Writers write. That’s what makes us writers, write? So what are we when we’re in a slump and we take a break from writing?

Yes, you’re still a writer even if it feels crummy and you begin to doubt your abilities. Yes, you’re still a writer if you’ve hit writer’s block and you need to take a break with a pitcher of Palomas on the beach.

The more complicated question to answer, though, is how to handle a writing slump. How long can you take a break from your writing? What’s the best way to come back to your writing after a hiatus?

This blog post offers tips and advice to give you some direction about how to pivot out of a writing slump.

Let’s hop to it!

SLOGGING THROUGH A WRITING SLUMP

It isn’t often that I hit low points in my writing journey where I have no desire to sit down and write. I’ve been at this gig for so long that I notice when I’m about to “hit a dark season.” If I PIVOT in time, I can save myself from losing too much momentum with my creative work.

A “dark season” in my writing journey can arise from any number of triggers, including non-writing situations. I’ll start to feel inexplicably exhausted, story ideas won’t come quickly, I’d rather veg out with Netflix—these are some warning signs.

Because I do regular creative health check-ins through journaling, I see these warning signs in enough time to pivot and detour on a clearer, kinder path.

The pivoting and detouring may mean that I have to step away from the WIP and work on something else—but I’m okay with that. Long ago, I used to freak out if I missed even a day of working on the story of the moment. Nowadays, I understand an intentional break is actually quite healthy and can lead to a stronger relationship with the story in question.

WHEN FEAR IS THE REASON FOR THE SLUMP

In all my experience of being a writer, a HUGE lesson I learned is that fear is a Muse's mortal enemy.

The sneaky thing about fear is that, like a chameleon, it can disguise itself depending on certain conditions. It can show up as self-doubt, a bad cold, “no time to write,” disruptions from external forces, procrastination, etc.

That’s why the best way to combat fear is to create something every day. It's up to you how you define "something.” How much time you invest and quality of your output don't matter when you’re in the midst of combatting fear.

It only matters that you SHOW UP.

Here’s why I think SHOWING UP EVERY DAY AS A WRITER can successfully beat fear:

> When you engage in creativity every day, then you start establishing a habit.

> A habit allows you to build your skills and grow your knowledge.

> Increased knowledge and stronger skills make writing more fun.

> When you have more fun as you write, you cultivate joy and you're eager to write MORE.

> Enjoyment of writing leads to self-confidence and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone.

> With boosted self-confidence and increased risk-taking, you shrink the space where fear used to hold court.

> As fear dwindles (it will never totally disappear and that’s okay because fear has its good points, y’all), your overall writing journey will become more fulfilling and enjoyable.

> Momentum will build at that point. You'll move forward with curiosity and a willingness to learn and grow.

> All of these positive effects have the magical power to keep fear at bay.

Fear can't be totally banished, but it CAN be managed. Fear has its place in this world, and it’s up to us to learn how to manage it in our lives so that it supports but doesn’t block us.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HEALTHY BREAK AND PROCRASTINATION

It’s difficult to tell the difference between a break that you should take for the benefit of your health and a break you choose to take because you just don’t feel like writing. For many writers, this can be a daily struggle.

Complicating the issue is that you could make things worse if you push through the difficulty when you should instead step away. Often, forcing the issue can lead to burn-out or even a dislike of your current story.

How to know what to do?

MY BIG COACHING TIP: Taking a break is always the right thing to do as long as it’s grounded in positivity.

For example, if you’re saying to yourself “I’m a lousy writer. I can’t deal with this story anymore. It sucks. I suck. The world sucks…” and then you walk away—that’s not going to help you at all. You’ve separated yourself from your work with negativity and self-disgust. Returning to that story is going to be horrendously difficult.

However, if you frame your self-talk with encouragement and kindness, that will buoy you during your break.

Procrastination is a form of FEAR. But an intentional break from your writing, steeped in self-support is a form of LOVE.

Ask yourself what kinds of things you’re saying to yourself during your break from your writing. What kinds of things were you saying to yourself in the moments or days leading up to your break? All of this will tell you if you’re procrastinating or if you’re nurturing yourself.

THE POWER OF JOURNALING

Don’t fret if you’re a self-saboteur. Writers are prone to beating themselves up senselessly, so welcome to the club.

