By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Writers must have passion for their writing projects or no one else will. No getting around it. But what happens when we are no longer excited about our book, blog, article, poem, screenplay, or other types of writing? How do we overcome the lack of interest?
A few of life’s happenings can contribute to our disillusion.
- Perhaps we’re under contract.
- Perhaps we’ve been paid and must finish it.
- Perhaps we’re under obligation for a myriad of reasons to complete the manuscript.
- Perhaps it’s detrimental to our career to back out of a project.
- Perhaps the project has been rejected, and a rewrite is essential.
- Perhaps we’re a perfectionist.
- Perhaps we’re jealous of other’s success and can’t seem to eliminate the negativity from our thoughts.
- Perhaps life around us is out of control—family, friends, a day job, faith, health, and circumstances that take up our time.
How can we stoke the flames of creativity to have passion once again for our projects?
Here are 7 steps to help rekindle the passion for a writing project.
1. Pray for guidance in the quest to find excitement in our writing again.
2. List our positive writer qualities. Place them in a prominent place where we can review them daily.
3. Be determined to find the enthusiasm that once excited us about the manuscript. Accept the fire has died and choose to nurture our inspiration.
A. What originally enthused us about the project?
B. What are 3 things that we like about it?
C. What don’t we like about it?
4. Analyze what caused discouragement.
A. The idea needs more plot, information, research, or resources.
B. We learned about a similar writing project and changing ours is depressing.
C. We are on a deadline and finishing the project is overwhelming.
D. The writing needs improvement.
5. Determine to make changes
A. Schedule time every day to work on the project.
B. Seek help if necessary.
C. Enlist an accountability partner.
6. Take a break from the project. Walk away. Do something other than worry and stress about it.
A. Sometimes we become trapped in our own prison where self-doubts keep us chained.
B. Many times physical activity (sweat) breaks through to our inspiration.
C. Engage in a hobby or another creative outlet.
7. Mentor a serious writer. When we put aside our own problems and concentrate on helping another, we are blessed.
Remember when we first fell in love? Every thought about the person filled us with joy. As months and years rolled by, we and our loved ones worked harder to keep the flames of love burning hot. The same is true about our writing.
How do you rekindle the passion for a writing project?
Comments 22
I like to write a letter to one of my characters and just relax with a chat. This helps get my head back into the character’s world.
Barbie, excellent idea! Thanks so much!
DiAnn, thank you for this practical list that gives us concrete means to put one foot in front of the other when we least feel like moving forward. I too will keep this list close at hand to encourage me.
Blessings on your day.
Thank you, Karen. Glad the post and list helped you!
Thanks so much, DiAnn, for this encouragement. Your idea #2 of listing positive writer qualities will help a lot–I’m going to add the reasons why my storyline should be told and keep this whole list handy. My current struggles are with disruptive life circumstances (travel, aiding aging parents) and inconsistent scheduling…gotta work on your #5A. But your #1 idea–prayer–is absolutely essential. Will ask the Holy Spirit to rekindle that passion! Thanks!
Nancy, I’m so glad I could help. Blessings on your writing.
Fear and disappointment are my arch enemies in this situation. I therefore remind myself whose I am, who equips me, and whom I aim to please.
Frances, God is in control, and He gives us what we need. Blessings on your writing.
Thanks DiAnn.
Diane,
This post is so encouraging! Especially as I am praying about either doing a complete rewrite of my memoir which was published in 2017, or doing a revision/update/enhancement of it. I will use your excellent suggestions!
Thanks,
Edwina
Edwina, I’m so glad! Keep me posted.
All inspiring!
Thank you 🙏
Joyce, thank you, my friend!
DiAnn,
I agree with Deborah Sprinkle. You always give such practical and doable suggestions.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.
Debra
Debra, you are so kind. The truth is, I learn from all of you!
This was a terrific post! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, DiAnn! My problem isn’t lacking passion–it’s having too much for several projects at once! I need to funnel my enthusiasm and stay focused so I can finish one project before I start another (especially researching…ooooh, so much fun!). Blessings! Karen Marline
Hi Marlene, thank you for your kind words. I suggest making a list of all those projects and tackle them one by one. 🙂
Marline, I can relate to this! I’m always coming up with an idea and then run out of steam when I get started moving it forward. Let’s pray for each other to persevere, okay?
Hi DiAnn,
You are so on target. Prayer is key.
When passion embers are dying, use a poker and stir up inspiration from your journal or diary, YouTube Videos, writing partners, or from innovative resources. Look back in your journal or diary, or old photos and make a list of the things you’ve achieved, wanted, or accomplished that can jump start passion. Different things fuel passion and motivation. You may have to recognize that it is not the right time for a writing project and have to separate yourself from your writing for a short period. (During those separations, find your therapy to refresh yourself with art, exercise, gardening, support, etc.) Thank God that you are finally able to do what your heart desires and ask Him to place you back in your creative flow.
Dawn, what a beautiful expression of flaming the embers of creativity. Thank you!
Your advice is always filled with common sense and practical ways to put it into motion. I love that! Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
Debbie, you are way too kind, but I thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words.