By Leah Roche

Confession time: I have been in a major writing slump for the last few months. I was writing steadily through mid-June and then I hit a wall. Perhaps some of you have also been struggling to connect with your creative pursuits in these troubling times. (Seriously, who can focus on writing a short story when it feels like our society is crumbling around us?) If you’re struggling, fear not! You are not alone.

As writers, we know that it is natural to have a bit of ebb and flow in our productivity levels. Some days we can easily crank out 5,000 words, and some days it is difficult to produce even two decent sentences. But if a slow day becomes a slow week, and then a slow month and then a season goes by with barely anything to show… It’s time to take a closer look at habits and mindset and make some changes.

I once had an amazing writing professor tell me that she didn’t believe in writer’s block. At first I balked at this shocking statement, but after some thought I came around to the idea. If we can shout, “Writer’s block doesn’t exist!” then the whole concept ceases to hold power over us. To say, “I can’t write. I have writer’s block,” is to give up, to admit defeat. If you are in a creative slump these days, then ask yourself one important question. Are you a writer? If after careful consideration, the answer is no, then you are off the hook to become a doctor, teacher, or veterinary technician as the spirit moves you. If the answer is yes (and I hope that it is) then get writing!

Even if you are not feeling particularly creative, write anyway. Write in a journal about your day, write a letter to a friend, or write an ode to your favorite hairbrush. It doesn’t matter how small the project, just put words on paper. This need not be a solitary act, however. Luckily, we live in an age where we can jump online and quickly find creative writing prompts or connect with other writers.

In my recent writing slump, I finally admitted I was having a hard time to my fiction writing critique group and guess what? Two other members were in a similar funk, feeling frustrated and alone. For this month’s meeting we plan to work together on creative writing prompts to help each other get motivated again. There are local organizations you can join, like the Maryland Writers’ Association or more informal writing groups and book groups on Facebook and MeetUp. If you can’t find one in your area, get a few friends together and start one.

One of the easiest ways to get that writing mojo back is to read. It’s important to not just skim the work, but to read deeply and analyze what you like and don’t like about the style. If your goal is write a dystopian YA novel, then read within the genre with the goal of deciding what you can contribute that’s fresh and new. Reviewing books can also be a way to get the words flowing again and give back to the writing community at the same time. Reading news articles is a great way to stay informed, boost your vocabulary, and provide real life inspiration for fiction writing.

If all else fails, shake up your daily routine a bit. For many of us, the continuing COVID-19 isolation has led to increased anxiety, depression, and overall stress. (If you are feeling unsure about your mental health, please contact a doctor and talk to a professional about how you are feeling. AACC offers counseling services for students and help is always a phone call or email away.) If you are just feeling a bit stressed, call a friend, go for a bike ride, or find a way to give back to the community. Spending time with friends and family, exercising and volunteering can all help boost our mood and reignite our passion for writing.

Once you’ve got stories and poems written that you’re proud of and ready to share, please head over to the Amaranth Submittable page and submit! We are excited to see what you are creating these days. Be well and happy writing!

-Leah