Are you struggling with your writing? Have you ever found it difficult to write, publish, and post consistently? Those times when the words and ideas just don’t flow?
I have—and when that happens, it’s frustrating at best.
For a couple of years, it was tough for me to write consistently while helping my mom and caring for my dad, who was living with cancer and dementia. After my dad passed away in November of 2022, I expected the fog to lift. But in the year that followed, I still struggled to concentrate and write consistently.
From developing ideas to writing and publishing posts—the flow just wasn’t there. I often stared at a blank screen and wondered where my creative spark had gone. But over time, with patience and persistence, things began to shift.
Maybe you’ve been there too. If so, you’re not alone.
Writing slumps happen to all of us, often during the times we most wish they wouldn’t. Life gets busy. Responsibilities pile up. Grief, exhaustion, or a lack of motivation can creep in quietly. Before you know it, writing feels like an uphill battle.
But here’s the good news: your creativity hasn’t disappeared. It’s simply resting. And like anything that needs restoration, it can be awakened again.
Understand Why Writing Feels Difficult
There are many reasons why writing can feel hard, even when we want to do it. Identifying the root of the struggle is often the first step toward getting unstuck.
Perfectionism
Perfectionism convinces us that everything we write and create has to be perfect. It happens before we start writing. But writing isn’t about getting it perfect on the first try—it’s about getting it written, published and out there. First drafts are meant to be rough. You can always polish later, but you can’t revise a blank page. Give yourself permission to write badly. That’s where the magic starts.
Exhaustion
Physical and emotional fatigue can drain your creativity. I experienced this deeply while caring for my father. Even after his passing, I carried the emotional weight, and my energy to create just wasn’t there.
Grief and exhaustion don’t follow a timeline. If you’re navigating loss or chronic stress, your energy and focus may be limited. That’s okay. Healing takes time, and restoration often begins with rest.
Over-commitment
When your plate is too full, writing naturally takes a backseat. I had to step back and re-evaluate my commitments before I could find space to write again.
If your days are packed with to-do lists and responsibilities, try lightening your load. Simplifying your schedule, even in small ways, can help you make space for writing again.
Ways to Re-ignite Your Writing Flow
We’ve all been there—staring at a blank page, waiting for the words to come. It’s easy to feel stuck, but the truth is, your creative flow can be reignited.
Whether it’s a simple shift in perspective or a gentle nudge to get back into the rhythm, these small steps can help awaken your creativity once more.
Read to Be Inspired
Reading can gently stir your creativity. Whether it’s blogs, books, poetry, or articles, immersing yourself in the written word can remind you why you fell in love with writing in the first place.
Sometimes, one sentence or a unique perspective is enough to reignite your own voice.
Freewrite Without Pressure
Set a timer for ten minutes and write whatever comes to mind—no editing, no backspacing, no worrying about structure or grammar. Let it be messy. Let it be real.
This kind of low-pressure writing helped me reconnect to my voice. I would write journal entries, post drafts, or even one sentence at a time. Over time, these small steps led to big breakthroughs.
Revisit Old Work
Go back through old journals, unpublished drafts, or previous blog posts. You might rediscover ideas worth expanding or remember how far you’ve come.
Sometimes your past words hold keys to future ones.
Shift Your Environment
A simple change of scenery can work wonders. Try writing in a different room, at a cozy café, or even outside in nature. Writing at a different time of day can also help unlock a fresh mindset.
What worked before may not work now—and that’s okay. Give yourself permission to try something new.
It’s Okay to Take a Break From Writing
It’s okay to step back for a little while. In fact, sometimes it’s necessary. When your heart or mind feels heavy, forcing creativity only makes the struggle worse.
Allow yourself to take a break without guilt or self-judgment. Rest is not weakness. It’s part of the creative rhythm.
I wrote about my own season of stepping away to heal and grieve. Eventually the spark to returned. You can read that story here.
Reconnect With Your “Why”
Ask yourself: Why did I start writing?
What message, story, or encouragement do you feel called to share?
Reconnecting with your “why” can help rekindle your passion to write and give you a reasons to begin again.
Your words have value. Someone needs to hear what only you can say.
Create a Writing Routine That Works Now
Try writing at different times or in different places than you’re used to. Your life may have changed—and your writing routine might need to shift too.
I had to adjust my own writing routine after everything changed. What worked before no longer worked for me after my dad passed away. But after making changes, I slowly found my groove again.
Start small and build from there.
Connect with Your Blogging and Writing Friends
Supportive writing friends can help lift you up when you’re feeling stuck. I’m incredibly thankful for my tribe of blogging friends who checked in, encouraged me, and reminded me of the value in my words.
One person I’m especially grateful for is Ryan Biddulph from Blogging from Paradise. During my time away, Ryan generously contributed multiple guest posts.
You can view Ryan’s contributing author page and guest posts here. You can also find Ryan at his helpful and supportive Facebook group he recently started for bloggers – How to Blog Successfully.
Set Small, Achievable Goals
Rather than expecting yourself to write an entire post or chapter in one sitting, start small. Write 100–300 words. Jot down a few bullet points. Open a document and brainstorm for five minutes.
All progress counts.
Celebrate those small wins—they build momentum and confidence. Consistency in small doses often leads to long-term breakthroughs.
And if you’re having an off day, that’s okay.
Embrace Imperfect Progress
Your writing doesn’t have to be flawless—it just has to be written.
If you’re in a writing slump, know this: you’re not alone. Every writer faces seasons like this. But creativity is never gone forever. It’s simply waiting—waiting for a little space, a little grace, and a gentle nudge to rise again.
So take a deep breath, meet yourself with compassion, and start where you are. Your voice still matters. Your words are still inside you.
What’s one small step you can take today to reignite your writing flow?
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