There are many things that can make you not feel like writing. Things that could make you not feel like writing might be:
- Ill health: when you are down with a disease or infection that weakens you.
- Writer’s block: when you are stuck and unable to write anything no matter how much you try.
- Writer’s anxiety: the anxiety/dread you feel any time you want to write.
If you find yourself in this situation and want to get back to writing, here are some tips that would be useful to you:
- Acknowledge your situation: you cannot get or utilize help if you do not accept that you have a problem.
- Write the way you talk: if the problem is typing or using a pen and paper, simply record whatever it is you want to write down. You can always transcribe them later. Or you could use the speech-to-text feature on your phone or computer.
- Writing with pen and paper, as opposed to typing directly: you might find this more relaxing and less formal than typing. It is also easier to erase, as you simply cross off, instead of tapping the delete button repeatedly.
- Set small tasks: break down your writing task into smaller portions. It will help you overcome the overwhelming nature of writing huge pieces of work. Completing each task can be your motivation to do the next one.
- Set deadlines for yourself, ahead of the big deadline: this will help you stay on track, and above the set deadline. It will also prevent you running around aimlessly trying to finish your work. It also prevents procrastination, ensuring the work is ready on time.
- Create an outline: an outline will help you stay organized and focused. It will direct you on what to do, and what not to do, where do begin, and where to end.
- Write in chunks: a little today, a little tomorrow. Begin from wherever seems easier, using your outline as a guide.
- Keep away from distractions: distractions could be your friends, family members, places, objects or other people. Most especially, your phones and the internet. If it requires you taking a trip, disconnecting your internet, switching off your phones, locking yourself up till you’re done, do it
- Take a rest: if it is ill health that is the cause of you not writing, make sure you take the recommended rest. Eat well, sleep well, take your medications, and get better.
If you follow these tips, I assure you that you’ll get over your problem and start writing again soon.