Rachel Starr Thomson

Back in May I received a letter from Brennan Cain, a reader and fellow writer who was struggling with writer’s block. I asked her permission to share her e-mail and my reply, since she really got me thinking about how to kick writer’s block!

Hello, Rachel,

Thank you very much for your prompt reply.  I enjoyed Worlds Unseen and, thus far, Burning Light appears to be just as engaging.

However, I have another question of a different nature.  I understand that you are a writing coach.  I truly desire to write Christian fiction, but it seems that the moment I decided it was ‘what I wanted to do with my life,’ I begun to have a great deal of trouble writing consisently and finishing my projects.  I have started a number of short stories, books and even a serial that I intended to use for a website.  However, I just can’t seem to make myself do the writing.

I never had this problem before.  I used to keep notebooks with me because when inspiration hit, I simply had to put it down right away.  I was full of excitement about the gift that God gave me and I delighted just to use it.  Now, it feels like I have to force myself to do the thing that I used to love doing.  I can’t say that I don’t still enjoy writing, because I still do; it’s just that it has suddenly become a chore.

I am not sure what to do.  Do your services cover such a problem?  If so, how much would such assistance cost?

Thank you, again for your time and have a blessed day.

P.S.  Reading works such as yours helps to keep me motivated not to simply throw my hands up and give up my dream.  Thank you for your dedication to allowing God to use the gifts He has blessed you with.

Here’s how I answered Brennan’s letter. I’d love to hear frm you on this topic, too. How have you tried to overcome writer’s block? What works for you?

Hi Brennan,

Thanks for your e-mail! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my books–and that they’ve helped to inspire you to pursue your own dreams.

I am indeed a writing coach, but I’m not sure I could help you with your problem. It sounds like what you’re facing is good old-fashioned writer’s block. All writers face it at one point or another, and it can last for varying lengths of time. The thing about writing as a profession, of course, is that it’s a discipline; you have to do it whether you’re feeling inspired or not. With that said, here are some thoughts for you:

1. Don’t take it too seriously. It sounds like your troubles began when you decided that you wanted to do this as a profession. You may be experiencing “this is too important syndrome,” in which case you want to give yourself permission to play and have fun with your writing, realizing that you don’t always have to write things that are brilliant or of great significance. Sometimes just that mental permission can make a big difference!

2. Take it more seriously. That is to say, treat it like a discipline. Set yourself time or word count or page count goals, and make yourself write something every day.

3. Break out of your box. If you usually write fiction, try some nonfiction. If you usually write from a guy’s perspective, try writing from a girl’s :). Just do something different to help yourself be creative and perhaps discover new inspiration.

4. Read or watch movies in your genre that will inspire you to keep contributing your own work.

5. Exercise. Seriously. In the sun, if at all possible.

6. If you must, take a break. But schedule it. Give yourself a week or two off, use that time to recharge your creative batteries, and get back to work when the break is over.

I hope that helps! If you have a manuscript or more than one and you feel that detailed feedback would be helpful to you, I am available for coaching, critiquing, and editing. Let me know if you want to pursue any of those avenues :).

Blessings,
Rachel

By the way, if you haven’t yet read Worlds Unseen or Burning Light, be sure to check them out — and don’t forget to pick up your free download of Worlds Unseen!

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