Writing when you cannot write.

Not being able to write sucks. For some authors and writers, we seem to find our greatest ideas and motivation through the alignment of the “Perfect Writing Conditions”. This can mean anything as simple as lighting a candle and brewing yourself your favorite cup of earl grey tea steeped with honey. In some cases it can go as far as needing to do a series of tasks prior to writing, that helps to clear our minds and cleanse our souls before we pour it out on the page. Showering, listening to a particular playlist , having everything set up neatly and precisely on our desks, getting into that ‘writing’ mindset.

For some writers, like myself, the accessibility to the alignment of the “Perfect Writing Conditions” can not exist. Life happens. Kids are born, family members or close friends pass away, full time jobs become more and more demanding with each rising and falling sun. There are simply times in our lives when we cannot work towards our goals until we push through the obstacle we are currently faced with.

Sitting down to write a 90,000-word epic fantasy novel while going through mega-life challenges and changes isn’t feasible for some writers. And that’s okay. Others may find their greatest ideas or plot lines out of being in a situation like such. And that’s okay, too.

But let’s be honest, channeling the inner thoughts of a creature that doesn’t even exist on this planet may be a little hard when life stressors weigh down on you every waking second.

Since the beginning of this year (2023) I have not written a single word towards the project I’ve had sitting open on my laptop. Nor, have I touched the other 6 story lines I keep near and dear to my heart as well. The concept of writing towards my open story lines is just not achievable at this time. Balancing a new job in an extremely stressful health environment, working my way through the fallout after escaping a detrimentally toxic household, and navigating safely back to shore has been the hardest sets of tasks I have ever had to work through in my life. And it isn’t even over yet.

These situations by no means determine who I am as a person or a writer. But, they do tend to haunt me in the middle of the night, waking me from sleep with shame and pain written across my face. These are my reasons for not being able to write.

How can I justify giving my characters the attention to detail they deserve, if I cannot yet give that to myself in my writing first?

I’m aware there is a light at the end of this tunnel, but I have yet to even break through the fog to see it. And that’s okay.

I have come to terms with this fact, that I will not be able to write for my characters and tell my stories until those “Perfect Writing Conditions” are present and achievable. A lot of people who I’ve spoken too about this have said, “Just write” or “You just got to sit down and let it all out for an hour or so”.

No. I’m sorry. My brain doesn’t work like that.

Writing is an art form. You wouldn’t tell an artist not to do their “pre-session ritual” would you? No, because then maybe Picasso wouldn’t be Picasso, or maybe Van Gogh would still have his left ear.

Maybe it sounds crazy, but it’s how our brains work. As long as we’re okay with it, and it works for us, why stop? Why drift from the plan? Why find ways around something if it works for us? Quality assurance am I right?

Writing when you cannot write is about utilizing our skills and tool set sent upon us as authors and writers; in a time when we literally mentally can’t work on our passion projects.

Writing when you cannot write is about telling yourself it’s okay to not work toward your goal. You’re working towards it in another way, sometimes this may be the most important part that you just don’t see yet.

Writing when you cannot write is about forgiveness.

So, how can I write if I cannot write?

Well, for one, starting a blog, which is exactly what I’ve done here. You could utilize that blog to write about something else you enjoy, in my case here, I’ll be writing reviews on books I’ve read. Maybe the occasional tv show, or movie.

I’ll write about my thoughts, my ideas, and my theories. and of course, if there are any spoilers, I will ensure a fair warning prior to the beginning of the passage.

Journaling is also a great release, either on paper or in a savable text document online.

The purpose of writing when you cannot write is to find other ways to do what you love, even though you cannot do it 110%. I understand that some people may not agree with this mindset, and thats perfectly acceptable. The most important rule of writing when you cannot write, is understanding that you are the most important factor in you life, and you come first. Take care of yourself, and the rest will follow.

Don’t force it.