Author Viewpoint: Creative Slumps

I’m starting a new short blog series called “Author Viewpoint,” where I will share some of my personal experiences as a *reasonably* active author. This is the second in the series.

Something that doesn’t get talked about enough in the writing community are creative slumps.

I don’t mean writer’s block. Writer’s block, or the position of being temporarily lost for words or stumped on what to write next, is a short-term issue that usually resolves itself quickly. I do get writer’s block, but I’ve always found that it means I need to take a short break and come back to the drawing board later on–usually after an invigorating walk or soak in the tub.

But a true creative slump? Those suckers can last for months or yeeeaaaars.

Even though I’ve been a fairly prolific writer in the last few years (see my list of books above, yay!) I still go through periods of time when my creative energy is null and the last thing I want to do is force myself to sit down and write something, anything. Maybe if you’re a writer, you’ve experienced this feeling too.

The problem with being an author, or any creative profession really, is that your work is tied to the whimsies of your brain. Unlike physical work (think a construction worker), I can’t really zone out and write. (Write well, that is.) Writing well requires focus, time, and above all, creative energy. Some days, that energy is really lacking for me. Because authors are people, we also go through periods in our lives where health, family situations and mental states prohibit us from writing.

For example, I love to roast George R.R. Martin for not finishing his series as much as the next fantasy fan, but the dude is elderly. He’s written a ton of books and quite obviously found success so in my book, he gets a pass for whatever is going on there.

Personally, my mental health is a huge factor when it comes to my writing. If I’m feeling depressed or going through a bad period of anxiety, writing is the last thing on my mind. I’m sure other authors or writers who suffer from mental health challenges would agree.

I love writing because it is a very human thing to pursue. No other animal on Earth records stories, thoughts or ideas through the written word. And that’s super cool! But we also have to give ourselves the grace on our off days because we are just that: Human.