April Blog 2020: Lockdown has killed my writing grove. What can I do to reignite the spark?

​So, I’ve discovered the urge to write waning as this lockdown has gone on. I’m still committed to my goals and my author business, but the actual ‘writing’ doesn’t want to happen. So, what can we, as writers, do to be productive and support our writing during lockdown when the urge to write just isn’t there? I've got a few ideas (and loads of links) for you!

I’m stuck, I don’t want to. Is this the end for me as a writer?

So, lockdown has killed my writing groove. What can I do to reignite the spark? ​If, like me, you’re feeling a bit lacklustre, less than inspired, tired, or frustrated, but you want to keep in the groove of writing without actually putting pen to paper or fingers to keys, what can we do to keep the fire burning? I find if I step back for too long, I lose the urge completely and won’t write for several months – hardly ideal when I’ve chosen to pursue writing as my career. Allowing such a gap, even in these unusual times, could spell the end, the implosion of my goals, and I’m determined not to let that happen.
After a spell of musing, I’ve come up with plenty of activities you and I can get on with to support our writing and authorship without feeling forced. In fact, this is a great time to concentrate on growing your knowledge and expertise of your craft, and to do small things now to get ahead. I’ve put together a list of ideas (feel free to add yours in the comments) that are sure to spark interest, some of which may surprise you. I’m sure there’s something here to keep your passion alive.

Taking a break is important, but stopping completely could be detrimental. It’s possible to take a writing holiday without losing touch by shifting focus for a bit."
​- Emily Larkins, author.

A change is as good as a holiday, even if you’re stuck at home.

At this unsettled time, keeping your mind focused on the singular task of writing may be a challenge, but there are plenty of tasks you can apply yourself to that will support you as a writer, and help you get prepared for when you’re ready to tackle the manuscript again.
 
My (small and gentle) goals during this time are to:

1. Immerse myself in story
2. Grow my social media presence through interaction and building on my follower base
3. Learn more about my craft
4. Prepare for next stages

I've really only set goals for this time so I can ensure I do a bit of each. It's totally up to you if you want to work this way.
 
Here are some ideas to support each goal:

1. Immerse in story…

• Read – start with an old favourite, then go wide and deep – try a new author, new genre…
• Try listening to an audiobook
• Watch – TV, Movies – pay attention to story, character development, plot…

 
2. Grow meaningful social media…

• Be active every day on existing platforms (even for short bursts)
• Refresh your bio, images, hashtags, etc.
• Join a new social media platform or delete what isn’t working for you
• Have a cull – check through your following list and see who is and isn’t active – cull those that aren’t
• Plan ahead for new social media posts
• Plan/build/refresh your website (check out ideas here)
• Plan or start a blog (check out ideas here)

 
3. Learn your craft…

• Catch up on your learning (have a look here to start... getting started, plot development, character development, setting development, short story tools)
• When reading/viewing, take notes on how plot and character develop - pose questions to research
• Start building your own research board/s on Pinterest (check out mine)
• Check out other author websites – note what you like and what works well (try starting here)
• Do some journaling (check out my blog post) – find out where your sticking points are

 
4. Prepare for the future…

• Set up next year’s planner or journal (clever tip here) 
• Refresh your planning documents
• Choose some prompts that inspire you for future writing (try mine, or check out the ones I've gathered)
• Create your own writing prompts
• Try writing a short story or flash fiction if the mood strikes
• Hunt out some future characters/settings
• Start a storyboard

 
These ideas are just the beginning. I’ve caught a few other blog posts out there with more, so hunt them out if you haven’t found something that takes your fancy on mine.
Do take a rest if you need it. We can’t be totally enthralled with what we do all the time, but we can maintain forward motion. Even when we’re feeling lost or completely anti, there are small actions we can take to get through the hard spots. There’s inspiration to be found in the work of others, and through other mediums. Every little step you take now will help you get through and come out the other side in a better position to restart your writing passion.

​In the meantime, stay safe, wash your hands, take those little steps.
Happy writing,
Emily.

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P.S. ​Do you have ideas that others might find useful? Please add them to the comments to help your fellow authors through.