How can you do your best writing?
It’s a big question, and my answer might surprise you.
Because it’s not just about improving your writing skills.
Some other things matter more.
Shall I explain?
Recently, my muse disappeared
My writing felt labored.
I felt disconnected and demotivated. I was down. Everything felt like too much work.
Some might say I should just wait patiently for my muse to return.
But I wanted to feel better.
I wanted to get back to writing. I didn’t want to be patient …
Could I invite my muse back?
Early in my writing career, negative thoughts often prevented me from doing my best work.
My inner critic would whisper in my ear that my writing wasn’t good enough, that I wasn’t creative enough, that the blog post I was working on would flop.
I used to get angry with my inner critic and frustrated with myself. It took ages to get my thoughts down on paper, and I never felt it was good enough.
But over the years, I’ve learned to be friends with my inner critic. I know she’s only trying to help me avoid disappointment and failure. So, I take care of her and reassure her, and she lets me do my work.
So, if my inner critic hadn’t chased my muse away this time, what had happened?
For over a year, I had been working on the Enchanting Copywriting course.
I had not made time to play
I wasn’t trying out new ideas. I wasn’t drawing. I paid little attention to my creative input.
By focusing almost solely on producing my course, I had depleted my creative energy. I started to struggle to concentrate on reading a good book. Instead, I was doomscrolling.
So, in recent weeks, I took a step back.
I challenged myself to walk more to blow the cobwebs away, and I started a fun drawing project to reconnect with my muse.
This post is the result of that fun challenge to create something different.
How to (re)discover your writing genius
Remember, even when you feel empty, you still have ideas, experiences, and stories to share.
Your voice deserves to be heard.
When you feel lost or struggle to write, answer the 8 questions below to invite your muse back and do your best work …
Grab the embed code below to display the image on your website:
The following heroes inspired this post
- Austin Kleon, especially his book Steal Like an Artist (highly recommended!)
- Brad Stulberg, especially this article about sustainable progress and feeling good enough
- Maria Popova, especially this post about Polish Poet and Nobel Laureate Wisława Szymborska
- Liz and Mollie, who inspired me with their diagrams on Instagram
Recommended reading on discovering your writing genius:
How I made peace with my inner critic
7 perfectionism pitfalls in your writing process
How to find your creative voice
Recommended course:
Write It, Don’t Fight It: A Step-by-Step Course to Become a Prolific and Joyful Writer
I like this so much especially the part about your inner critic. It’s a battle. I’m going to apply this next time Impostor Syndrome kicks in. I’ll tell my inner critic that we’re in this together. Happy New Year!
Yes, try to make friends. It has made a big difference to me. We’re not always good friends but we can now work together okay. Happy New Year, Lux!
Wonderful graphics. As a visual learner they are important. Great ideas for the rebirth of my writing. Thanks
You have reminded me of the importance of play.
Thank you, Patricia. I’m glad you found this useful. Happy writing!
Such an awesome piece and graphic, Henneke! Thanks for creating and sharing it 🙂 and happy new year 🙂
Thank you, thank you so much, Sampada, not just for your compliment but also for continuing to read my work. That means a lot to me. Happy New Year!
Whoa!
Question.
Are you from the future?
Perfect post for inspiration on a gray January day.
Or any day that ends in Y.
Or Why?
I hope this message finds you well.
Thanks
From the future? I don’t know. What shall I say?
We’re having yet another gray day here in England as well. I’m longing for some sunshine.
In the meantime, thank you for helping me keep my creative well topped up with all your fab book recommendations throughout the year.
Happy reading in 2024!
Hi Henneke!
Just to let you know…you are one of my creative heroes.
Such a well-written post!
Awww. Thank you, Kushagra. That means a lot to me.
Hey Henneke,
Thanks for sharing such beautiful information about content writing. You very well use of infographic as well.
Regards
Thank you, Sahil.
