom | 27 Comments »
February 11th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Michele,
I often surf the Net for ideas, do Google searches, visit other blogs, study my blog stats to visit sites that have visited mine. I’ll get ideas from books or magazines, or even from e-mails I’ve received–including forwards.
I don’t seem to have much time for writing backup posts for my blog, though–and at times have trouble just keeping up with my regular posts and other writing assignments.
I try to eat as healthy a diet as possible and take nutritional supplements, but I’m not known for getting much rest, since I’m pretty driven. Exercise is something I also need to work a bit more on in the future.
I love your idea of surrounding ourselves with inspiration! That’s a true gem of an idea!
Thanks for a post full of great ideas for re-inspiring, re-motivating, and re-invigorating ourselves to continue doing what we do best: write!
Jeanne
Writer’s Notes
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February 11th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Wow, what a wonderful comment, Jeanne! I love how you evaluated your life according to my tips.
I do wish you could get more rest as I know you’ve been ill lately – and have a lot to do!
Sounds like you’re doing great except the exercise/sleep. If you incorporate those two things, you’ll pass Superwoman right up!
I’m glad you liked my post.
Get some much-needed rest and here’s to a much better week!
Smiles,
Michele
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February 11th, 2008 at 6:52 am
These are some great tips! My weakest point is getting sleep. I will have to say that I feel like superwoman after I work out
I’m lucky in the way that my work-outs consist of martial arts, which is what my blog is about. It’s like getting a 2-in-1 deal 
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February 11th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Hi RLD,
Welcome to Writing the Cyber Highway! I’m so glad you’ve stopped by and left a thoughtful comment.
Thank you for your compliment. I’m glad you liked my tips! Yes, sleep is hard to come by, isn’t it? We have to squeeze in a few quality hours, though.
Wow, martial arts? Can’t say that I’ve tried that! I’d have to become Superwoman first!
Smiles,
Michele
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February 11th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Michele,
Michi Beck just posted a “nothing to say day” post today. I’m going to comment and refer her here.
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February 11th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Thanks, Michele!
I’ll do my best to get more rest–and exercise too, as I myself recommended in my post on getting more fit in the new year.
In my earlier comment, I neglected to mention that I enjoy listening to classical music, which is another great way to surround ourselves with inspiration. (Of course, each person should listen to the kind of music s/he enjoys and draws inspiration from–though classical somehow seems especially conducive to this. I read somewhere once that listening to classical music raises your IQ. Wonder how much truth there is to that.)
Take care!
Jeanne
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February 11th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Hi Lillie,
Thank you very much! I know how she feels.
I sure hope these tips help her out!
Here’s to a smashing week!
Smiles,
Michele
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February 11th, 2008 at 7:19 am
How weird is THAT! I was just responding to Lillie’s comment and when I hit publish I noticed there were 7 comments. You and I were commenting at the EXACT same time! I thought it looked odd that my reply to Lillie was beneath your name. *giggles* I’m glad I wasn’t going bonkers! I really do need that sleep now.
I’m so glad you’re going to try to get more rest and exercise. We have to take care of ourselves, girl, we only have one body/one life! You can squeeze in tidbits of healthy living as often as you can. I know you’re cramped for time.
You know, a LOT of writers are saying they listen to music while they write, but for me, it would just be a distraction. For me, silence rules.
I don’t know about the IQ theory, but hopefully, for you, it works! (he he!)
Smiles,
Michele
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February 11th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I find that going to museums helps a lot, specifically to look at paintings.
I can lose myself in the world of a painting and ask, “What if?”
That’s the best refresher for me.
Regular exercise, yoga, and eating properly also help. I AM an army that moves on my stomach, so if all I eat is a chocolate chip cookie, that’s what I am. But if I eat a balanced meal, I become a creative human again.
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February 11th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Thanks for sharing, Devon! Admiring art is a fantastic way to get the creative juices flowing!
I’m like you. If I eat anything doughy and sugary, that’s how I feel – like a big glob!
I feel so much better when I eat decent meals.
Smiles,
Michele
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February 11th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
It happens – we go dry.
The key for me is to continue to search for new avenues. Sometimes this stirs the imagination as much as taking a vacation (though to be honest the vaction is much better!).
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February 11th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Hi Lori,
It’s good to know that it’s normal.
Vacation sounds nice! Perhaps an island all to ourselves…. but new avenues would work well too.
Thanks for chiming in!
Smiles,
Michele
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February 12th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Hi, Michele. I think all writers have days where the ideas are coming at you faster than you can write them down, and then there are days where our brains are discombobulated. The thoughts just aren’t organized.
I often go browse Technorati and see what hot topics are being discussed and put my own spin on them. Subscribing to Google news feeds also helps spark ideas.
Thanks for the post!
Suzanne
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February 12th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Michele,
As always, these are great tips. I know what you mean about healthy diet, proper sleep and exercise. Whenever I stray from that path, I feel terrible and have a difficult time accomplishing anything. It is amazing what a difference it makes in the way I feel!
I really like the idea of having blogs and articles in reserve. I will have to try to work on that.
The other thing that helps me is music. Sometimes, I just forget to turn on the music. That is kind of strange because when I am stuck, turning on the music is like flipping the “on” switch in my brain! LOL Music also helps me get housework done, too. For the housework, I need music with singing – Irish, Opera, Broadway Musicals and rock n roll. For writing, I need instrumental music, usually Irish or classical.
