note: This is a guest post from author Stephen Zimmer

Writing can involve periods of feast or famine when it comes
to output, and many writers can find themselves in situations where they have
largely ceased to write and create. 
During such times, it can take a lot for a writer to get back on the
wagon and start moving forward again. 

The reasons for these periods of shutdown can take many
forms. 

For writers who still have to maintain other jobs to pay the
bills, the demands of the workplace can become a primary reason as to why
output slows to a trickle or even stops. 
Increased hours, new responsibilities, changes in shifts, relocation,
and many other things involving a regular job can conspire against a writer and
leave them too exhausted or with little available time.

At other times, “life happens” events can result in a
writer’s shutdown.  From the needs of
children, to traumatic periods such as a death in a family, to the needs of a
spouse or significant other, a great number of things can crop up in an
unexpected fashion to shut a writer’s productivity down. 

Then, there are more internal obstacles that can arise.  Failure to reach a goal, such as a daily word
count goal or a target date for finishing a manuscript, can have such a
negative impact on a writer that they simply quit writing. 

I have witnessed all of the above time and time again among
the writers I know and interact with.

No matter what the reason, getting back into the groove can
be a challenge.  There is no
one-size-fits-all solution for writers who find themselves in this
situation.  A writer must find what works
for them.

For myself, when I was in a really bad place following the
passing of my mother in 2013, it was the emergence of a new character and
accompanying story ideas that pulled me back into the writing chair.  That character was Rayden Valkyrie, and the
ensuing novel Heart of a Lion.  Taking on
something fresh and new gave me a clean slate to work in, which I think helped
to a great degree in helping my mind get back on track.

I think there are many other approaches to try.  For the writer who might feel like a failure
due to falling short of meeting self-imposed word count or manuscript goals, I
would suggest setting aside those kinds of things and just focusing on writing
regularly, no matter the volume of output. 
Even a couple hundred words a day will keep you in a rhythm and writing
mindset, something that is far more important than the volume of output on a
given day.

If unavoidable demands of life or work are getting in the
way, perhaps set your sights on finishing a shorter project, like a short story
or novella.  Completing a project always
has a good effect on a writer’s outlook and self-esteem, and it can also help
mitigate friction that might build from resenting the job or elements in life
that are creating obstacles for you. 

The good news is that a writer can get back on the wagon and
start moving forward right away.  It does
not cost money, it only needs a little investment in time, and requires only
willpower.  Reconnecting with the
creative elements within yourself will have the added benefit of positive
results in your outlook and approach to the other things in your life. 

If you find yourself in an unproductive zone, do not
hesitate to take that step today.  Once
you have accomplished that, then put your focus to one day at a time and you
will get back up on that wagon!

[image error] About the author: Stephen Zimmer is an award-winning author and filmmaker based out of Lexington Kentucky. His works include the Rayden Valkyrie novels (Sword and Sorcery), the Rising Dawn Saga (Cross Genre), the Fires in Eden Series (Epic Fantasy), the Hellscapes short story collections (Horror), the Chronicles of Ave short story collections (Fantasy), the Harvey and Solomon Tales (Steampunk), and the forthcoming Faraway Saga (YA Dystopian/Cross-Genre). Stephen’s visual work includes the feature film Shadows Light, shorts films such as The Sirens and Swordbearer, and the forthcoming Rayden Valkyrie: Saga of a Lionheart TV Pilot. Stephen is a proud Kentucky Colonel who also enjoys the realms of music, martial arts, good bourbons, and spending time with family.

Stephen can be found on
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stephenzimmer7
Twitter: @sgzimmer
Instagram: @stephenzimmer7