When I Just Don't Want to Write...

Goooooooooooodmorning, everyone! Two more weeks of NaNo has passed, and by now we’ve all probably reached a low on our stories. Either that, or you’re in the corner squealing cause FINALLY THE CLIMAX. or buildup to the climax. Buuuut if you’re like me...Distractions happened, and all the sudden, I've lost motivation.

All was going well in my writing. I was getting the words down, and I was even a nice amount ahead. It was perfect! Then...all the sudden I just had a slump. It’s not that I hate the characters. Not that I hate the story. I didn’t love it though. It’s was just kind of... meh.

When you boil it down, I just don’t want to write it. Maybe this is because of my binge watching the entire season of The Miraculous Ladybug, or simply the fact that, at the time, I would have much rather sketched, watched youtube, or read, or...just not look at Silver and Gold.

So what do I do? Give in and shove the story off? Sit in the middle of the floor with books and sketch pads? As lovely as that sounds, I’m adamant to win this Nano. In my quest of the answer, I came up with a list of things I typically do to come back and re-motivate. So, tada! My list!

1. Take a Break

Most people freak out and start squacking out a whole spiral of why they can’t, but think about it...You’re stressing yourself out so bad, pushing yourself to the brink of insanity. If you’re characters aren’t speaking, maybe it’s cause you’ve drained them.

I’m not telling you to take a huge year long break. It could be a day, a week. I don’t know, you would have to decide that. But you can’t just be digging yourself a grave with that pen.

Also, when I say take a break, don’t just close the doc and open youtube. I am telling you to close the laptop, or power off that computer. Go adventure outside, it’s not as bad as it sounds. It’s actually super amazing. And stay away from the food. That chocolate will offer no inspiration.

Now what about when you really can’t, or don’t want to, take a break.

2. Change Your Location

Ninety percent of the time I find myself feeling meh, is because of my setting. Quite a lot, I can get away with sitting amidst the covers of my bed, pecking away at my blue and white keyboard, but sometimes I need a change.

Typically I’ll go outside under the shade of the tree outside my window, or else at the table where I do school in the living room. I know a lot of people go to a coffee shop, and I do as well. My sister and I have been going to a farmers market with a coffee shop and writing. This actually helps a tooon. Anytime you can venture outside the setting of your home, I recommend it. It really helps. Not just with writing, but with any project you need done.

3. Pinterest

  

Pinterest is your best friend. Seeing the visuals that you originally placed with your story can be a big motivator, and can offer a renewed vigor. Plus, you can get new visuals, quotes, character inspiration, and settings. It may just give you the push you need to start up again.

4.  Watch a Movie\ Read a Book

Sometimes the problem is you need a little plot inspiration. You need a way for the character to get to get that evilized butterfly out of the akumatised victim’s pin before they make all of Paris filled with hatred and broken hearts. *hacking coughs* But, how!? I’m not telling you to plagiarize, steal the exact scene from that TV show you love, but it can help majorly in getting some ideas. Also, you really have to be careful to not go into binge mode. That’s the point of no return.

5. Share What You Have Already

Shhh, stop screaming. I know, it’s scary to show people the ugly, scraggly first draft with all the red lines, stars, and horribleness, but it could really help. I have my doc shared with my friends, Sierra, Rachael, and Matie, and the feedback they have given has really given me a boost to continue. I seriously wouldn’t have made it to the amount of words I have now without them. Yes, it’s scary to share the mess of words, but hey, it’s the first draft and everyone knows what a mess they are. It could just be a snippet, a scene, or even the whole thing.  

Annnnd that’s my five things! These are just five, not the only. Anyways, I hope you found it helpful, and will have the exuberance to finish your project.

MAY THE WORDS COME, AND YOU HAVE AN EVER FLOWING FOUNTAIN OF INSPIRATION. YOU AN AMAZING HUMAN, AND YOU GOT DIS!!!

Do you agree with the list? What do you do when you just can’t write? Please, comment down below and tell all! ^0^