Until I knew about you Henneke, wrestling down my inner critic has been a huge mountain with a mile-high climb to the top. Feeding on your advice and following your roadmap to masterly writings (in general) has proven to be insanely helpful. “Asante”
I’m so glad that my writing is helpful. Happy writing, Deniz! And thanks so much for stopping by again. I appreciate it.
Henneke,
What a wonderful post and graphic!
Sometimes when we’re focused on output it’s hard to give ourselves the permission to do what’s necessary to nurture our creativity.
Love the pyramid – now printed and on my office wall (might have to pencil in some coffee).
Thank you for the inspiration!
Hi Judy,
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I can get so output-focused that I forget to nurture my creativity, and after some time, I turn up empty. Why is that such a hard lesson to learn for me?
And yes, the pyramid is personal and it works better when you adapt it to your own needs! 🙂
Hello Henneke,
Love your posts and tips along with the illustrative content! Inspiring and insightful, it helps with new writers like me too. I understand the dull stalls as I experience them sometimes and when it flows it does creatively. In the age of technology one can’t help but scroll sometimes in search for ideas, news, photos, inspiration and information to produce more ideas. I can see how it can take a long time for some people to write a book. Thank you for your tips!
Hello Jenny,
Thank you for your compliment on my content.
Scrolling for new ideas can be very useful and inspirational—as long as it’s not distracting us from the hard work of writing. We all need creative input and find the resources that help us stay inspired.
Happy writing!
Brilliant. Actually made me chuckle out loud, no mean feat, & a good thing in itself in these times ! Also remotivated ( no such word methinks) me.
I loved the “what writing actually entails” bit & the procrastinate, write crappy stuff. I loved the bit about focussing on the process etc. So many good little nuggets of insight which we know about but which mean more when somebody draws deliberate attention to them.
Thanks a lot.
Clive
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Clive. I’m glad that this made you chuckle and that you feel motivated again. Happy writing!
Not buttering you up but you are one of those heroes I study and want to “steal” from. Thank you.
Awwww, thank you, Lux 😊
Hey Henneke, tell me if I should lay off the comments. I just want you to know that this graphic was a pleasure to look at. I liked the writing in it. It was a comfortable break from just words – and a refreshing glimpse into your creative process! Thanks!stu
Thank you so much for your compliment, Stuart. I much appreciate it. I put a lot of work into this graphic, so it’s go to know you enjoyed it 🙂
Very interesting and enjoyable post. I would have to say you are one of my creative heroes- I love your writing style!
Thank you for the tips, and for creating such beautifully written and enjoyable posts. Your writing comes across as effortless!
Thank you so much for your lovely compliment, Caley.
When writing feels effortless to readers, that usually means that a lot of effort has been put in by the writer. I edit a lot 🙂
Well you are doing a splendid job of it!
Thank you 🙂
Great post! Eight wonderful questions to keep my writing going, grounded and growing. I’n going to put them in a document and post them on the wall overlooking the corner clutch where I write. Thank you so much for sharing
What a lovely idea. Happy writing, Luis! And thank you for stopping by 🙂
Great post Henneke.
Your infographic is spot-on (and a welcome relief from the generic looking, vector infographics – love the drawing style!).
We all need to step away from our work generously to recharge and let our creative juices flow. It’s very tempting to keep grinding away. Often all this does is creating a logjam in our brain.
Speaking of which, I’ll be heading out for a refreshing walk down the river before I get back to it. 🙂
I hope you’ve enjoyed your walk. I’m heading out for a bike ride 🙂
I’m glad you like my hand-drawn images. It’s a lot of work but it’s also a lot of fun.
Thank you for stopping by 🙂
This was probably the first infographic I read entirely. Great work Henneke! Would love to see more.
Thank you, Satyam. You’ll find more on my site 🙂
Fabulous, timely inspiration Henneke. Love your work.
Thank you, Vicki. Happy writing!
Thanks for your post, it was very helpful for me. I will refer to it.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Timothy. Happy writing!
