Some days the words just don’t come. I sit at my desk and look at the computer screen. I wait for a sense of inspiration to wash over me, and … nothing. Blank page, ticking clock, and nada. I don’t even know where to start.
If you have days like that, you’re not alone. Sometimes we can leave our computers and come back an hour later, and poof! The inspiration returns. But in case it doesn’t, here are some tips for reigniting the flame of inspiration in your heart and getting some words on the page—some good words that will benefit your readers.
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Pray!
Asking God for wisdom and guidance is the best thing we can do before we start writing. Any time. If you’re not feeling inspired to write, ask God for an angle or a special slant on your subject. When I write, some sentences that pop into my head have to be from Him. I know I couldn’t have thought of them on my own.
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Write what you know, or research your subject some more.
If you’re stumped about what to write for your blog, write what you know. Pick a topic that you’re familiar with, and write a post from the heart. If you’re writing an article or a chapter about something that you’re unfamiliar with, research enough until you know your subject and you discover a starting point for your piece. You may not become an expert on the topic, but you can cite your sources and feel at peace with the material you’ve presented.
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Listen to your favorite playlist of music.
Playing your favorite songs can blow away any “mind fog” and inspire your heart to write. If the lyrics to your favorite music distract your mind too much, pick some great instrumental music to set the right mood and reignite your inspiration.
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Watch your favorite “go get ‘em” movie.
I am a visual learner, and I learn a lot from movies. Some action movies inspire me to write about being all in and not giving up. I love to see a team work together, like in the new Star Trekseries, or to watch a character conquer fear and other obstacles like in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. Watch a movie that inspires you to press on or make a difference, and then use the oomphyou gain from the movie to write.
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Play on Pinterest.
I don’t know if male writers would consider doing this one, but Pinterest is therapeutic. (So is shopping, but it’s more expensive.) Take thirty minutes to search for cute puppy pictures, delicious-looking recipes, or creative DIY projects on Pinterest, and then return to your writing. Hopefully, you’ll be in a cheerful mood, and the creative juices will start flowing again. If Pinterest isn’t your thing, try working on your favorite hobby, or doing something that uses the creative side of your brain. Just maybe, the creativity will spill over into your writing.
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Remember what you studied for your quiet time.
If you’re writing an inspirational post or article, recall the principles you learned in your quiet time that day. What things did God teach you? What truths or encouragement can you pass on to your readers? Let these inspire your writing.
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Think about your most recent struggle and victory.
With God, no trial is wasted. We learn and grow through our trials, and often we find ways to encourage other people through theirs. Winning the victory over a struggle can become great inspiration in helping others to persevere. You don’t have to go into detail about your own struggle, but tap into the joy andthe pain of your trial when you sit down to write. Empathize with other people’s struggles, and share what you have learned in yours.
What do you do to reignite the flame of inspiration? Share some tips, and let’s help each other stay inspired to write.
Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author, an editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. Her first compilation, Breaking the Chains, won a 2018 Selah finalist award. Her second compilation, Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character, uses the metaphor of house renovation to show how God renovates our hearts. Katy’s writing can be found at CBN.com, thoughts-about-God.com, PursueMagazine.net, two blogs on writing, in online magazines, and on devotional blogs. She loves spending time with family and friends, making jewelry, and hunting for the best peanut butter cookies. Connect with her at her blogand on Facebookand Twitter.
The Conversation
Katy, I was thinking about #7 this morning. Last year was challenging with the death of four people close to me, a concussion, pneumonia, my son’s hospitalization, and more. I did not feel like writing, but I need to while the feelings are raw. Thank you for the encouragement and reminder. God bless you.
Oh, Cherrilynn, you have been through a lot recently. May God help you to handle everything, and help you to write when it is time. Love you very much!
Thank you for the tips, Katy. It’s always helpful to know what others do when writer’s block happens. This was the topic of our discussion in my local writer’s group last Saturday. Great topic.
It would have been interesting to hear what your group said about writer’s block. Thank you so much for your comment. May God bless your writing in the new year!