How exactly does one go about writing again after years? Returning to the world of writing is like relearning a language you’ve mostly forgotten. It’s familiar, but uncomfortable, exciting but terrifying. It’s easy to get trapped by our expectations for ourselves amidst all the other pressures of writing. As someone who took an extended hiatus from the professional creative writing world, I’ve experienced this firsthand. There are actions we can take to make the process much easier. Here are a few things I’ve found to help get the ink flowing again!
1. Reflect
Reflect on your writing journey! Think back to where you came from. Maybe it was some cringe-worthy fanfiction that got you going or maybe you were inspired by the biggest, brightest authors. If you took an extended break, nonjudgmentally consider why you took that break. Acknowledge any feelings of doubt or insecurity that may surface as you contemplate these things.
2. Goals
Set goals for yourself and make sure they’re realistic. You don’t want to set yourself up for failure by setting outrageous goals. Consider how much time you can dedicate to writing and your current skill level. Don’t be afraid to start small. It’s okay to write one sentence a day. Soon you’ll be able to build up to one paragraph and then one page and so on. As you gain momentum you can set bigger goals for yourself.
3. Routine
Establishing a consistent writing routine can boost your momentum and discipline, helping you meet the goals you set. Build a routine that works for you and your lifestyle. If you work a 9-5 and have a family, your needs are going to be different than a college student. Find time in your schedule where you can write consistently and find a place where you’re comfortable and productive. Do your best to stick to the routine as much as possible.
4. Freewriting and Journaling
Sometimes the pressure of working on your main project can be overwhelming. Relieve some of that pressure by doing some freewriting or journaling. This low-pressure practice can ease you back into the habit of writing and spark creativity. It can even help relieve writer’s block. Dedicate a notebook or document to the practice so you have a designated space to practice in.
5. Writing Prompts
Using writing prompts is another easy and efficient way to get back into writing without the pressure of working on your manuscript. Find different writing prompts or exercises that interest you. They might even stimulate some creativity and inspiration! There are plenty of places to find writing prompts from Tumblr to TikTok to published books.
6. Support and Accountability
Building a writing community to support and inspire you is beneficial. Find writing groups, mentors, and fellow authors to encourage you. If you need a little more support, you can consider making one of your community members an accountability partner. They may be able to provide invaluable feedback on your project, progress, and goals.
7. Embrace Imperfection and Self-Compassion
It’s normal to have rusty writing skills after taking a hiatus. Don’t forget that progress takes time. It’s important to practice self-compassion and nonjudgmentalness throughout the writing process, but especially after a long break. Embrace imperfection and celebrate the small victories.
8. Fresh Eyes
After taking a hiatus you have the advantage of returning to old projects and manuscripts and reviewing them with fresh eyes. Don’t be afraid to look back at the work you’ve done and revise it. Do your best to focus on clarity and objectivity. Be critical without being negative, focusing on giving yourself constructive, actionable feedback.
9. Stay Inspired and Keep Learning
One of the most important things you can do is stay inspired and keep learning. Read books in and around the genre you’re writing in, attend writing workshops, and consider testing out a new genre. Inspiration helps you keep your writing alive and continuous reading will help you hone your writing skills.
These are a few of the many ways to get writing again and inspire yourself. Whether it’s building a writing community, attending workshops, or freewriting, these tools will ease you back into writing without taking all the fun out of it. Test them out and let us know what works for you!
Rose Sawyer 
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