But we don’t want to keep that bad habit! This is where the beauty of journaling can really help. Every day, journal a supportive letter to yourself. It’s okay to acknowledge that you haven’t been all that kind to yourself, but don’t wallow too long in that guilt. Address it, forgive it, and move on.

For as long as you need to, write love letters to yourself. Yes, this may sound hokey, but if you can’t treat yourself with respect and kindness—then no one will.

THE POWER OF WRITING GROUPS

Another excellent self-help modality is a writing group. Fellow writers can do wonders in the form of intervention because WE HAVE ALL BEEN THERE. Even the most successful writers are struck with self-doubt, fear, and negativity.

Join a group or find yourself a partner or even a coach/mentor. Shop around! Don’t feel like you have to stick with the first group or mentor you meet. It’s important to find your match, a group of people or someone who can hold you accountable when you stray off course and who can lift you up when you’re down.

CREATIVE DISSONANCE

“Creative dissonance” is a term I use to explain the damaged or broken relationship between a writer who doesn’t write and their creative work.

I believe that there is an emotional relationship that grows between a writer and whatever project they’re working on. Emotions can get in the way and cause problems if we don’t properly manage them.

Taking a break from your creative work for too long (and for self-sabotaging reasons) can lead to creative dissonance, where you and your book are no longer in harmony. Getting back on track with the book becomes more difficult the longer you stay away from it.

Now, it could very well be that the dissonance is the reason you had to take a break in the first place. That's totally normal! Losing our connection to the book commonly happens, but you can solve the problem through various tactics depending on the root problem.

For example, if the root problem is weak structure or a shaky plotline, then working with a writing coach or taking a writing workshop are two great tactics.

If the root problem is fear or some other internal demon, then, as I mention above, journaling or confiding in a trusted writing partner can help a lot.

HOW TO NAVIGATE YOUR WRITING BREAK

Reasons for a writing slump aside, you should prioritize two things during your writing break: Yourself and Your Creativity.

PRIORITIZING YOURSELF LOOKS LIKE THIS: You can't be a good writer if you can't be good to yourself. I really believe this. Pick 1 or 2 things you can do daily that make you feel good. Walking on the beach, watching a movie, hanging with friends, etc. Get in the habit of nurturing yourself daily with at least one special action.

PRIORITIZING YOUR CREATIVITY LOOKS LIKE THIS: Even if you can't stand to look at your WIP, there are hundreds of other avenues of creative expression. Baking, gardening, home decoration, scrapbooking, photography, blogging, making TikToks or IG reels or YouTube videos, handwriting letters to family or friends...the list is endless. Choose to do at least one creative thing a day--this not only keep your gears warmed up, it also keeps you in the state of creative growth rather than creative stagnation.

Nurturing yourself and your creativity during a writing break will strengthen you and prep you for your return to your WIP.

When you pivot out of your writing slump and return to your story, you may discover that the slump occurred because of serious issues with the story itself. This can be discouraging, but there are resources you can lean on to help you fix these problems.

The most important point here is that you don't burden yourself with guilt or self-doubt or negative self-talk. It's nearly impossible to fix your story if you're feeling crummy about yourself. It's also nearly impossible to enjoy the craft of writing if you're feeling crummy about yourself.

Whether or not your story has foundational issues and whether or not you're burned out from writing--the relationship between you and your story is sacred. Protect that relationship by nurturing yourself and your creativity in any way that feels right to you.

YOU’RE A WRITER EVEN WHEN YOU’RE NOT WRITING

Believe this and embrace this: You’re a writer even when you’re not writing.

Identity as a writer isn’t only about the act of writing. It’s also about how you tune into the world and absorb information. You’re creating story when you observe, imagine, and daydream. Those are all steps in the writing process. When you transform your observations, imaginations, and daydreams into written words, you’re simply taking the next step in the writing process.

To be a writer, you have to imagine. To be a writer, you have to wonder. To be a writer, you have to explore ideas.

Taking a break from the act of writing doesn’t strip you of your writer identity. Keep dreaming. Keep imagining. Keep wondering. The writing will come back when you both are ready to work together.

How to Pivot Out of A Writing Slump