Hey Henneke, this popped up on my Twitter feed, a CEO of a big company actually shared it, someone with very good taste in writers! Thanks for making this. The way you use illustrations is top-notch! Made it such a joy to read. And your advice is spot-on, too. You have an eye for color. And a sense for sentences that pop. Quick, to the point, clear, and full of humanity. I’ll be saving this for those moments when my inner critic starts having its way.
Wow, what a lovely comment full of so many compliments. Thank you, thank you, Paul. And happy writing!
Great blog on discovering your writing genius. It is wonderful.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Varun!
Awesome Article. Thank You so much. I feel so related and sorted now.
Thank you, Hema. Happy writing!
Timing is everything, Henneke, as I’m sure you know. This post came at precisely the right moment for me–thank you. Though expressed in a deceptively lighthearted form, through your delightful, heartfelt drawings and lettering, your directives are profoundly wise and useful. (Some of it put me in mind of Julia Cameron’s The Right to Right–the chapters in which she talks about the need to regularly fill your creative well by going to museums, reading brilliant books, among other things, if my memory is serving me right.) And I see that you, too, are a fan of Popova! Her Brain Pickings serve as an endless source of solace, inspiration, and intellectual joy for me.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, June. I’m glad you enjoyed this.
I’ve heard so much about Julia Cameron’s book but somehow never read it (how can that be???). Thanks for the friendly nudge to put it back on my reading list.
June, Julia Cameron’s book The Right to Right is one of my all time favourite book! Her book ‘Write for Life’ that she published last Jan is even better. I’m a huge fan of Julia Cameron’s work and ardently practice filling my creative well 🙂
Henneke, thank you for another awesome post. This came at just the right time for me.
I’m glad it came at the right time for you, Jane. Happy writing!
The 8 tips are very helpful. I am looking at my inner critic as I type this. She and I will learn to get along. Thanks.
That sounds good. It can be a bumpy journey but learning to get along is worth it.
Wow! This is so awesome. Such a perfect combo of words and visuals. Such great imagery and all the advice is spot on for me.
What a lovely compliment. Thank you, Andrea ?
Thank you for sharing this – so comforting and inspiring during these times. Be well and keep creating and sharing joy
Thank you, Liane. I hope you’re keeping safe and well, too. ?
Henneke, you’re such a talent! Thanks for sharing such excellent piece of work. I totally enjoy it and will keep it as a constant reminder to self.
Thank you so much for your lovely compliment, Ai Ling. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy writing!
Hey Henneke,
I loved this post. The infographics and sketches are awesome. The post is very motivational for writers. And I liked the quote “All creative work builds on what came before”. That is all time true.
Thanks for sharing this masterpiece.
Regards,
Liton Biswas
Thank you for your compliment, Liton. I found it very liberating when I realized that it’s okay to get inspired by other people’s work.
I went through something like this in March, I’m a news junkie, listen to Minnesota Public radio and TV news. I was getting behind in my reading and writing homework. One Friday I didn’t listen to the radio or the TV, caught up with homework. At the end of the day I noticed I was relaxed and could think, my mind wasn’t racing like it was the few weeks before. Since then I limit how much news I listen or watch.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Wayne. That’s so useful!
I still find it a struggle to limit myself to the amount of news I read but I’m slowly getting better at it. It matters so much what we give our attention to.
I absolutely LOVED this post. From the peaceful and helpful tone of voice to the infographics and sketches. The questions at the end made me think and reflect, thank you!
Random question, do you actually have a dog?
I don’t have a dog. This is probably why my dog-drawing skills are so poor. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed this post. Thank you, Virginia. Take care and be safe. ?
Hey Henneke,
You are one of my creative writing heroes. I love your artistic side. Thanks for the write-up. Am still learning to ‘steal like an artist’
Siver.
Thank you so much, Siver. I highly recommend Austin Kleon’s book.
Hello Heneke,
Yes, I found myself floating around in His arms, and I wonder how I could see everything in such a clear view, yet I was there person.
Thanks for your precise and straight forward and most upright lectures.
This is not just a masterpiece but a gold.
I will forever be grateful for your motivation.
Please stay safe, we love you.
Yours sincerely,
… Paula .
