I recently posted 8 Ways to Kill Your Writing Mojo. Today I want to focus on the reverse problem.
What if your writing mojo is dead and you want it back?
I have some ideas for that, too.
- Take an adventure. The first time I went to the Caribbean, I returned with a book outline, a list of ideas and two nearly completed articles. One might think I did nothing but cuddle my laptop that week. Wrong. We went kayaking, swimming, hiking, took a sunset cruise, read novels, visited a volcano and local towns, ate out a lot and had a lot of — couple time.
- Change your scenery. Forget the expensive, exotic vacation; a simple change in scenery or routine can wake your writing muse. Consider a day trip to the beach or a solitary hike down an unknown trail. You could even write from a new coffee shop or spend an hour people-watching. Just get out of your office; change your routine.
- Revisit old stomping grounds. I live twenty-five minutes outside of Manhattan. I used to work there, but could count on one hand how many times I’ve visited since having kids and moving across the bridge. Each time I do, however, I feel revitalized. It rejuvenates my writing and my desire to write. The reward far exceeds the effort required to get there. I really should go more often.
- Read outside your genre. I learn a lot about writing nonfiction by reading fiction. New authors and styles challenge me to step outside my comfort zone and try things a little differently.
- Explore a different type of creative expression. Pick up a paintbrush. Dust off that guitar. Redesign flower boxes. Take a pottery class. What have you always wanted to do, but never tried?
- Spend time with other writers. You may not be able to hit a big conference in the near future. That’s okay! A simple coffee or skype date can do wonders to encourage, inspire and revitalize.
- Dust off an old manuscript. We all have pieces that have never seen daylight. Find one. Read it, tweak it and see where it takes you.
- Focus on someone else. Jump into ministry serving others. Spend more time than usual praying and meeting with God in His Scriptures. Get your eyes off of you, your project and your constipated muse. Inspiration rarely comes without an external spark.
Your Turn: These are just a few things that work for me. What do YOU do to revive your writing mojo? What ignites your dormant inspirations?
