A Writer’s Perplexing Position
Ah, dear readers, here I am, and I come to you with a perplexing question. What to do when editing and writing both hold no interest for you, yet you are an author with a book that needs to be published?
I think all writers at one point or another reach these points—where the thrill and allure of writing is not so common, and the simple act of sitting down at your desk and working on your story is not fun, but a forced drudgery. Ever since I’ve come into summer break, I’ve been struggling with this. And I think just acknowledging the reality of the fact is part of the equation. It’s okay if you don’t feel excited about writing at this very moment.
For me, I think a lot of it has to do with the life changes (as simple as going from the school year to a less-structured schedule). We like routines. 
Life changes so quickly, and even good and happy changes can throw us for a loop. But maybe it has something to do with the fact that I haven’t been able to write as much this year overall. I’ve been super busy, and my mind hasn’t been with my characters and their plots. The world in front of me has been far more pressing, leaving my fake Russian friends on the back burner.
And all of this is okay—as authors, especially the type that don’t make a living writing—we’re going to have different demands on our life all the time. Whether that’s a job, kids, your spouse, your family … whatever it is, there are things that will take over your writing time.
So, when you’re at this point, what are you supposed to do?
Get StartedNumber one, just working on whatever project you need to work on. Now, this doesn’t always work, but sometimes, if you just get started, you’re going to get some momentum going. Getting a little bit done is way better than getting nothing!
You Must Speak!Second, talk to someone about it. Talk to another author, a friend, a sibling (or if you’re blessed to have a person who’s all three of those things to you) about your writing. Kristina is always so helpful with all my plot points, and she will listen to me ramble on and on about characters and their confused selves for ages. Actually talking about what’s going on in your head is helpful, and sometimes, this gets you excited for writing again.
Take a BreakYep, I said it. Take a break. We are not required to constantly be working. Those who work from home (authors, looking at you) can have zero separation between work and home. Sometimes, you just have to close that laptop and walk away from it. Don’t just sit there and linger, taking a “break” as you scroll through Pinterest while reprimanding yourself for not writing. Go do something completely different—for a day. Two days. Three days. Even a week. Sometimes you really just need rest, and it’s so important. Don’t worry, you’ll probably start thinking about writing again—accidentally—and you’ll come back rested and ready to work.
Finally, give these struggles to the Lord. That can look like praying before you start working (this is a must before writing or anything we do!) Surrender your projects to the Lord. And always remember, our joy and contentment don’t come from us or anything we do. Our productivity doesn’t declare our worth. All of this—joy, contentment, worth—it comes from Jesus.
