Almost every writer hits a dry spell, where writing sits untouched while life piles on, whether it’s writer’s block, deadlines at work, family drama, fatigue, or even a stubborn bout of self-doubt. I had to reset my writing habit this summer, and I did it with help from Sarah Welch of Inkdrop Lit. She offered a 14-day writing reset.
I joined the challenge because it felt like I could set realistic goals and get back into writing. The challenge helped me find my writing discipline for my writing projects. I will honestly tell you that I only wrote half the days of the challenge, and I am perfectly fine with that. Why? Because I am back in the habit of writing for myself, that feels amazing!
Most of the time, I am focused on writing for my clients. (Not to brag, but this year, my editor partner Christine of Poolside Press and I have already sent two client books to be published, and we’re working on a third before the end of the year.) It’s nice to reset my writing habit and focus on my writing again.
Are you ready to get back on track with your writing?
Here’s a no-nonsense guide packed with practical steps to restart your writing habit, no matter how long you’ve been away.
Understanding Why Writing Habits Stall
Writers pause for different reasons. A demanding job, a family crisis, or routine burnout can leave you too drained to put words down. Sometimes, self-doubt shouts louder than your creative energy. Or maybe it was a busy week that grew until months passed.
When you’ve stopped, restarting can bring mixed emotions. Fear joins the party: What if I can’t write like I used to? Guilt and frustration might tag along, too. These feelings are common but temporary. Think of a writing habit like a muscle. Left unused, it might ache or feel stiff initially, but it never goes away for good. Most importantly, this kind of setback is part of the process, not an endpoint.
Simple Steps to Restart Your Writing Habit
Returning to your writing desk doesn’t need to be a grand comeback. Try a flexible writing schedule for steady progress.
Set Manageable Goals
Large goals can overwhelm anyone. Instead, set small, daily targets to build momentum and get back into writing. My Inkdrop goal was to write a paragraph a day. You can start with just ten minutes or a hundred words a day. This size is light enough to feel doable, even on tough days. Each session is a win, and small wins build confidence.
Tips for Setting Goals:
- Use a writing prompt to start writing again. (I’ve got 50 Writing Prompts for you.)
- Pick a specific word count (like 100-200 words).
- Decide on a time limit (10 minutes with a timer).
- Mark your progress somewhere visible, like a calendar or journal.
Rebuild Your Writing Routine
Routine provides structure, but life doesn’t always cooperate. Instead of copying your old routine, experiment with what works now. Some writers prefer mornings, others late at night. Try different times to see when your mind feels clear.
If distractions crowd your space, try:
- Headphones with soft music
- Writing in a café
- Turning off notifications
If you can’t commit to a daily writing habit, try setting weekly goals for a few days of writing each week.
Track Progress and Celebrate Milestones
It’s easy to overlook progress unless you track it. Keep a simple checklist, spreadsheet, or use a notebook. Each day you write, even a few words, check it off. Let your accountability partner know what you’re doing so they can support you.
Celebrate when you hit milestones. Finished a week of writing? Treat yourself to your favorite snack or activity. Gave your draft a first read-through? Share it with a friend. Small rewards encourage you to keep moving forward.
Address Mental Roadblocks
Fear of not being good enough can freeze your fingers. The blank page looks like a wall every writer knows. Instead, think of this as building a creative habit, like walking, which is a habit for good health.
- Imposter Syndrome. Reignite your creative habit by telling the imposter to go away and get back to writing. Write the imposter a letter telling it why you take time off from writing and why you’ve set small goals to reset.
- Try writing prompts to get started. Set a timer and write whatever comes out, no edits. Just get into a creative rhythm and see what happens.
- Write imperfectly on purpose. Tell yourself this first draft is just practice. Morning Pages, a concept developed by Julia Cameron, can help you overcome writer’s block and establish a writing routine.
- Set a rule: no editing for the first five minutes.
- Remind yourself that you’re rebuilding strength, not producing perfection.
The more often you face the page, the lighter the fear becomes. The writer’s block fades, and we enter writing flow. The words come easier and faster. We dive into our own stories.
Maintaining Momentum Over Time
Once the habit returns, keep the spark alive. Sustainable writing momentum relies on support, feedback, and self-reflection.
- Find community: Join an online writing group or local meetup. Committing to sharing work once a month helps you stay active.
- Accountability partner: Pair up with a fellow writer, maybe one you find in the writing group. Check in with each other on set dates, share progress, or swap encouragement.
- Try Writing prompts for self-reflection: At the end of each week, ask yourself:
- What worked well for me?
- Where did I struggle?
- What am I proud of this week?
- Switch it up: Change your writing space, genre, or prompt to keep things fresh. Find where your writing flow happens and go there.
Conclusion
Every writer faces setbacks. Pausing doesn’t mean you’ve lost your creative self. Think of it as resting your creative muscle. With small steps, flexible routines, and patience, you will reignite your habits and improve your writing process.
Start writing again. Set a 10-minute timer or jot 100 words. Mark your finished session on a calendar. The first step is small, just a word or two, but it matters.
Quick Next Actions:
- Identify a realistic writing goal for tomorrow.
- Choose a spot and time to write, even if it’s just for five minutes.
- Reflect: What held you back before? What can you do differently now?
The page is waiting for you and is ready whenever you are.