10 Ways to Return to Writing

Do you long to return to your writing? Perhaps life has intervened, and a few weeks have turned into months or years. It’s natural to miss that part of yourself and feel disconnected from your creativity. You may even feel some guilt and shame that you haven’t been writing.

Are you looking for a way to return to writing? It may not be as easy as picking up where you left off with an old manuscript or starting a new one. To set yourself up for success, you may benefit from easing back into your creativity. Though I offer some suggestions, there is no magic formula. Each writer’s journey is different.

Here are 10 ways to help you return to writing:

1. Offer yourself some grace

   It’s normal to experience some highs and lows as you chart your journey back to writing. The greatest gift you can offer yourself throughout this process is grace.

2. Experiment

   In your time away from writing, no matter how short, you’ve changed, and your perspectives may have shifted. Your former routines and techniques may not feel the same. Give yourself permission to experiment. Check-in with yourself periodically and do what feels right for you.

3. Be creative in other ways

   Creativity often fuels creativity. Engaging in other arts and creative activities—such as painting, photography, dance, knitting, collage, music, or cooking—may spark your imagination and desire to write.

4. Cultivate a writer’s perspective

   Do you perceive the world differently when you’re in a state of creative flow? Perhaps your powers of observation are heightened, and you notice the subtleties of colors, textures, and gestures. You may pay more attention to what is said around you or track the cadence of speech. When life gets hectic, we often ignore this instinct, but noticing is a practice that must be cultivated. Make a conscious effort to pay attention to details.

5. Move your body

   Movement can help you release tension and open to creative thoughts. You may have an exercise, sport, or dance form that you enjoy. However, you may enjoy the simplicity of a walk. Writers have a long tradition of walking to clear their heads and allow the subconscious to work.

6. Engage in free-form writing

   Stream-of-consciousness writing and journaling are low-stake options, as they’re for your eyes only. Free-form writing may also help you reconnect with your creative self.

7. Use writing prompts

   You may feel more comfortable using writing prompts to get back into practice. Lists of prompts are readily available online, or you can download an app. You may like the challenge of a new prompt each day or prefer to create your own list.

8. Focus on the process

   Focusing on finishing a manuscript or beginning a new one can create undue pressure, which may hinder your creativity. Give yourself permission to write for the simple joy of it with no end goal in mind.

9. Start with small goals

   In your excitement, it may be tempting to set lofty goals. However, if the goals aren’t realistic, falling short could shatter your confidence. Smaller actions performed with consistency create a sustainable practice. Give yourself permission to start small and build up over time.

10. Resist comparisons

    You may feel others have life and art figured out, but many well-established and famous writers have also gone through dry spells. Resist the urge to compare yourself to others. Instead, define what success means for you.

If you’re intrigued but could use support, you don’t have to do it alone. Working with a writing coach can help you find your way back to your creative self and writing. I offer a non-judgmental space to explore where you are now, what success means to you, and the actions you want to take or try. Together we can craft manageable steps toward where you’d like to be. It’s completely up to you whether you share your writing with me or not.

Let’s partner to get you writing again.