A Creative’s Guide to Getting Unstuck
Being creative is so fun. For me, it’s always having something in my mind; some other place to escape to. It’s romanticizing the little things and always hanging onto that “what if?” It’s thinking outside the box until everything feels so ridiculous, surely I’m the only one who will ever get it. And that’s okay. Because at the end of the day, I’m the only one who really has to. If anyone else understands my vision for things, that’s just bonus points.
So yeah, being creative is awesome. Until, suddenly, you don’t feel so creative anymore.
For me, this slump hits after I finish a book. And we all know there really is no such thing as “finish,” since that line is always shifting. But when you’re finished in the sense that you can’t do anything else on it for a bit. That’s where I get hit the hardest.
September was it for me. I had turned in my new project that I love and I felt lost. I don’t get the excitement that comes with writing THE END. I mean, sure, it’s that great feeling of completing another book. But I drag my feet at the end of stories. It’s like I’m walking up to a cliff, and even though I know I have to jump and there’s water at the bottom and I’ll probably be fine, I still can’t help the fear that I’ll just sink.
Or worse – get stuck.
That’s where I found myself for most of September. Stuck. I didn’t have characters and scenes playing in my mind. There was nothing. And maybe that’s normal for some people, but not for me. I can’t stand it.
I notice a shift in my mental health, too. Not having a story in my mind leaves more room for bad thoughts to sneak in. To make me wonder what people think of me, to pick myself apart, to see everything from a glass half empty view. And I’m a positive person! I always like to look on the bright side. But for me, new ideas have to slap me in the face. My brain doesn’t have a backlog, not really. I finish one and just trust it to poof out another that’s even better.
Well, that didn’t happen this time (so rude). And without a story to keep me grounded, the world turned bleak and dim. I was miserable. I was my worst fear – stuck.
And I wasn’t alone.
Actually, a big theme of the book I’m working on is that you’re never as alone as you think. Maybe I was sending myself subliminal messages by writing it. But it really is the truth! As I spoke to more friends and other creatives, I realized this is a common feeling. And it totally sucks, but instead of wallowing in it (you can wallow for a little while, I won’t tell), you can work on getting unstuck.
The thing is, we’re all so different that the same things don’t work for everyone. Heck, the same things don’t even work for myself, half the time. So, I decided to ask around and create a list. I present to you–
A Creative’s Guide to Getting Unstuck
The number one thing that people suggested is to watch movies and TV. Consuming media that’s outside of the normal book medium most of us are used to provides a good break and also might give some inspiration. I recently watched all of The Umbrella Academy in one week and it left me feeling uplifted and inspired. It’s definitely my new Netflix obsession and includes the found family elements that make my heart soar.
Read some books! Not your book! Maybe not your friend’s book either! Sometimes, you’ve gotta go back to your roots for inspiration. Either reread some of your favorite books that first inspired you to write, or pick up something new. And try to read outside of a usual genre for an extra breath of fresh air.
Make a pitch deck for a new story idea. Oh, so you’re like me and can’t sit still? My friend Rachel showed me the beauty of Pitch Decks, which is an aesthetic way to get the gears turning on a new idea without needing to have all the nitty gritty plot details ironed out. I highly suggest checking out Rachel’s blog post on them, which you can read here.
Take yourself for a stroll. I might be biased for this one because I love walks and they solve 90% of my problems, but I think it’s the perfect time to sit with your thoughts. It’s usually also when I start building playlists for books and unravel plot holes. And for me, it helps get those what comes next? jitters out, at least for a little bit.
Spend time with loved ones. Sometimes the best way to get rejuvenated is to spend time with someone who makes us happiest. Whether that’s a partner, family, friend, or whoever, it might help to catch up. Maybe even tell them how you’re feeling and they might have some pointers to get you back into gear.
Mash together two concepts and see what you get. I first heard of this method during an interview with Karen McManus. If you’re struggling to find your next idea, start putting together popular movies or shows you love. She mentioned the concept for One of Us is Lying came to her when she thought The Breakfast Club + murder. Start by taking your favorite movies and see where it gets you. It’s what led me to my most recent story.
Make a playlist. If I’m struggling to get inspired about a new story, sometimes I’ll turn to music. Compiling a list of ~vibes~ helps me figure out what feeling I want my next manuscript to have. From there, I can usually look at my idea list and see which one fits best. And if not, the very least it gives me is an opportunity to put my headphones in and radiate main character energy.
Take a bath or shower. I don’t know what kind of science it is, but some of my best ideas hit me while I’m under the hot spray. Probably because there’s nowhere for me to write them down and then I forget them once I’m out. But it still gets bonus points for relaxation.
Try a new hobby. Art, video games, playing an instrument, whatever. Learning something new that breaks the routine can be huge. Also, maybe you’ll realize you kind of hate that hobby, and it will make you miss writing and want to get back into it. So win-win either way, right?
Dig a new well. When asking my friends about replenishing the well and taking a break, my pal Olivia had one of my favorite suggestions – don’t. Some people do great with some time away, but some can’t take it or feel better when working on something. Instead, figure out ways to force yourself to get creative. Set parameters for your thoughts, like a story that has to take place in a certain country, with a certain trope, in a certain genre. Treat it like Play-Doh and keep molding it until you get something that lights you up inside.
I hope one (or two or three) of these ideas work! And if they don’t, don’t sweat it. Maybe all you need is some good R&R. No matter what, you will find your creativity again. It will come back.
