Getting Back Into the Habit of Writing Again

[AgentModX]

I read something recently that talked about how we need to embrace our creative seasons. We're in the midst of the winter season and I tend to feel pulled towards new drafts rather than rewriting. I wasn't sure that was the case for me this year, and to be honest, over the past few months, it has been a while since I approached any new creative work. I've had my share of revisions, sure, but I've not written anything new. 

Until this past weekend, of course. 

I really didn't have it in me to do anything creative this weekend but I thought of advice I came across where someone said they just wrote 100 words a day. And well, I figured I can manage that, so I brought up my phone and took out an app I used in the past to write stories, and I opened up a story that I've been meaning to return to for months. And I wrote. Honestly, I think I got 50 words down, but that's 50 more new words that I wrote than I did the last few months. 

It felt weird to write again, to be honest. This year has been stressful for a variety of reasons. Finally, though, this past month I found a job and I think the cobwebs of worry cleared a bit, allowing me to continue some creative projects.

This led me to think about how I approach things creatively lately. Earlier this year, in January, I wrote in my notebook, but this time around, I'm pulled towards the blueish glow of the digital screen. Even in the midst of my revision process, I still examine, edit, and rewrite my story on my phone. 

I have a few bits of advice for those of you who are trying to see what works for you creatively lately.

Consider this:

• Try a new method of writing. If your last plentiful season of writing included notebooks and pens, break out your digital device instead. It feels like a fresh start when you use a method of writing that's the opposite of when you were last successful.

• Return to something familiar. I dragged up a story that I had left off halfway finished. While I may not stick with it until the end, it got me back into the mode of writing new stuff again.

• Do a little bit each day. I'm not a fan of word count goals but try and do something with your writing each day. Revise a sentence, write a new paragraph, and jot down a new idea or two. Re-read your favorite book of writing advice. Do something just a little bit each day that moves your writing forward.

• Don't get too down about your progress. Because as long as you are still pursuing and trying, it's progress! If you have been away a while, all that matters is getting back into the habit of writing again.

So if you have been away from writing for a while and want to rebuild that habit, I hope my advice has helped you. Don't wait for the new year to start your writing goals. Start them today!

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