Thank you, Paula. I hope you’re staying safe and well, too.
This is just beautiful–it was definitely time well-spent to create this epic post and images.
I always love reading your blog posts–yours are the best! I look forward to Tuesdays to see you in my inbox, too.
Thanks for all you do!
Thank you so much for your lovely compliment, Melissa. It makes me happy to know you look forward to my writing. ?
Hi Henneke. Another great post and what a refreshing way to show it…with characters and diagrams to help explain. Well done!
The inner critic is that little being inside of us that can sometimes get in the way, not only in our writing but for life in general. Like you say, it creates doubts that we aren’t good enough, which can lead to more serious problems like anxiety, anger, depression and more. Our inner critic, while it may need to be listened to, it can’t be pandered to, and it must not be allowed to take control. Learning this is key to moving forward and not being stuck or paralysed by fear and self doubt. Sometimes this takes time to understand this, but with help and advice it is achievable to take back control. Thanks for creating this fantastic article.
This is so true: “Our inner critic, while it may need to be listened to, it can’t be pandered to, and it must not be allowed to take control.” I like to allow my inner critic to join me on my journeys as a passenger but she can’t be in charge. She may warn me of impending “danger” but she can’t set out the directions and she’s can’t take over the steering wheel.
Thank you for stopping by again, Brett. I hope you’re staying safe and well.
Thanks a lot for your post, Henneke. As always you help us to trust ourselves and to go out our inner critics and our comfort zone. Best wishes from Italy!
Thank you, Maurizio. When I learned to trust myself more when writing, I learned to trust myself more in life generally, too.
I hope you’re keeping well. ?
Love this so much Henneke!
I’ve often felt like my writing was unoriginal in many ways, even though I get complimented on it.
Your point #7 really helped me understand my feelings better and now I feel more comfortable with things.
Thanks again for your awesome advice.
I’m glad you like it, Jennifer. I read Austin Kleon’s book “Steal Like an Artist” a few years ago, and it helped me understand that originality doesn’t exist. It was really liberating to realize that it’s okay to build on the work that exists already and that we all create our own unique mix of sources to find our authentic voices. I highly recommend his book.
The amount of time and heart you spent on this post clearly shows. Thanks for this!
Thank you, Andrew. That’s a beautiful compliment. Happy writing!
This is an “ode” to mindful living Henneke, you’ve found a light-hearted and amusing way of distilling some very meaningful life tips. I’ll be sharing it with my language-learning clients as food for thought. Inspiring, insightful advice as usual, thanks.
Wow, what a lovely compliment—“an ode to mindful living.” I love that. Thank you, Kelly, and thank you for sharing with your clients.
what a super post you sent us I simply adore all the work you put into this, Amazing, Henneke. Lots of love to you and your critique.
Thank you so much, Annamarie. I hope you’re staying safe and well. ?
I just can’t say how much I love this infographic! It resonates with my heart so much. Keep up doing the great work, Henneke!
Thank you so much, Helen. I love to write (and draw) from heart to heart. It’s wonderful when that works.
Sometimes our writing muscle just gets out of shape, I think. Too much extra activity will make us stale, too, perhaps. We’ve had kids graduating from high school, graduating from college, and marrying, plus moving house, living with us while moving house, and even, moving lately, ourselves. Everything becomes an excuse and nothing is getting done with all the essays I began that are languishing in the drafts section. :'(
I did write a LOT of drafts, though. I totally want to finish them, and I add a few sentences to several, almost every day. There seems to be so much to do, though, that is not writing. Sighs.
Yes, I agree—sometimes our writing muscle gets out of shape. But it’s also true that sometimes, it’s just not the right time to write. Sometimes, there are just too many other things going on and it’s okay to give ourselves space and time to not write and focus on all the other things.
I hope you’re keeping well. Take care. ?
Yes! I’m well. And glad for that!
As I hope you are, too. <3
Per usual, I love this post, Henneke. Getting outside our comfort zone is a big boost, in my humble opinion. My specialty niche in business writing is health care and employee benefits. Can you spell comfort in 30+ years in the industry?