Smiling right back at you,
Tina
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February 12th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Hi, Suzanne,
Welcome to Writing the Cyber Highway Community! I’m so glad you stopped by and shared in the comments.
Yes, I guess all writers have these dry well times. I LOVE those days when inspiration spills in bucketfuls! Those are the best!
Thanks for sharing your tips about Technorati and Google News. Great ideas!
Smiles,
Michele
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February 12th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Hi Tina,
Thanks. I’m so glad you like my tips! Oh, if I don’t eat right I’m no good. I think much more clearly and function way better when I eat/drink healthy instead of choosing junk. I don’t eat white sugar at all, or white bread, or white flour. It’s just no good for us! And it makes me sick, sick, sick…
Yes, the blog posts and articles in reserve are a great idea. A lot of writers/bloggers do that and it really helps them in a pinch.
I’ve heard writers that need music to write. It would just distract me to no end. I write much better in silence. Ah, it’s so nice!
Thanks for chiming in, Tina!
Smiles,
Michele
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February 13th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Hi Michele,
Great tips and responses!
I must say, what works for me is reading something beautiful! It always ends up inspiring me to write again. Beautiful Fantasy Fiction always gets my juices flowing! A good Travel Memoir with descriptive scenery does it as well! I could go on and on.
Eating right and exercising is helpful as well!
Have a great evening!
Renie
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February 13th, 2008 at 12:27 am
Thanks, Renie!
Ah, I left out reading! You’re soooooo right! What lovely descriptions of the genres you enjoy.
Yes, exercise and feeding our bodies and brains with good nutrients is essential to productive writing.
Thanks for your input, Renie!
Smiles,
Michele
P.S.
You could go on and on, I don’t mind and I’m sure no one else would either!
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February 13th, 2008 at 9:16 am
The exercising totally works for me when I’m having trouble writing. And eating well too. I’ll have to try some of the other things on the list as well. Thank you!
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February 13th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
When I’m wiped out, surrounded by chaos, or Off Kilter, I often sleep more, settle back with a mindless movie (chick flicks are great) or mindless books (romance). I’ll often spend time surfing the web, catching up on blog reading, or take some special time to play with my kids. Sometimes we just need a break to recharge.
Other times it is important to deal with WHY we’ve hit a flat point. Often there is a cause, exhaustion is common and therefore the rest and recharge is required but other times there are events in life that need to be dealt with, stresses outside of writing, or even a specific mental block involved with whatever we ‘could/should’ be writing.
I’ve got a healthy eating intent too but times when energy is flat it can be hard to eat well. I know it is very important because healthy food choices offer lasting energy and revitalize our bodies.
If I’d planned ahead for my blog, as I also have intended to do all year so far, I’d have felt less stress earlier this week when I realized I simply wasn’t going to have the time or energy to keep posting while preparing for my mother’s wedding and moving house.
Perhaps the REAL lesson here is to plan ahead. BE PREPARED! If we’d scheduled in some down time regularly, perhaps moments of energy deficit would happen less frequently.
Sincerely,
Rebecca
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February 13th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Hi Barrie,
Thanks for sharing what works best for you. Apparently you’re having great success as your book will be on shelves this year!
Woo Hoo for you!
Smiles,
Michele
P.S. Glad you liked my tips.
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February 13th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I’m happy to find these excellent suggestions in your post this morning and have printed a copy for easy reference since I’ve been having some difficulty keeping up with my two blogs lately. Thanks for visiting Sacred Ruminations and leaving your comments and smiles.
Hugs and blessings,
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February 13th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Hi Rebecca,
Yes, sleeping more is definitely nice. And I love a good movie, book, or surfing the web. Absolutely there are times we need to recharge. It’s great when we just go for it and relax.
Exactly, there are some things in life that just bring these dry well times.
Yes, it is harder to eat well when we’re lethargic because it’s much easier to grab something processed than it is to prepare all the veggies and healthy ingredients for a healthful meal.
Of course, if I’d planned ahead for my blog I wouldn’t have fallen behind on posting recently either. Sometimes it just can’t be helped. No matter how much we love our blogs, our communities, or writing, life just gets in the way sometimes. You have a LOT on your plate right now. Next time, let us know! I’m sure your readers would have jumped in with posts to help you out. I KNOW I would have.
Actually, I just emailed you one.
Congrats to your mom on her Wedding. I hope your move to your new house goes smoothly as well. Once you’ve rested, you’ll be filled with inspiration again!
I love your advice. We do need to be prepared. You’re absolutely right! It would save a lot of headaches and worries.
Thanks so much for your insight and wisdom, Rebecca. It’s always appreciated!
Smiles,
Michele
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February 13th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Hi storyteller,
You popped in when I was replying to Rebecca! You’re sneaky!
I’m glad you enjoyed my tips. I hope they help you out!
Blogging can be a bit hectic at times, eh?
Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Michele
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February 18th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Thanks for the great advice Michele
As Jeanne says it’s great inspiration for all of us! (And I am following your advice to get ‘unstuck’!)
Amy
Travel String
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February 18th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Hi Amyee,
Welcome to Writing the Cyber Highway community! I’m so glad you stopped by.
You’re most welcome for the advice and inspiration. I’m so honored you feel that way!
Stop by anytime and best wishes on getting ‘unstuck’! These tips really do work.
Smiles,
Michele
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January 14th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
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