My writing slump.

I’ve been in a major writing slump. It’s confidence block. I can see it. I can understand it. But I haven’t been able to get myself out of it. And you know what? That’s okay. (I say through somewhat clenched teeth)

Here’s what has helped.

1. Showing up for my writing group.

   I mean… I kind of have to show up since I’m leading it. BUT it’s been keeping me the routine of putting pen to paper for 20 minutes, three times a week. Plus I get to chat with others about their lives and their writing and that is also a great way to find some inspo.

2. Having an accountability writing group

   This might sound like the same thing but it’s slightly different. Twice a month, we bring a piece of what we have written and read it aloud. Then we share our thoughts, provide suggestions, and cheer them on. The 4 of us (from Ontario, Puerto Rico, and Los Angelos) have been meeting consistently for about three years now. We know each other’s voices and trust each other implicitely. AND to be totally honest, I did not submit a piece this past week for the first time in ages. Again..slump. But I showed up and we talked about slumps and I was immersed in the world of writing for two hours which was super helpful!

3. Switching to art

   You may have heard me talk about this before. When I can’t find the words, I make shitty art. And I mean shitty. (see examples below). I find it to be the best way to get in a creative zone without any pressure at all.

4. Just letting myself slump

   This is hard. But if I can’t allow myself a good slump every once in a while, then I’ll surely explode, right? I’ve made good friends with my inner critic. Her name is Barbie. This has helped tremendously.

Here are some things I’ve created in writing group this week:

This is part of a writing piece idea that I have which may actually be a visual essay.

Acrostics are a really fun way to write without having to really do much writing at all.

One page. One crayon. Creative relief.

This was a bit of an ‘aha’ moment about how my process works. I wrote a small post about it on Instagram and LinkedIn.

When is the last time you were in a writing slump? Are you in one now? It’s okay. This is a safe space.

1. If you don’t already have a writing group, I highly encourage you to find one. Check your local library, ask around on social media, put posters up in cafes, or join one of mine!

2. Grab a scrap of paper and a crayon (or marker, or highlighter) and colour. Repeat until you feel better.

3. Try an acrostic. Think of a word (SLUMP) and then write one word or more along each line. Don’t like? Throw it out and make a new one.

4. Make friends with your inner critic and give yourself a break! I have a signature workshop that is designed to help The Courage to Write: Overcoming Blocks & Finding Joy. You’ll get access to an in-depth video and companion workbook.

You are a creative being. Trust in that. I’ve got you.

Erica

Hi, I’m Erica.

I’m an author, writing coach, and founder of Open Sky Stories. I write children’s books that help kids explore feelings and relationships, including Pixie and the Bees and Pixie and the Fox, and I’m currently working on a creative nonfiction manuscript called Yelling at Dead People. I also lead workshops and offer mentorships to help writers find safety, clarity, and confidence on the page. I live with my muse—an 18-year-old cat, Lucy who insists on supervising every word I write. Make sure to sign up for my weekly-ish newsletter where I share my insecurities, wins, and prompts and exercises that actually help you get words on the page without waiting for divine inspiration or perfect mental health.