Recharging the Writing Batteries

It's been over a week since I finished 7S7D, and I feel a little bit burnt out.  I've barely written anything since.  I don't have much desire to start revising, and I have even less ambition to write something new.

I don't think the challenge itself is the problem.  I've done NaNoWriMo several times, and I've gone through plenty of other periods of high-speed writing.  7S7D was probably the most intense week of writing I've ever gone through, but I had my outlines, and I felt well prepared.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, the ambition to write just goes away.  It happens to everyone at some point.  The question is, what can we do about it?  Below, I've composed a list of options to recharge the writer's batteries.


Do something physical
One of my favorite places to think about writing is when I'm mowing the lawn.  Unfortunately, in my neck of the woods we've still got a month or two before it's lawn-mowing season.  Shoveling is an alternative.  If you're one of those crazy people who jogs, you could do that too.  Biking is another good option, and google maps now has biking directions.  How convenient.

Enjoy Nature
These days, we're completely surrounded by technology.  With laptops and smart-phones, you can surf the net, facebook, and twitter almost anywhere.  Sometimes it pays to get away from all of it and just hang out with some rocks and trees.  Take a day trip.  Go to a local hiking area or national park.  Do some fishing.


Read Something Different
Most fiction writers have a favorite genre, and typically we read within the same genre we write.  Try reading something from a genre you rarely look at.  If you can find a knowledgeable friend to recommend something, even better!  Or, read some nonfiction on a topic that interests you.  Surf wikipedia, or head to the local library and pick up some books.  It might also be a good time to try some unfocused research.  You might also find inspiration in a book on writing.

Try Silence
Our world is busy and loud.  As a new parent, I am all-too aware of how difficult it is to find quiet time.  Sometimes, though, it's absolutely necessary.  You may be able to find a quiet room or corner in your own house.  You might have to go somewhere.  Coffee shops are a great option (you can enjoy the smell even if you don't want to buy $5 coffee).  Libraries and bookstores are also good.  Try to just sit and let your mind wander.  Sometimes 30 minutes of silence can go a long way.

Take a Break from Words
As writers, we tend to fill our lives with the written word.  Sometimes, this can contribute to brain overload.  Try taking a day or two away from words: don't write (not even on the blog, facebook, twitter, etc), and don't read any books, stories, magazines, web articles.  This can be challenging, but you may find that the time away from words makes them so much more enticing when you come back to them.

Critique
You may already be in some kind of critique group.  If you're not, look into it.  Try critiquing a few manuscripts written by others.  This takes different brain muscles than writing your own stories, and it is a sure way to improve your own style and help you look at your own work with a more critical eye.  Try submitting something you've been working on to be critiqued.  If your critiquers are good, you'll gain new insights into your work.

Re-channel that Creativity
Try a different creative pursuit besides writing.  Do some drawing (or doodling, if you prefer).  Try painting, sewing, crocheting/knitting.  Sing, or if you play an instrument, spend some extra time with it.  One form of creativity often inspires another.

Spend Time with Family
Writing is a very solitary process.  You sit alone with the computer, typewriter or notebook, and spend hours putting words together.  Your family is (hopefully) kind enough to support you in this endeavor, and put up with all the time that those words keep you away from them.  So remind them how much you appreciate their support.  Spend some quality time with your spouse, child(ren), parents, or whoever you're closest to.  Go out for dinner.  Have a game night.  Go camping.  That keyboard will be waiting for you tomorrow.