Are you feeling stuck in a writing rut?

A lot of my coaching clients come to me because they're feeling stuck in some way. And I think as writers, most of us have times when we feel like we're not making the progress we want.

That could show up as lots of doing but no sense of forward momentum: you keep tinkering away with projects without publishing them. Or maybe you love starting new things ... but after a few weeks, your enthusiasm fades.

Or being stuck might look like tackling anything, everything, except writing. Perhaps you're reorganising your bookshelves yet again, or telling yourself that as soon as you've got your desk just how you want it, you'll finally feel able to write.

You might even be grinding your way forward on your chosen project, but feeling like it's getting a little harder every day to sit down and work on it.

Whatever feeling stuck looks like for you, here are a few ideas to try that might get you out of your writing rut.

#1: Decide How Much Longer to Commit

If you're in a rut with a particular project, decide how long you're going to stick with it before taking a break.

Perhaps you'll commit to another two weeks' worth of work on your novel, to see if you can get over the hump. If you still feel stuck and unenthused, you'll set it aside for a while ... guilt-free.

#2: Switch to Something Part-Finished

I completely understand the temptation to start on a shiny new writing project ... but if you keep starting new things, you won't finish any of them.

Instead, see if you might want to go back to a part-finished piece of writing. Is there a short story you could finish off and send out to a competition? Do you have a novel that you began and now have some more ideas for?

#3: Or ... Write Something Short

Instead of starting yet another novel, how about writing a short story? Instead of a long, detailed article, how about a short blog post, or even a piece for social media?

Sometimes, I've found that a small piece might contain the gem of a bigger idea ... but it's by writing and finishing something small that I can break out of feeling stuck.

#4: Change Your Writing Environment

We don't always realise how much our writing conditions affect our actual writing. I'm far more focused when I write fiction at 7am instead of at 10pm, for instance!

Could you shake things up with when and where you write? Maybe writing in a different room, or even outside your home, could help you connect with your work in a different way. Or perhaps you'll feel more inspired and engaged by changing when you write.

For more help on this one, check out Supercharge Your Writing Environment ... it's currently half-price ($4 instead of $8) with the code SUMMERSALE24.

#5: Write Alongside Other People

I felt stuck making progress with draft 5 of my novel Reaper... it wasn't that I didn't want to do the work, exactly, I just never quite found the time! 

Enter Writers' Cafe and the writing hours: there's no excuse when I have to show up and run the session. ;-) Whether virtually like we do in Writers' Cafe, or in person in a coffee shop, it can be so much easier to find the energy to sit down and write when you've got the accountability of writing alongside others.

#6: Try Something New or Different

While you don't want to constantly jump from one thing to another, it can help get you out of a rut to try your hand at something new.

I sometimes feel that my freelance work is rather same-old-same-old ... so I love guest posting on different blogs so I can break out of that rut and write for different audiences. 

Want to dip into a new area of writing? Get Writing covers short stories, novels, blogging, and freelancing, and it's currently $10 with the code SUMERSALE24.

#7: Pin Down Exactly What You're Stuck On

If you're feeling stuck or unsure how to go forward, try to figure out why. What exactly is the sticking point?

For me, it's often that I don't know what's happening next in my plot. Getting unstuck might mean taking a mental step back and brainstorming about the bigger picture of my story.

#8: Consider Writing Exercises or Prompts

A couple of weeks ago, I looked at whether you should do writing exercises (and where to find good ones to try). 

Using a writing exercise or prompt can be a good way to flex your writing muscles. They aren't just useful for starting something brand new: they could be a great opportunity to change things around or move things forward in your current piece.

I've got a free set of writing prompts (taken from the past 10 weeks in Writers' Cafe) for you to download here: 

Writing Prompts (Set 1)

I hope some of those ideas will help you get out of your rut. 

Remember, writing is supposed to be enjoyable! Of course, it's often a lot of hard work too ... but if it feels like a relentless grind, you don't have to carry on like that. Take a break, then come back to the list above to find some ideas to help you get unstuck.

Happy writing,

Ali

P.S. If you missed last week's blog post, you can find it here:

How to Get Your Characters Right as You Rewrite Your Novel

... and don't forget your discount code (SUMMERSALE24) if you're buying anything in the summer sale. 

If you accidentally buy something without using the code, email me at ali@aliventures.com and I'll sort out a 50% refund for you.