A few years ago, one of my best client contacts took a new position in the logistics industry. She contacted me because we worked well together, she loved my writing, and promised to teach me what I needed to know about this totally foreign (to me) industry.
To make a long story short, one of the results of this collaboration was a case study that today I still view as the best I’ve written. All because I went outside my comfort zone. Thanks, Henneke, for more inspiration.
What a great story, Cathy. Thank you so much for sharing. It sounds like you didn’t just tiptoe out of your comfort zone; you took a pretty big leap, and it paid off handsomely. How wonderful.
Great post! Eight wonderful questions to keep my writing going, grounded and growing
I’n going to put them in a document and post them on the wall overlooking the corner clutch where I write.
Thank you so much for sharing
What a wonderful idea. Thank you for sharing, and happy writing!
Loved it!
I will also like to say that when you are spending time doing things you don’t like, you also feel tired and out of ideas, so its a good idea to review what you are doing and try to spend time in activities that you love.
Yes, that is so true. Thank you for adding that, Mariluz. That’s why I need to keep drawing—even when it seems impossible to make time for it. When I don’t make time to draw, I always run out of energy. I love writing, too, but it’s more tiring than drawing.
Hi Henneke:
Your best InfoDrawing to date I think…bravo and welcome back to amusing your muse, I bet it feels so good:) Hope so!
I picked up your mugs two years ago now (Wow) and was just happy to be reminded of #CreativeCourage and so the lion again appearS here…so cool…so needed at a time like this!
I so resonate with what you’re struggling with as I WANT to create but struggling with so much otherwise makes it hard. But like the messages of love, courage, and creativity in your mug designs, I also often look to your influence in reminding me that even I can make a “tiny ripple” with my writing and creative projects and so I, even if slowly at times, continue to work on that little bitty wave with tiny, muse-wonderings leading the way.
I’m so grateful for what you write, draw, and share (for myself and for all your wonderful readers, too:) so thank you.
Oh, and I think it’s funny how the word “procrastinate” in your design is procrastinating itself (haha) in taking two lines for the word! Don’t know if that’s on purpose but I chuckled!!
Thank you as always, Sue-Ann
Thank you, Sue-Ann, for your lovely and thoughtful comment. It make me happy to know, you’re having tea (or coffee or hot chocolate) with Henrietta and feel inspired by her messages.
Henrietta inspires me, too. I couldn’t have made this post without her! 🙂
And what a fun suggestion on the word procrastinate. I couldn’t get the word to fit on one line so I decided it was okay for it to take two lines. I hadn’t thought of your interpretation that the word itself is procrastinating but that seems the perfect explanation for it. Thank you!
And here’s to making more ripples!
Wow! There is so much to say about this magnificent post. Thank you for the wise, accessible encouragement, Henneke. I especially love the idea of my inner critic being a scared mini-me. But really, there are several helpful mindset tweaks, beautifully articulated in your drawings too! The images can really make some of the ideas shine forth in fresher ways than just words (but the words are spot on too). Many thanks!
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the combination of images and words. Thank you so much for your lovely compliment, Dalit. Happy writing!
Hi Henneke,
It’s an inspiring, colorful and picturesque post. I’ve read it with a great pleasure. And I 100% agree that we should love the process itself then we will be always happy with the result.
Thank you so much for your enchanting writing.
Best regards,
Nadiia
When we fall in love with the process, it’s much easier to be happy with the result, too, right? And even if we’re not completely happy with the result, then we’ve at least enjoyed the process and we can examine what we want to do differently next time.
Thank you so much for stopping by, Nadiia. Nice to see you again! 🙂
Henneke, I feel that you creeped into my mind and introduced me to myself! On target explanation of what gets the motor running and what stalls us in our writing.
I loved the content, but the cartoons made me laugh at myself.
Thank you so much. Now that I have been formally introduced to myself I think I will enjoy getting to know her and how she works.
Shayna Gutke
What a lovely comment. Thank you so much for sharing, Shayna. Happy writing!
