The Southwest Voice

Endless writing books teach that to be a writer one must write every day, even when there is nothing to write about. One author said that if you have committed to an hour, then spend the hour trying to write even if you produce only a single page. Stephen King says to write every day.

There are all kinds of writers. As you read The Southwest Voice, you will see people from different occupations each taking time to write. We are people who like to write, not major novelists who churn out a new romance novel every nine months. Any writer faces those dry spells—writer’s block—when the ideas simply do not pop up simply because he/she is sitting at the computer. If it lasts more than a few days, then you are in a dry spell.

Reality happens…and it drains our creative energy. The cause may be an illness, pressure on the job or the reality that taxes are due in few days. Even good things like planning a spring wedding or having relatives visit can drain the writer. 

Today, I am in the midst of a dry spell and one of my infrequent journal entries reads, “I am out of words.”

The solution is to refill the well. Julia Campbell, author of "The Artist’s Way," says that once a week the artist (writer) should take a break and do something just for fun. I call it an artist’s escape. It is the first step in keeping the creative spark alive.

Stop frustrating yourself and have some fun. Go for a nice walk and take some pictures, call a friend and meet for lunch, volunteer some time at church or a homeless shelter, or simply savor the moment free of forcing a story that you do not enjoy. It would be a good time to meditate, maybe get a massage or drive to the coast for a day. If you are spiritual, in your own way feed that part of your nature alone, or in a congregation.

Another way to stimulate creativity is to watch some old movies with a friend and then for the next three days shut off the TV — cold turkey. Once the house is quiet, you will have more time to think and even read. Stephen King says to be a writer one must read. Read something new –– an author or genre you have never read before. Dig up those old books in the garage and read some again.

When the drought has passed, you’ll know. Get back into your writing routine, but always give yourself a writer’s vacation once a week.