Introduction

Let’s face it—there will inevitably be moments during your writing journey when your passion starts to wane, and you feel disconnected or even a little bored with what you’re working on. It’s a natural part of the creative process, and it happens to even the most experienced writers. Maybe you’ve hit a tricky scene that’s hard to get right, or perhaps the initial excitement of your idea has faded as the reality of drafting sets in. Whatever the reason, it’s important to remind yourself that this feeling is temporary and completely normal.

The key is not to let these moments of doubt or boredom discourage you from continuing. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint, and every great story has its ups and downs during creation.

You’re not alone in this, and I’m here to guide you through these rough patches! Together, we can reignite that spark of creativity and help you fall back in love with your project. So, take a deep breath, don’t worry too much, and let’s get back to crafting the story you’ve always wanted to tell.

Well, What Should I Do?

I’ve discovered a few strategies that help me navigate the rough patches that inevitably come with any writing project. Below, I’ve put together a guide to help you work through these perfectly normal moments and keep your creative momentum going.

Do Something Besides Writing

I’ve found that when I want to maintain a sense of productivity with a project—or with my writing in general—sometimes the best solution is to shift gears and work on something else. It keeps the creative energy flowing while giving my mind a break from the current challenge.

Usually for me, as someone who tries to remain self-sufficient in my work, I create some sort of ad, teaser or art piece for my project that works with whatever I have written so far. This way, it makes me feel like I’ve made progress on my project, without having to actually write anything new. Making something else for the project you’re currently working on keeps your focus on that project while simultaneously keeping your mind off the pressure of actually expanding and adding to the story.

Another thing that I enjoy doing, while avoiding my main project, is to start another one! Of course, I don’t mean something big. I wouldn’t suggest starting a new project any bigger than a short story, maybe a novella if you feel like you can handle it.

Short stories are faster-paced and easier to write in my opinion because it’s hard to miss the word count on a short story. You can usually find a quick prompt somewhere online that will be the starting point of this “new project.” I like to use Reedsy’s prompt generator on their site. Of course, it’s not mandatory that you enter the contests, it takes a lot of time and energy to worry about that, but you can go through the ideas that they offer and choose a prompt among them! And the best part about these short stories? There’s no pressure to finish them any time soon! Or at all! They’re there for the opportunity to remain creative, without the pressure of finishing. Maybe after writing a couple, you could even start a collection!

A different idea when it comes to making progress on a project without having to write more, is to read what you’ve written so far! It’s not recommended that you spend too much time doing this, however, you’re not editing it. Simply, re-reading what you’ve written is a great way to help new ideas come to fruition.

Sometimes, writers become too focused on all of the planning and plotting they’ve done, that they forget that the story can change.

Your outline is a guide. It’s not mandatory that you follow your outline exactly. You are the writer. The creator. Your story can change the more you write it, and the best way that I’ve found to inspire me is reading my own story and allowing new ideas come to light.

Revisit Your Original Plan

In contrast to the previous advice about shifting gears, sometimes the best way to reignite your passion is by revisiting your original plan. It can be a grounding experience that reconnects you with the heart of your project, reminding you why you started it in the first place.

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a collection of notes, ideas, or even visual inspiration that sparked your initial excitement. That original burst of creativity is still there—you just might need to dig a little to uncover it again. Creative pressure can easily dampen your spirit, making it hard to push forward. By rediscovering what originally drew you to your project, you can rekindle the excitement you once felt.

Take time to immerse yourself in the foundation of your idea. Revisit the plan you outlined with eagerness, reread the research you meticulously compiled, or revisit the stories, images, or concepts that first inspired you. These elements can guide you back to the passion you once had.

Remember, inspiration is never truly gone—it just gets buried beneath doubt or fatigue. By reconnecting with the roots of your creativity, you’ll likely find that spark waiting for you.

Set Small, Achievable Goals

While you shouldn’t force yourself to finish a story you’re no longer passionate about, setting small, manageable goals can be a helpful way to navigate a writing rough patch.

For example, setting a goal like “write one chapter every workday” might seem small or even trivial to some, but during tough moments, it could be exactly what you need to keep moving forward. It’s important to acknowledge your own pace and understand that accomplishing even a modest goal is still progress—and that’s perfectly okay.

The beauty of setting small goals like this is that they create opportunities for success without overwhelming you. Sometimes, meeting your goal sparks a burst of creativity, and you find yourself unable to stop writing. Other times, completing that one chapter is all you can manage for the day, and that’s fine too.

Both outcomes are wins. Whether it’s a stepping stone to bigger progress or a simple act of perseverance, these small goals can help you stay connected to your project without pressuring yourself to achieve more than you’re ready for.

If All Else Fails…

If nothing else I’ve shared has helped, let me offer one final piece of advice: take a break.

If you can’t seem to reignite the passion you once felt for your project, it’s okay to set it aside. Put it away and don’t stress about it. Sometimes, stepping back is the healthiest thing you can do for yourself and your creativity.

There’s no point in forcing yourself to finish a story you no longer care about. It’s not just draining—it can actually harm the quality of your writing. Readers are perceptive, and they’ll notice when your heart isn’t in it. You don’t want to pour half-hearted effort into a project, as it won’t do justice to your talent or the story you’re trying to tell.

If the spark for a project is gone, don’t feel guilty about moving on. Let it go and start something new. Dive into the excitement of brainstorming, plotting, and creating a fresh idea. Who knows? The break might even give you fresh perspective on your old project, and you can always return to it later when inspiration strikes again.

Writing should bring you joy and fulfillment, not stress and obligation. So, give yourself permission to move forward—whether it’s onto a new story or a new chapter in your creative journey.