Beautiful! Thank you so much for giving this away. It came in a beautiful time. I have picked up writing as a hobby and your content is what I follow. You are mentioned in the book ‘Womentality’ where a copywriter who recommends you. Now I pass on your name to others as well.
I didn’t know I was mentioned in the book Womentality (I don’t know the book either). I’ll check it out so I can thank the copywriter who recommended me. Thanks so much for letting me know!
You are amazing and always speak to my soul, Henneke. (yeah, I always lurk, I do!) This beautiful graphic is timely for me. I just published a post about how I look okay but I am really not – I just sat down to write and out poured the words. I didn’t bother to edit it and published it. I realized happily that my mind is reasonably organized thanks to years of practice. And yes, I will answer these 8 questions for myself. Thank you!
Thank you for your lovely compliment, Vidya. I’m so glad you mention that my writing speaks to your soul because that’s how I try to write—from heart to heart, or from soul to soul. I hope you feel better soon. It’s such a tough time. Take care. ?
I love the writing process graphic, especially the organized blocks of thoughts in my mind and then the first draft jumble. So true! Also, focusing on the process versus the results puts the joy back in writing. Trust the process. I tell myself that when I’m struggling and the process always delivers. Great post. Thank you.
Trusting the process is such a key point. When I learned to trust my process and learned to focus just on the work in front of me, writing became a lot more joyful.
What a great post and epic drawing! It’s so true…when we get stuck, we try to squeeze creativity out of our brains when so much of our inspiration comes from experiencing life.
I guess we’re all taught to try harder but quite often trying harder doesn’t work because what we need is rest or a walk or different creative input.
Just what I needed to hear today. Thanks Henneke!
I’m glad it was useful, Mary Sue. Happy writing!
Hi Henneke,
This is a truly brilliant, insightful e-mail. Very well thought out. I’ve just completed a short presentation on wellbeing for my work team and some of your content echoes mine and the research I’ve been looking into lately. We can’t work non-stop, we need to rest our minds as well as our bodies and our brains need to see something different – do something different. I’ve also be reflecting personally on the comfort zone theory. When we get challenged outside of our comfort zone, especially with short lead times, we can easily become unglued and I think the answer can sometimes be how we approach the challenge. Thinking and reflection help me, so I don’t go down the wrong path and get lost. Your e-mail is very helpful and timely, so thanks again, Sharon
Thank you so much for your compliment, Sharon.
I find it fascinating how our brains work. For instance, how we continue to process ideas, even when we’re asleep. It has happened to me so often that I’m stuck with a headline, and the next day, I wake up and I have a good idea. Or I’m stuck with formulating something, so I leave it simmering overnight, and the next day the words just flow.
I also find that walking makes a big difference. There’s some interesting research into how walking can help us pace our thoughts and boost creativity. Almost all writers (and thinkers) are walkers.
You have been peeking in my windows. I needed this today.
Thank you!
Ha, yes! I was peeking in your windows 😉
I hope your muse returns soon, Kelly Ann.
I love this! Especially the part about where creativity comes from. Too much time behind the desk is a sure way to slowly kill creativity. I find that speaking to new people is one of best ways to inspire new thoughts, especially if you really entertain other people’s points of views instead of shutting them down when they make you uncomfortable. And yes, adventures are so important. As are books, and music, and films and any kind of art 🙂
Yes, that’s so true—any kind of art can inspire our writing (as can any kind of adventures, even armchair adventures like reading a travelogue or watching a documentary). If I feel stuck with writing, it often helps me to start drawing.
I’m glad you enjoyed this, Robert. Thank you for adding your thoughts.
I’ve been struggling to write for my blog – ideas just don’t translate into words lately. Thank you, thank you for this gentle and inspiring kick in the pants.
It happens to all of us from time to time. I hope your muse returns soon, too, Nicki! Thank you for stopping by.
Brilliant and right on time for me. Love you girlie.
Thanks so much, Anita. Love you, too. ?
