Reconnecting With the Fun of Writing When It Feels Like Work

Somewhere in the middle of a project, writing can stop being fun. I was reminded of this recently when I had a thick stack of editorial notes to work through. They were useful, but daunting. Reconnecting with the fun of writing seemed like something to get to after the difficult work was done.

But sometimes a little enjoyment is what helps you get back to that work.

So I set the notes aside for a bit and opened a new story idea.

Make A Little Room To Play

There was nothing urgent about this new idea. Nobody was waiting for it. It didn’t have to become a novel, and it didn’t need an audience.

It was just play.

It didn’t get very far, and that was fine. For a little while, there was room to make things up without evaluating every decision against a manuscript full of feedback.

It reminded me that I enjoy doing this. That sounds like a small thing, but it matters when every writing session has started to feel like another obligation.

You can try the same thing without committing to another book. Write a scene you won’t use. Follow a character who has nothing to do with your current project. Explore an idea because it interests you.

Then let that be enough.

Making creative space in a busy life can be difficult, especially when you already feel behind. But a little time spent enjoying time with your imagination is important, too.

You don’t have to turn every interesting thought into a project with a deadline.

Starts With A Specific Question

As a writing coach, I’m cautious about the phrase “writer’s block.” Feeling stuck is real. The phrase itself just doesn’t tell us much about what’s happening.

The first step is getting more specific. What is making it difficult to write today?

Maybe you don’t understand what your character wants in the scene. Maybe the revisions feel too large to tackle. Maybe you’re afraid the writing won’t be good enough.

Or maybe you’re exhausted.

Those are different problems. They deserve different responses. (And if you’re not sure what the problem is, check out my free mini-masterclass Banish Writer’s Block Forever for some insight.)

Ask the question without turning the answer into another criticism. You’re trying to understand what you need.

Let A Small Moment Be Enough

You don’t have to fall back in love with your entire manuscript in one afternoon.

Maybe you write a line that makes you laugh or let a character surprise you. Maybe you spend a few minutes following an idea without immediately asking whether it’s worth keeping.

That counts.

Writing a novel involves difficult work. There will be scenes you struggle through and revisions you’d rather postpone. Enjoying the process doesn’t require enjoying every part of it.

But you’re allowed to make room for the parts you love.

The next time writing feels like nothing but work, try giving yourself a small place to play. Then come back and ask what the manuscript actually needs from you next.

Also, don’t forget that finding that enjoyment again can be easier with other writers around. A community of writers can give you a regular place to write, with support and company along the way. There’s room for the difficult days and the moments when you remember why you started.

The difficult work will still be there when you come back to it. But the fun of writing isn’t a reward for finishing the book. It’s part of what helps you get there.