Blog Summary:
Who says writing doesn’t get boring sometimes? Well, it does. And the solution is not far-fetched. The secret to overcoming boredom in writing lies somewhere within the words that follow. So, sit back, relax, and take notes as you read.
Whether you are a professional or a novice writer, be sure to heed this counsel that follows. The reality of being a writer is that at some point in your journey, you will experience setbacks. And what sets successful writers apart from others is how they react to these setbacks.
Giving up may feel like the only option available when writing becomes difficult or less exciting. Be sure not to cave in to defeat. There are several other things you can do to overcome creative boredom while writing.
In this blog post, we have listed five key strategies writers can use to reignite their passion for writing whenever they feel like dropping the ball.
Let’s explore these practical steps one at a time.
- Take a Break
The first thing you can do as a writer when you feel bored is to take a break. Yes, you might have tight deadlines that make resting seem impossible. However, you must remember that the goal of writing is to deliver quality, not just quantity. While it may seem like writing for long hours is what would help you get the job done faster, taking a break could serve as the recharge you never knew you needed to quicken your pace.
Writing for long hours is a major cause of why many authors feel bored when writing. Prolonged writing affects a writer’s mood; it can also strain muscles and lead to poor sitting posture. Writing without taking breaks is not only stressful but hazardous to one’s health. A short walk in your neighbourhood or a quick nap can not only improve your writing but also keep you away from the hospital.
- Change Your Writing Process
Another way to reignite some creative spark is to experiment with new writing styles. You can explore a different voice or tone in your writing. This would take your mind on an adventure and douse every feeling of boredom. You could also update your vocabulary by looking for new word choices that will help you express yourself to readers more clearly.
Storytelling is another element that would help infuse excitement into your writing process. People love stories, so try to incorporate a few stories into your writing. Be as descriptive as possible, and consider using all the sensory details to bring your writing to life. You can start by adjusting the environment, time of day, or weather conditions.
- Read a Book
The cure to the boredom you feel while writing could sometimes lie in the words of another writer. This is why it is important to read books often, if possible, daily. Reading a book enhances your imagination and also serves as a source of inspiration. It opens the mind to new ideas and concepts that you can refine and implement in your writing process.
Reading books written by other amazing writers doesn’t just help you write better; it also keeps your mind better and limits the potential of you getting bored. It is commonly said that reading a book is a free road trip into the mind of the author, and that’s true. Writers pour out their thoughts into their books with words. So, reading these various thoughts of other creatives as yourself is sure to cure any form of boredom.
- Watch a Movie
All movies are words drawn from a writer’s mind that are written on paper as a form of script. Thus, watching a movie invites you into the minds of great writers, just like reading a book/novel does. In fact, movies are a much more vivid illustration of a writer’s thoughts. By watching movies, you get to learn and understand how other creatives like yourself think and execute their ideas.
This will help you to explore new writing processes after your movie break. Watching a film is a form of entertainment that keeps you relaxed while still being beneficial for your craft. Be sure to create time out of your busy schedule to watch a movie this week. It could be comedy, drama, science fiction, or a documentary.
- Move to Another Project.
Definitely not the strategy you were expecting, right?
If trying all the steps above fails to revive your writing flair, take an extended break from that particular project and shift your focus to something else. Yes, you can move on to another project. It is okay to pause work temporarily if you are losing inspiration. Don’t beat yourself up if you find yourself in such a situation. Of course, you’re not abandoning the work. You’re just stepping aside until you get your fresh ideas to continue.
This break will give you time to recover from the stress that may have built up and help you reconnect with the joy you usually feel while writing. Move to another project, but be sure to revisit it within the space of two weeks.
Dear writer, you are doing an amazing job. Keep writing. Keep creating. You may feel bored now, but don’t give up on your craft. You only need to apply the above strategies to your writing process, and your spark will be back in a jiffy.
For more resources like this, say hello@sabiwriters.com
FAQs
- How long should I take a break after writing for extended periods?
You can rest for about thirty minutes to an hour. Your rest time could be more, but it depends on the exact amount of time you have worked.
- What else can I do for leisure if I don’t like watching movies?
You can go for a run or get some sleep. Apart from watching a movie or documentary, there are many other ways in which writers detox from fatigue.
- What do I do if I extend my break or leisure time?
Don’t panic or beat yourself up. Simply get back to work and have an accountability partner the next time you want to go on a break.