Don’t have time to write? Please don’t feel bad, and certainly don’t beat yourself up over it. Sometimes, we just can’t seem to find spare time because of other responsibilities. Other times, we might have some free time, but lack the inspiration or the drive to actually write something. 

As writers, we sometimes feel like we have to force writing to regain lost momentum. But there’s an easy way to not let this momentum be lost in the first place. It’s actually quite simple; always find a moment to write. It doesn’t have to be good; you just have to write something, even if it’s only a paragraph or two.

As with anything you want to succeed at in life, consistency is very important with writing. Not only is consistency important in keeping your existing audience aware that you’re still alive, but it’s important for yourself, too. Of course, there are going to be things that disrupt your work-life balance, especially when it comes to writing.

But even more important than consistency is momentum. Most of us have found something that we do is gaining traction and try to keep at it. Sometimes, though, life takes you away from being able to work at something consistently. Whether it’s major life events, family commitments, long work hours, or just general disinterest keeping us from writing, there are some easy ways to pick up the slack from a lack of consistent writing.

Go Back to What’s Consistently Worked for You in Your Writing

Before you try reinventing the wheel, go back to what worked for you before. It might be writing a short journal entry in the morning, afternoon, or evening. It might be simply brainstorming some ideas. You may collect quotes and comment on them. Whatever works to inspire you to write anything at all, if you’ve suddenly stopped doing it, get back to that. You may have been onto something, and sometimes, you really can pick up where you left off.

For me, when I’m feeling stuck or unmotivated, I look over my notes, or even posts that garnered positive attention in the past. On my blogs over the years, when I noticed a gap forming in my writing schedule, I’d freshen up an old post and put a new date on it. That way, for many readers, it was going to be new, while maintaining at least a guise of consistency. 

Even if you can’t sit down and write something brand new right now, there’s likely something you can dust off and get more out of than before. When you’re blogging, you’d be surprised how little it takes to get back into the public eye again if you keep refreshing what works. There are always reasons that what’s done well for you before has succeeded, unless it’s something super trendy that is well and done.

We writers always have our standbys, even if we have to sort of dig a bit to remember what they are. While you’re getting your writing mojo back, though, it’s good to remind people that we still exist and aren’t actually gone. It doesn’t have to be your best work; you just have to keep up the effort. 

Of course, if you’re not blogging, and what you’re working on remains private for the most part, you still want to keep at improving on what you’ve already got. After all, momentum is all about keeping the process going, even when it’s not clear exactly where the process is leading.

Tinkering and Tweaking Old Writing Can Inspire You

When you’re struggling to find something to write about, you don’t have to necessarily start from scratch. Sometimes, all it takes is some tinkering of old writing pieces, whether they be blog posts, journal entries, essay rough drafts, or what not. Then, figure out what YOU don’t like about them. Don’t try and figure out why other people may or may not like something; go with your own gut. If you feel something is holding back a piece, and you can make it better, go ahead with it. 

Whatever you do, though, don’t get stuck on a single piece. Tweak something and move on to another thing. It’s way too easy to get caught up on one or two pieces that you feel should launch your writing career into the stratosphere, but just won’t come together. Believe it or not,  it’s usually pieces that you don’t expect to do well that end up being your best performing ones in the long run.

So, don’t be afraid to consistently tinker and tweak old pieces that may just need some dusting off and polishing up. In the long run, you’re helping yourself grow as a writer. It also keeps yourself from getting too out of sorts with your writing.

It’s also possible when going over your older work, you realize something that you should’ve written about before, but never did. This happens to me all the time after I take any length of a writing break. There are always loose threads that need tying up or I simply didn’t go as far with a topic as I should have. What may seem obvious in hindsight is fertile ground for what you should be writing about today. 

While I know that many people prefer to set and forget a lot of their writing, I don’t think that’s really the best way to go about becoming a better writer. In my experience, it’s paramount to growing as a writer to constantly revisit old work. Whatever you do, just don’t get stuck on only revisiting past work, because I certainly have.

Just Write and See What Happens

Sometimes, after retooling your existing work, you still aren’t getting back into writing mode. That’s when you must simply sit down and write. Take a break from everything else for about twenty minutes. then just spill out everything on your mind. It seems cliche to say that your seemingly random thoughts are a gold mine, but you might be surprised what comes out of you.

Even if you write down a bunch of what seems like nonsense, chances are you’ll produce a couple bits that may turn into something workable. As with anything, you just have to be consistent in getting your thoughts into writing to really get at something that will work. 

Of course, when you’re a bit rusty with writing, chances are your thoughts aren’t going to flow as well and things will come out awkwardly. The goal isn’t to be perfect, but to get back some momentum. Turning on the idea faucet is often the best way to do that, even if it’s just a slow, steady drip.

What if the Writing Just Won’t Come?

Forcing good writing simply doesn’t happen. If you force writing, it will read as forced. Just relax and let your thoughts flow. Sure, it may not be your best work. But, if it’s readable and has some good ideas, then you’re on the right track. If you really find the words just aren’t coming or the piece just isn’t going anywhere, set it aside, and move on. Getting stuck is just as bad in killing your momentum as simply not writing. 

Sometimes, you can’t just jump back into writing right away. But, it’s simple enough to regain some of that lost momentum by reconnecting with the best of what you’ve already done. Do that and chances are good that you’ll return with success as a writer.

~ Amelia Desertsong