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We all need a break from writing on occasion. Sometimes that break is needed to help a family member or complete another project. Sometimes it’s just our own mental need for a respite from the plotting and character development.
Breaks are good.
However, I can struggle getting back into a writing rhythm after a break. I know I’m not the only one, either!
So, here are 14 tips for getting back into writing after a break!
1
Ask God to help you get back to writing, if it is His will. Be open to the idea that your break may not be over. He knows what the next day holds. He may be asking you to wait to improve your future writing.
2
Re-read previous work. This helps you re-establish your voice and get a feel for where you were going with this writing project.
3
Do a little editing. Tweak words and phrases as you re-read previous work to get your head and hands back into the feel of writing. It doesn’t hurt that this polishes up your previous work, either!
4
Talk to someone you love about your story. I love telling Jesus, and my brother and sisters about different elements as I rediscover them or as they come to me. I also talk to them when developing the story plot, when I get stuck, and…well, a lot of the time. It’s fun! Usually, it gets me in a good mood, and they often have amazing ideas!
5
Inspire yourself to write. Do something that sparks a desire in you to write, whether that’s a movie, board game, or day out at your favorite store. Maybe it’s traveling, taking a hike, or cleaning the bathroom. Whatever it is, give it a whirl! Check out this blog for some more ideas on how to inspire yourself: 5 Ways to Inspire Yourself to Write.
6
Start with your favorite part. If you love developing characters, create a new one! If you like putting characters into imminent danger, do that. If you enjoy creating fantasy creatures, fashion a new one. If you want to pen a dialogue, backstory, or the last scene of the book – write it!
7
Sit down and write one sentence. It seems really simple, but sometimes all you need is to commit to a simple daily goal to get back into the groove. Eventually, you may go from writing one sentence to one paragraph, and from one paragraph to one chapter. In the end, a book is made of words so all you need to do is keep putting words on the pages.
8
Take some time to think about the characters, plot twists, and such. Press through ideas that seem dull or don’t work to something that excites you. It could take a few days to come up with something useful.
9
Get feedback on a previously written scene or chapter. Hearing what someone thinks about your work can really encourage you to get back at it. I know it helps me to know that a sibling or friend is interested in what I have written and looking forward to reading more.
10
Read a book in the same genre. It can provide a boatload of inspiration for writing your own novel! For some, this may not work because reading a book in the same genre that feels like it’s better than your work is more discouraging than encouraging. That’s okay. There are plenty of other tips to try!
11
Act out a scene from your story. Play out the characters, giving them the expressions, gestures, and tones you imagine. I do this a lot, especially with dialogues (just ask my sisters). It is a tremendous help!
12
Change your scenery. You may find it easier to slide back into a rhythm by starting to write somewhere different than where you typically do. Sit under a tree, go to a nearby park, head out on the lake. Maybe even try a friend’s house or your grandparent’s house. A change of scenery refreshes the mind and prepares you to be creative.
13
Contemplate the theme of your book. Writing is one way that I process things I am learning. My themes stem from personal experience and knowledge, or real stories I hear swirling about me. When I read a book or listen to a conversation that revolves around the theme of my current book, it prompts me to write. Maybe you’re like me! Take some time to think, listen, or read about whatever themes you are weaving into your book. You may not even have to go searching for this inspiration!
14
Keep praying. Talk to God about everything that is happening and continue to ask Him to help you establish your writing schedule again. Continue to be open to His answer. Be willing to wait on His timing. Also, be aware that He will require you to put in some effort to achieve the goal.
I have used every single one of these ideas. I can also use these things to help me keep writing when I’m tempted to just take an unnecessary break. I hope at least one of these tips helps you get back into writing rhythm after a break!
Which of these tips have you used before? Which one are you going to try next? Comment below!
Commenting on these blog posts is one of the ways you, my friend, get to give to me. Your comments encourage me that I’m not writing to nobody. Also, I often learn something from other Christians who write and take the time to answer the questions or say something simple. Please, feel free to give.