What to do when you’re stuck

If you write long enough, you’re bound to get stuck—and you’re going to need help getting unstuck.

In April, I was hit with a moment or two of inspiration. I finally figured out what I’d like to write about for my next book (if a publisher picks it up—which means, of course, I can’t say hardly anything publicly yet). More than that, I wound up having ideas for two very different books, which, Lord willing, could be very very cool.

Since April, though, aside from a few moments where I’ve been able to dedicate time to these ideas, I’ve been stuck. The proposals sit there, waiting to be completed. The ideas are clear enough in my head. I know why the books would be helpful for readers…

But whenever I try to put the material publishers need together… I get stuck.

Which is really, really frustrating. 

So what do you do? How do you get unstuck on a writing project long enough to get it off the ground?

1. Pray. I’m not talking about the witchcraft-y trying-to-back-God-into-a-corner type of prayer here. I’m just talking about the simple, everyday discipline of coming before the Lord and praying that His will be done that day in your actions. This should be obvious, but I’ll be honest, I’ve been rather feeble in my prayers when it comes to these projects. This is something that needs to change.

2. Get a real deadline—one you have to meet. Whether you set it or you have a friend do it, set a deadline and get it done. (If you’re someone who’s blessed to have an agent, maybe they can help.) Deadlines are great motivators, so set one up. NOW.

3. Eliminate distractions. It might also be that you’e got too many distractions that are preventing you from focusing. Do you have something you need to stop doing in order to be disciplined enough to finish? Email, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix… turn them off.

4. Take a day off. For the vast majority of us, writing is the lowest paying, most laborious, yet incredibly rewarding part-time job we could ever have. Depending on your work situation, it might be good to take a day off from your day job to get stuff done (although this is only realistic if you’ve got enough vacation time available). Get out of the office, shut off your phone and go to it.

5. Be okay with letting it go. The idea might be good, but are you the one to tell this story or share this idea (even if it’s yours)? It might be that it’s nothing more than a fanciful notion, but not something you’re super-passionate about. Sometimes, even when it’s an idea you are passionate about, though, it might be the wrong season of life for you to write it.

I’m working through these things right now regarding my own projects. Right now, I’d say that (aside from prayer) my biggest issue has been distractions. I’ve had a lot of stuff going on that’s really just had me looking for something to take my mind off the events of my day. This week I’ve got some time that’s going to allow me to focus on getting these done in a distraction free environment. Lord willing, I’ll get something accomplished in that time.

But what about you, writers out there? What how do you get unstuck?