How to Write When You Don’t Feel Inspired
Every writer has days when the words refuse to come. You sit at your desk, open your document, and… nothing. The spark that once drove your story feels dim, and everything you write sounds wrong.
The truth is, even the best writers lose momentum sometimes. Writing isn’t only about inspiration—it’s about learning how to keep going when inspiration fades. At Astralumen Press, we’ve seen that creativity often returns once you start moving again. Here are a few ways to do that.
1. Lower the pressure
Not every writing session has to produce your best work. Sometimes the goal is simply to show up. Give yourself permission to write badly, to ramble, or to explore an idea that might never make it into the final draft. Once the pressure lifts, creativity often follows.
2. Change your environment
If your usual workspace feels stale, move somewhere new. Write outside, in a coffee shop, or even in a different room. A shift in setting can reset your mindset and help your brain make new connections.
3. Revisit what first excited you
When a project starts to feel heavy, return to what made you want to write it in the first place. Reread a favorite scene, look at your notes, or think about the emotions behind the story. Reconnecting with that initial spark can remind you why the story matters.
4. Try writing something small
If your main project feels too big to face, write something short. A paragraph of description, a character sketch, or even a letter from one character to another can keep you in motion without the weight of a full chapter. Small efforts build momentum.
5. Read for renewal
When you’re burned out, sometimes the best writing advice is to stop forcing words and read instead. A beautifully written passage can remind you what language can do, and reading someone else’s story can help you rediscover your own.
6. Remember that inspiration is a rhythm, not a constant
Creativity comes and goes. That’s natural. What matters most is staying open to it. Keep showing up, even if you only write a few lines. When you maintain the habit, the inspiration always returns—usually when you least expect it.
Every writer has dry spells. What separates those who finish their books from those who give up isn’t constant inspiration, but persistence. Keep writing, even when it feels impossible. The words will come back, and when they do, you’ll be ready for them.
At Astralumen Press, we know that writing isn’t about perfection—it’s about patience. Keep going. Every sentence, no matter how small, brings you one step closer to the story you want to tell.