November: What To Try if You're Struggling to Write

Hello writers, Jane here! Last month, I wrote about renewed energy; this month, I want to talk about what happens when that energy just... peters out. I don't know about you, but it can be sometimes hard to get energized when it gets dark at 4:35PM...

But first, some news!

I'm delighted to announce that I'm the incoming co-publisher of Mermaids Monthly, an independent speculative literary magazine founded by Julia Riós and Meg Frank! We pay 10 cents a word for fiction and $50-$100 for poetry. We also publish art and comics.

We're about to launch a Kickstarter on Monday, Nov 22--check out the preview link here and please follow it if you'd like to stay in touch with the campaign! We've got some really great writers and fantastic rewards we can't wait to announce. As soon as we hit our minimum funding goal, we're going to open submissions to all. I'd really appreciate your support if you're so inclined, either by following us or spreading the word. Thank you!

And now...

Tips To Try When You're Struggling to Write

Content note: This discussion touches on depression and mental health.

Although Nanowrimo is at the front of my mind today, these suggestions are broadly applicable to any kind of creative burnout, for all sorts of reasons. I'm personally struggling with my Nano goals, so i thought I'd talk about what I'm doing (and what I'm learning!) as I coach myself through this.

Tip 1: Recognize that burnout doesn't make you any less of a writer

When creative output drops off, it can be way too easy to spiral into feelings that "I can't cut it" or "I'm so lazy" or "If I had more discipline, I'd be hitting my word count goals. Not only is this not true, it's a supremely unhelpful way to ease out of burnout! It only leads to more angst.

The fact is, burnout happens to everyone, at any stage in their career. Once you know that, and once you recognize the signs, it becomes easier to manage feelings while recognizing that they are 100% valid! Because they are!

Tip 2: Adjust your goals

Or, just stop! You can drop out of Nano and do something else! But if you want to continue, then simply adjust your goals. I went from trying for 2000 words a day (which I hit easily in the first weekend) to 0 for a couple of days, which made me feel awful, and then last week I told myself I'd simply try to write 500 words a day. That's been much more achievable for me personally. Some days I write more, some less, but 500 doesn't feel overwhelming. Your goal might be 100! or 150! or anything! The point is to build back that confidence again, little by little.

Tip 3: Identify where negative feelings are coming from

While I don't necessarily think it's helpful always to focus on the source of burnout--because it can be literally anything, or a combination of factors, many of which are not in your control--it CAN be helpful to get a sense of what generates the suite of feelings that are leading to that state of creative exhaustion.

While there's so much I love about the energy of Nanowrimo, when I hit a state of burnout, it really doesn't serve me to hear about how successfully other writers are hitting their goals. It's great! I'm happy for them! But for me, I find I need to carve out a private space where I can set my own goals and work without the temptation of comparing myself to others. If you still want to engage with Nano or other creative work, find ways to build a buffer between you and other people's productivity.

Tip 4: The power of timed sprints

Again, if you want to continue with Nano (or any project), with an adjusted goal that's kinder to how you're feeling, then i suggest trying timed writing. You probably know I'm a big fan of this, but this technique has been a game-changer for me this past week, when I was feeling pretty low about my writing. I typically like 25 minutes on and 5 minutes break, but sometimes I go to 15 minutes on, 5 minute break. It depends. Experiment and see what works for you and be ready to adjust as you go. It's far less intimidating, in my experience, to think, "I'm going to write for fifteen minutes and see what happens" rather than "I'm going to finish this scene."

Tip 4: Reflect on your process

I feel like, any time I experience burnout, it's a chance for me to reflect on what I'm doing and tweak my process, if it needs tweaking (and it usually does.) The process that is Nanowrimo--the daily word counts, the intense concentration for an entire month--may not work for you. Or it may have worked in the past and doesn't work right now. For example, my co-founder Maureen definitely does not do Nano and never has, as far as I know--it's just not how she works. Recognizing that for yourself is a huge win! Congratulations!

If that is the case, don't blunt force your way through it. In my experience that rare produces good work (or a happy writer, for that matter!) Take a step back, re-evaluate, and try something else.

Tip 5: Take a break and recharge

This is probably obvious, but I have to say it anyway! Sometimes your brain and body just need a rest. Julia Cameron, the writer of The Artist's Way, calls this "refilling your creative well" and I believe in this completely. My recharge activities are things like playing music, researching a fun topic, reading for pleasure, watching films. This, too, is part of writing work.

Finally, know that if you're struggling, you're not alone! I hope you find that comforting. :)

Jane's Restorative Ginger and Greens and Noodles

I love a simple, flexible dish! This is a light, restorative noodle recipe that still delivers comfort. It's best if you can get super fresh vegetables and ginger, but many kinds of noodles work. I've made this with Top Ramen (discard the flavor packet) soba noodles, and fresh ramen you find in the refrigerated section. All work great. This makes two servings.

• 2 servings of noodles, cooked according to directions
• 1-2 Tablespoons chopped fresh ginger (or to taste)
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• Dried red chili (or about a teaspoon of chili flakes)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• bunch of baby bok choy, or Chinese greens, or Napa cabbage, or kale, or broccoli, or anything really
• 8 oz tofu (optional) and/or frozen edamame (shelled)
• soy sauce to taste (I start with a Tablespoon)

Possible Garnish

• Lime juice
• cilantro
• chili flakes
• shredded nori
• chopped nuts, especially peanuts
• sesame seeds and/or sesame oil
• Sliced green onions
• grated or sliced carrots, sliced red bell pepper or jalapeño

The basic technique is to cook the greens with garlic, ginger, and chili, crumble tofu into it, drizzle with soy sauce, and serve over noodles. Before adding tofu, if using, gently squeeze excess water from it over a sink with your hands, or in a clean tea towel. Crumble into a bowl and set aside.

You can also add chili garlic paste if you want!

How long you cook it for depends on the greens. The sturdier the green, the longer it needs to cook--kale, for example, might take a little longer. In general, cook it until it's bright, vibrant green, and softened.

I like a very light sauteé on my garlic and ginger, so I add those at the same time as the greens. Then add the soy sauce--start light, you can always add more later. Add tofu and edamame a couple minutes before you take it off the heat, just to warm it up. Then add noodles and stir to incorporate.

Sprinkle on your toppings and enjoy!

Happy writing!

We'd love to hear what you think! What writing issues would you like help with? What topics would you like us to cover? Let us know! Write us at storykitchenstudio@gmail.com.

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