Every author experiences moments when their career feels stagnant. Perhaps your latest manuscript isn’t flowing, or you’re stuck in the same routine that isn’t yielding the results you desire. When faced with these challenges, it’s essential to remember that growth often comes from change. Here are some strategies to help you break free and revitalize your writing career.
1. Change Your Location
Sometimes, a change of scenery can do wonders for your creativity. If you typically write at home, try working in a different environment (even though it might sound impossible; it might just make you appreciate your current location a bit more):
- Coffee Shops or Libraries: The buzz of a coffee shop or the quiet of a library can provide a refreshing backdrop, sparking new ideas and energy.
- Outdoor Spaces: Writing in a park or at the beach can inspire you with nature’s beauty and calm. The sounds and sights can invigorate your mind and creativity. Perhaps there’s a location similar to a spot in your story.
Writing Exercise: Change Your Spot
Set a goal to write in a new location for a week. Observe how the change impacts your writing flow and creativity. Do you feel more inspired? More distracted? Take notes and reflect on your experience.
2. Explore a New Subgenre or Subplot
Stagnation can often stem from working in the same genre or narrative style for too long. Shake things up by exploring new territory:
- Try a Different Subgenre: If you typically write horror, consider dabbling in psychological thriller, dark fantasy, or even humor-infused horror. This shift can breathe new life into your writing.
- Incorporate a New Subplot: Adding a subplot can enrich your narrative and provide fresh challenges for your characters. Perhaps introduce a romantic angle, a secondary character’s backstory, or a mysterious event that intertwines with the main plot.
Writing Prompt: Subgenre Switch
Write a scene that takes your current work and shifts it into a different subgenre. If your main story is a horror novel, try rewriting a pivotal scene as a romantic comedy or a science fiction twist. See how the tone and direction change!
3. Experiment with Format
Sometimes, a shift in format can rekindle your enthusiasm for storytelling. Consider trying your hand at different formats:
- Short Stories or Flash Fiction: Writing shorter pieces can help you hone your skills and experiment with ideas without the commitment of a full novel.
- Screenplays or Plays: Adapting your work into a screenplay or play format can provide new insights into character development and dialogue. This exercise can also sharpen your skills in visual storytelling.
Writing Exercise: New Format Challenge
Select a scene from your current project and rewrite it as a short story, screenplay, or play. Focus on how the format changes the way you convey the story and engage with your characters.
4. Change Your Writing Process
How you write can greatly impact your productivity and creativity. Experimenting with your writing process might be just what you need:
- Handwriting vs. Typing: Try handwriting your scenes instead of typing them. This tactile experience can enhance your connection to your words and ideas.
- Timed Writing Sessions: Set a timer for 25 minutes and write without stopping, followed by a 5-minute break (the Pomodoro Technique). This approach can help maintain focus and push through mental barriers.
Writing Prompt: Process Reboot
Commit to a new writing routine for one week. Whether it’s changing your writing time, method, or environment, observe how these adjustments affect your writing flow and creativity.
Feeling stuck in your writing career is common, but remember that change can be the catalyst for growth. By changing your location, exploring new subgenres or subplots, experimenting with formats, and altering your writing process, you can reignite your passion for storytelling and move forward with renewed energy. Remember, you’re not going through this alone. Join a community of writers or check out the Crystal Lake Academy for workshops and one-on-one support.
Stay open to new experiences, and don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone. The journey of an author is full of twists and turns, and sometimes a little change is all it takes to get back on track.
Until next time,
Joe Mynhardt
