14 Comments
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Ira C. Zipperer's avatar

If the well runs dry, dig sand. You could end up with Dune.

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Shira's avatar

😂😂😂

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Rowan Macfie's avatar

I couldn't write much of anything for my first 38 years, then I figured out my formula; now I live in the zone almost 24/7 and only get better the more I practice, but I'm the literary equivalent of a convict who got super jacked because he does nothing but work out all day. Having said that, taking time off (especially over the winter) and coming back to things cold is probably the most universal benefit for a writer looking to manage their time effectively.

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Shira's avatar

Different things work for different people. I'm glad you've found what works for you :)

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Bradley Ramsey's avatar

Love this piece! I myself have run into this issue more than a few times over the years. We've been doing Flash Fiction February prompts each day this month, and that has been a huge motivator for me, but that's because prompts always work for me, haha.

There are some really great tips here that go beyond the standard ones you see elsewhere. Really enjoyed this!

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Shira's avatar

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

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Michelle Reeves's avatar

When my cats get overstimulated they bite or walk away, washing to regain some sense of themselves... this post made me realise we should probably do the same. Not necessarily washing 😂 but taking a break and rediscovering ourselves in the work. Great post thank you 💙

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Shira's avatar

That's so interesting! I love how you put it - rediscovering ourselves in our work. That's really beautiful and captures the essence of what I was trying to say.

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Dr Priyanka Upadhyai's avatar

I enjoyed reading this. Thank you for this piece! My go-to when not feeling inspired is to take a break. I can usually feel when I’m ready and when I’m not forcing it doesn’t help

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Shira's avatar

I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

Forcing it really doesn't help and often makes things worse. Taking breaks is so important, and it's great that you can recognize in yourself when you need one, and when it's time for the break to be over.

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Jonathan Matei's avatar

This was such a refreshing take on creativity—it’s so true that stress and overstimulation can completely block new ideas. Do you have a go-to activity that always helps reset your mind when you're feeling stuck?

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Shira's avatar

I usually read. Getting inspired either by other's writing or their description of their writing journey really helps bring me to a place where I'm excited to create.

What about you?

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Andrew Eroh's avatar

Is this something that really happens? I see a lot of stories. I'm always trying not to write what I really think.

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Shira's avatar

Everyone runs out of creative energy at some point, you've just gotta let yourself recharge and your creativity will be replenished.

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