Lately, my creative well has run dry. Yet, despite my strong belief in the power of a writing habit, I could no longer return to my usual creative processes.
Usually, I start a short story based on a particular scene in my mind. I will keep writing, meandering about, hoping to discover the plotline, character, and overall theme along the way.
This is not something I can do anymore.
To move forward in our writing, we must be willing to do some self-reflection on what is working and what isn't.
For me, pantsing has only led to notebooks filled with short stories that go nowhere or never get done. I have countless stories that end up so scattered that rewriting would be like starting over.
And it's not like this hasn't been (eventually) successful for me. I have had stories published.
Yet, it's just too much work in the long run. My revision process is undeniably slow. Part of the hesitation to revise is that I'm going to a story with a lot of work to be done.
This has led me to often work on the same darn story for years. And they aren't even long stories or anywhere near novel length.
Lately, I decided to return to a short story of mine, "You Spelled Carrot Wrong," about a marketing company called "Hawk Eyed Advertising" and an unusual word that starts to go viral. I felt inspired to return and build up that story's "world."
I began by creating a Google Doc. I added all the characters within the story I wrote, what I knew about them, what I knew about the company, and any important scenes from the original story.
Then, I started adding more characters. I added two more client service people who were in a prank war with each other.
I also started adding goofy scenarios, such as someone hacking into the system to turn everyone's desktop background a glittery, safety cone orange. I also added a scenario where the same person is coming to the office to interview for a job, but just in different disguises and made-up names.
And I've also kept an eye out lately for inspiration. I start with my own day job and pay attention to any company or coworker quirks I can use, tweak, and add to my story. I browse Reddit for work scenarios, from the petty to the dramatic.
These moments have become little nuggets that help create the world of Hawk Eyed Advertising.
I wanted the company and the people within to come to life before I started writing a word.
The amazing thing is that it's inspired me.
I recently got a scene in my head and jotted it down on my phone. I was cautious, though. I stopped before the scene became aimless. I reminded myself of my goal to make Hawk Eyed Advertising and the characters within more real. For me. And one day, for the reader.
If you're struggling with inspiration lately, take a look at your own processes. Are you a planner? Try pantsing for a while. Are you a pantser? Try plotting. Are you a poet? Try fiction. Are a fiction writer? Try some essays.
We get stuck in our old ways sometimes. Sometimes this is okay, if they work, but sometimes it can dry up our creative well. I know we're not supposed to rely on inspiration, but sometimes we need more than a simple habit to grow as writers.
I'm feeling cautiously optimistic that I'll somehow turn into a planner. And I hope I do. Because maybe one day a short story idea of mine will blossom into that elusive novel I've been avoiding.
Nicole Pyles is a writer living in Portland, Oregon. Her writing has appeared in Sky Island Journal, Arlington Literary Journal, The Voices Project, The Ocotillo Review, and Gold Man Review. A poem of hers was also featured in the anthology DEAR LEADERS TALES. Her short story, “The Mannequin of Lot 18,” was nominated for Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy for 2024. Since she’s not active on social media very much, stay in touch by following her writing blog at World of My Imagination or her Substack, Nicole Writes About Stuff.