getting out of a creative slump.



I've been so passionate about writing for years. I'm very lucky that I rarely get writer's block, but it happens to everyone. don't think it makes you a bad writer. if anything, it shows you have a drive. if the drive is there, the creativity will follow.

poetry is my outlet for when I want to get my emotions out. I use poetry like a diary. no matter if I'm happy, sad, heartbroken, tired - I will write about it. if I'm too afraid to speak up and share my feelings, I translate them into my writing. it's my favorite way to get to know myself. 

however, there are days when I'm unmotivated, even when I know how much it helps me. as much as my brain wants to call it "the most annoying thing to ever happen to me... ever", I call it a "creative slump". 

it's just a slump, nothing more. if I was actually slumping in a chair, I would remind myself that I am still sitting, even if it's not completely upright. it could be worse, it's not like I'm on the ground. applying this to writing, the writer inside of my heart is still there. I just have to get her to sit up, tall and proud. 

when I'm in a creative slump, I have a few tricks to get myself out of it. hopefully, they'll help you.



CHANGE YOUR ENVIRONMENT. 

if I'm feeling this slump in my bedroom, I'll either switch to another part of my home, or I'll go out. my favorite places to write are cafes and parks. not only does this make me get up and focus, it also could draw some inspiration. 

TALK IT OUT.

I don't even know if my friends know I do this, but I love to ask random questions in conversations to get the ideas flowing. getting other perspectives help when you don't want to use your own. when I'm lucky, I get an idea that's so enticing that it convinces me to write and write and write.

START BY REVISING.

if I have no idea what to write about, I'll go over my old poems and make some corrections. sometimes, I'll notice a line in a poem that I want to fix. instead of editing the poem, I'll spinoff that idea, using that line to create something brand new. 

LISTEN TO MUSIC.

I have a really long playlist on my spotify dedicated to use when I'm writing. I'm aware that this only works for some people, but I recommend trying it out. I usually pick from uplifting/calming indie music, or classic rock, and put it on softly in the background while I'm at my writing desk. 

TRY AGAIN LATER.

it's okay to take breaks. forcing yourself to write isn't always the best idea if you're in a bad mood. my rule is, "does it feel like a chore?"

if you feel like it's the last thing on earth you'd want to be doing in that moment, take a break. I've noticed that when I'm forcing myself, it affects my writing and easily shows. 



thank you for reading!


8 comments

  1. i see you read my email idea!! thank you for posting this. this really helps i can't wait to use it.

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  2. Could you please share some tips on how to write poems? I've been wanting to start for the longest time and I have no idea where to.

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  3. How do you revise poems? Is there a certain method to it?

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  4. ok I am officially jealous of how you write. even this blog post is written so beautifully! ~~

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  5. I feel the same way about poetry being an outlet for my emotions, which is why being in a creative slump in that sense is rather difficult. Thanks for sharing your tips on getting out.

    Kathrin | Polar Bear Style

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  6. Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. store name ideas

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Thank you for your input!