There is something strange about creating. And the writer identity is wrought with imposter syndrome. No matter if one sets aside a specific time daily or is “too busy” to create, producing on a consistent basis is challenging. Is it writer’s block? Lack of motivation? Depression? Kids who destroy quality sleep? I’m not sure. I’ve had two painfully slow years as a writer, so I started 2020 with something different. I stopped trying to force a project and rekindled the excitement of creating something. Anything! I went back to writing what I was excited about, finishing work, and submitting for publication. I now have five pieces of work on submission with plans for more for the first quarter of the year. Despite the guarantee of rejection, the opportunity of acceptance for publication has me more motivated than ever. I feel like a writer again. And to some degree, I feel like me again. 

If you are struggling to write, try going back to the beginning. Forget about what you should be doing and focus on something you are excited to create. It might inspire you. It might help you establish daily self-discipline again. Most importantly, it might help you feel like your writerly self. You become exactly who you decide you are and taking action proves it to the most important person. You.