How To Create When Life Feels Heavy: A Guide for Hurting Writers

The pain we walk through can powerfully shape our writing, but it can also hinder our productivity. I recently experienced a long, heart-wrenching season as someone in my family navigated a deep loss. The messy emotions and sadness sapped my energy, and it was hard to concentrate on writing.

I kept up with my regular writing commitments but put my next big project on hold. Weeks and then months ticked by as I worked through layers of pain and disappointment. As God began to heal, I pulled that project out and went on a writing retreat. My creative well filled again, leading to a book that will be published this summer. So how do we create when life feels heavy? Here are four considerations for writing in a season of sorrow.

Process your fresh pain. A few years ago, I read a manuscript by an acquaintance in deep grief. Her words were raw and honest — and not yet ready to be published. She was still in process and could only commiserate with her readers’ hurt. Her writing showed that she needed more heart work to offer practical help and real hope.

Journal hard emotions. Writing through pain can help us work through pain. Journaling helps me surface my messy mix of hard emotions, ask my questions, and air my fears. It helps unburden my heart and frees up the head and heart space I need for creativity. While most of my journal writing stays between the Lord and me, some will lead to later devotions, blog pieces, or speaking messages.

Harness writing cues. Just as we use nighttime routines to signal it’s time to sleep, we can use writing cues to prepare our mind to create. One of my strongest writing cues is a playlist I only use when I’m writing. It’s playing right now, actually, helping to muffle the noise outside my bedroom while getting my mind in a posture to write. Your writing cue may be sitting in a favorite chair, pouring a cup of coffee, or lighting a candle. A writing routine helps us muffle the noise of hard emotions to focus on creating.

Don’t wait to create. The longer we put off writing, the harder it is to restart. To get back into a writing rhythm, start with something short like an Instagram caption or Facebook post. I often start with a listicle — like, 7 ways To Memorize Scripture — or look through my running idea bank to spur creativity. Don’t aim for writing the perfect piece, but get a roughed-out first draft on paper you can develop later.

God promises that when we sow with tears, we will reap with songs of joy (Psalm 126:5).

God will not waste your ache. You may have days and weeks when all you can do is process your heartbreak, but your creative well will fill again. And as you write through your pain, you sow good seed God uses for your good and His glory.

Cheering you on, friend.
Lisa 

What writing cues have you set up? If you don’t have any, create one to three cues to signal it’s time to write.