What to Do When Writing Is No Longer Fun

by

Writing is no longer fun

There are times when writing becomes a chore. The blank page you once eagerly filled up is now an insurmountable wall. You’re not alone in feeling this way.

Writer’s block isn’t the only reason why you no longer find writing fun. Let’s explore why this happens and, more importantly, how you can reignite the spark that once made you love writing.

Why Writing Is No Longer Fun

Here are a few more reasons why you’re no longer motivated to write.

Burnout

Everyone’s been there. Deadlines pile up, the pressure mounts, and the joy of writing is suddenly replaced by dread. If you write all the time—especially under pressure—it’s easy to get burned out.

Perfectionism

Your inner critic won’t shut up, nitpicking every element of your writing. And when you’re stressing over the smallest mistakes, you won’t have the time and mental space to enjoy the process.

Lack of Inspiration

It’s natural to feel stuck when you’ve been writing the same type of content or working on a project for a while. Monotony makes many things tedious and uninspiring.

Or sometimes you do have a great idea—just not an idea you want to work on now. So you try to find something else but can’t.

External Pressures

Besides deadlines, you might also worry about money matters, your readers’ expectations, and the pursuit of success. Eventually, these pressures replace the reason why you started writing in the first place.

Comparison

It’s hard not to compare yourself with other writers, especially those who write in the same space as you. You see someone else cranking out works, gaining followers, or landing deals, and you start to wonder, “Why can’t I do that?”

How to Make Writing Fun Again

When writing no longer feels fun, here are some things you should try to do.

1. Step away.

Seriously, take a break. Spend time doing something completely unrelated to writing. It could be something as simple as taking a walk or starting a new hobby.

You need time to recharge. Pushing through only intensifies your current issues. Once you’ve given yourself some time and space, you’ll be able to start writing with new energy and a better, more positive perspective.

2. Freewriting.

Take time to simply sit down and write. Give yourself the freedom to write without worrying about outlining, editing, or any other pressure. You won’t have any worries if you write without judgment.

Embrace the mess you create. Not only is it liberating, but you might discover something new about your writing.

3. Mix things up.

When you’re stuck in a rut, shake things up and write something different. If you usually write fiction, why not try nonfiction? Do short-form content instead of the usual long-form. 

Don’t stop there. Change your routine, your writing style, and the topics you write about. Experimenting with new things might just reignite that creative spark.

4. Write for yourself.

When you write for someone else—whether it is your audience, or for work—you neglect your own writing needs and wants. 

Start a project that’s for only for you. Whether it’s daily journaling or a full-on novel, satisfy your own creativity and curiosity in the craft. And when you write for yourself, you don’t have to worry about what other people think. 

5. Set small, achievable goals.

When you can’t see progress (even when it’s there), you feel down. Create doable and actionable goals that will help you keep track of your progression. 

Break down your goals into long-term and short-term objectives. Include specific steps on how you’ll achieve them. And don’t forget to celebrate whenever you accomplish one of your goals.

6. Remember your “why.”

Reflect on your writing journey. Think back to why you started writing. Was it to tell stories? Share knowledge? Make people laugh?

See if your “why” is still present within your recent works. Reconnecting with your purpose can reignite your passion for writing.

Dive into books, articles, and any piece of literature you get your hands on. They are a source of new ideas, fresh perspectives, and writing techniques. More importantly, they’ll remind you why you love writing in the first place.

7. Switch up your tools.

You likely have a set of tools you use exclusively for writing. Most of them you use out of comfort and familiarity. Try expanding your toolset or trying out other tools, even if temporarily.

If you type on a computer, try writing by hand. Use other writing apps. Dictate your words instead of typing them. Sometimes, changing how you write and the tools you write with refreshes your mind.

8. Trust the process.

Writing, like any creative pursuit, will have its ups and downs. Things might look better for you if you keep on pushing through. 

However, it is important to be aware of yourself. Trusting the process doesn’t mean blindly moving forward. It’s about continuing with intention. Be aware of your limits, learn from your mistakes, and accept that you might need to rest. 

Not every day will be amazing, but each one offers a chance to learn something new. Progress is still progress, no matter the pace.

Should Writing Be Fun?

There are a lot of types of writing you’ll likely never find fun. For example, writing emails or content you have no interest in. And that’s fine! 

Sometimes writing is purely work—the kind of writing that pays the bills and decorates your portfolio. Hey, you might eventually like them! But when you don’t enjoy a gig to the point of hating it, it’s probably time to find another. 

However, make an effort to view every writing opportunity positively. If you immediately accept some writing projects as boring, you’ll never be able to find anything fun about them.

What do you do when writing is no longer fun for you? Share them below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like: