Happy Wednesday, friends! I hope your New Year is off to a great start. I thought it would be fun to answer a variety of reader questions I’ve received in my next few posts. Two questions I often get are: “How do you stay inspired to write?” and “How do you overcome writer’s block?” I’m mentioning both questions because I believe the answer is the same, and I found it in a book that I read years ago. In it, the author recommended taking one day a week to do something that refills your creative well. That helps reignite the spark of inspiration and that brings you joy to dive back into your story the next day.
It’s taken me several years and a few books to figure out what keeps me from burning out and helps me overcome the pesky and often debilitating obstacle of writer’s block. And, yes, I believe writer’s block is very real. Do all authors wrestle with it? No. Do I? Yes. Often it is self-inflicted as I fight my internal editor who whispers, ‘you can’t write, and this book is going to prove it.’ It’s that fear of messing up that tries to stall me into procrastination, but I must push past that. God doesn’t want me, or anyone, to be held hostage by fear in any area of our lives. Here are the ways I’ve found helpful in renewing my inspiration. If you aren’t a writer, I hope these tips will be helpful to you too!
Prayer and God’s Word: Spending time in God’s Word and in communication with Him—whether it’s our prayers or simply sitting still in His presence is the wisest way to find guidance, direction, hope, and a calm spirit that equips us for the work He’s called us to. I often need to remind myself that it’s God who laid this desire to write in my heart. I can rest in the promise of His presence through it all and He’s equipping.
Inspirational quotes: I’m a quote girl. I love reading quotes on a variety of subjects ranging from writing, book quotes, inspirational and motivational quotes. A stirring quote really gets me thinking and often helps me see things from a different perspective. When I find ones that really resonate with me, like the one below, I print them out and hang them on the wall in front of my desk for a while until a new one really sticks with me. I have a binder that I put them in and pull out and flip through it when I’m wanting encouragement or need motivation.
Read a lot: There’s nothing like opening a book and entering a new world, living amongst characters you feel are friends, experiencing an adrenaline rush as the hero races to defeat the villain, and the sweet warmth you feel at the end of a love story. Reading well-written books also inspires me to strive to write well-written books. I enjoy reading a wide variety of books. In non-fiction I love books on faith, cultivating a well-lived life, devotionals, etc. Some of my favorite non-fiction authors include Lara Casey, Emily Ley, Stormie Omartian, Alistair Begg, and C.S. Lewis. In fiction, I read a wide variety of genres including, young adult, romantic suspense, thrillers, contemporary romance, and historical romance. Some of my favorite fiction authors include Dee Henderson, Irene Hannon, Terri Blackstock, Becky Wade, Karen Witemeyer, Jody Hedlund, and Julie Klassen.
Reader question: What fills and stirs you with inspiration?
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Thank you for the reminder. Colossians 2:23 was one of my first calligraphy/scherenschnitte projects way back in 1983 and it still hangs in my kitchen reminding me, when frustrated or burned out, the purpose for my work… especially when there is no gratitude displayed by others.
Wow. That’s a great reminder. I’m always in awe of calligraphy. So beautiful and it must require a lot of patience and attention to detail.
I use some of the same techniques, in particular, reading other authors’ stories. And I also watch movies/shows in the genre I write in. Sometimes, I just need to give my mind a rest and let someone else’s story fill my mind.
I completely get that! I find movies particularly helpful in those times, but been inspired by someone else’s creativity always seems to fuel mine as well.
Books