Writing Frustrations

[kiranwearsscienceblues]

Bah, writing has been such a mess for me this past year and it's driving me insane. When I was in grad school, I managed to write more than 120K of fic in a year, even while working on my dissertation -- but now that I'm out of academia (hell, currently unemployed), with much more reasonable hours and more free time? No siree, can't write at all. I think I probably wrote maximum 500 words all of 2021, and I'm getting pretty close to two years of just no writing. I've never had a block this bad; before, even if I wasn't in a writing swing, I would still write a oneshot every few months.

Not sure what to do at this point. I gave it time, to see if the inspiration would come back on its own. I've tried to push through the block and just write, but to no avail. Even when I do get my daily 500 down, I lose the thread the next day and can't seem to finish even a one-shot. I definitely need to find the inspiration again, but I'm not sure how. I'm sure the insomnia isn't helping much, but my insomnia is getting marginally better (although I say this on three hours of sleep), and the writing isn't coming back.

Anybody have any tips about breaking out of a bad writers block? 

Comments

[rocky41_7]

Ugh, that is so frustrating. I'm impressed you found the time and energy to write in grad school--that's the struggle I'm having now!

I know my writer's block is worst when I'm not really inspired by anything. This may be because real life events are just taking up too much of my attention, or because I've gotten into a rut. Maybe try doing something outside the norm, like watching a movie or reading a book that's not your usual genres, or trying a new activity? That's helped me in the past.

I hope it clears up for you soon!

[kiranwearsscienceblues]

Haha thanks! My first year in grad school was a wash with writing, but I eventually found the groove. I hope you find yours too!

I definitely think trying something new has been helping. The only place I've been finding creative energy the past year has been with cooking, which isn't my usual output, and I have been thinking about picking up a few new hobbies, see if something works there. Thanks!