A brilliant, beautiful, and thought provoking piece as always, Henneke. I’ve shared your infographic on Twitter and Facebook. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Rachel. I appreciate the shares, your comment, and your compliment. Happy writing!
Oh my god Henneke I just found you a few days ago thanks to a friend. This one it was my first reading and I so happy to discover you because you illustrate my present.
Lately I feel overwhelmed but now I have tools to improve my creativity thank you so much!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Gisela.
I’ve found it really hard not to feel overwhelmed in these times. Even simple things can take a lot of effort, so I try to put the bar not too high and celebrate small achievements. (It doesn’t always work, but it helps!)
Totally agree!
Thank you!
Crappy 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th drafts and more.
But increasing better. Plan A, B, C, D and more.
Writing is really rewriting to clear out the cobwebs.
Polishing to get to the shiny core of good ideas expressed clearly. That need, beg to be shared with the world.
I love the drawings. And your posts.
Super powerful in a simple zen way.
Walks, pedaling a bike, swimming. Good practices anyways.
On that note I’m in a beautiful place for work.
Steamboat Springs, CO.
Time for a soak in some hot springs. To loosen up things. Inside and out.
Thanks again!
Yes to writing is really rewriting. That’s so true.
And a soak in a hot spring sounds wonderful. Enjoy!
I’ve been in the same slump. I love the illustrations and the contrasts of what you thought and what is. I plan to use your 8 questions to bring my best writing self back. Thank you!
I hope you soon get out of your slump, Kelly! There’s always a way forward even if it sometimes doesn’t feel that way.
Hi Henneke – I love your infographic! I may use it on one of my blogs in the near future. I think you are on to something about tiptoeing out of your comfort zone and on how to get creative. Sometimes you have to step back 🙂
Thank you for this and have a great day!
Drawing the diagrams for this post was definitely a little outside my comfort zone as I was worried whether it would make as much sense to others as it did to me. But it’s fun to try something new.
And yes, you’re welcome to republish the infographic on your blog. It’d be an honor 🙂
Yep. Don’t I agree!
Is that a first?
Your writing genius certainly came back with force in this one!
Thank you, Ken. Henrietta secretly helped me!
I have started a new project, studying to be a transcriptionist, and put my writing to the side whilst I do that. Then I went on vacation and felt compelled to write about it. One takes away a bit from the other, but what do we have right now but time? Good post, I appreciate it!
Being a transcriptionist sounds like a tough job to me, especially if people speak very fast or with different accents.
Isn’t it interesting how when we take a break, the urge to write just returns?
Thanks once again for bringing some sparkle and inspiration to my day.
This was timely and right on point as always; your illustrations are brilliant too!
I hope you are staying well and it’s good to see you back in my inbox 🙂
Thank you so much for your compliment, Lianne. I appreciate you’ve welcomed me back in your inbox. I want to be more consistent this year but I’m not quite there yet.
OMG! A veritable extravaganza of artwork!
I imagine all of this beautiful artwork has inspired even more creativity! (as you so suggest!)
Thank you, Stan. I only just finished this so I feel like I need a break now to recover! 😀
But I’m sure it has helped me to get back on track.
This is seriously the best post ever. So true, yet sometimes so easy to forget. As usual, it couldn’t come at a better time. Love, love, LOVE this. I will share, as soon as I have my new website up and running. Awesome job, thank you so much.
Thank you so much, Jessica. I also find it easy to forget sometimes. I guess we’re all human 🙂
Good luck with your new website!
Dear Henneke,
I do hope you are keeping well these days.
My experience with writing is to just be authentic and honest about your thoughts. It’s risky but the rewards are high. You have to be willing to “cast the first stone” so to speak .
Occasionally I get some hate mail or criticisms. I laugh at those and they are of value.
You must develop a thick skin.
Readers can read between the lines and know when you aren’t being forthright.
All the best,
Ray
PS Reading your newsletters have helped me with my writing so thank you for that. Your great products that you offer are also great value.
Yes to honesty in your writing. I agree. People will sense it when you’re not being honest, when you’re not writing from the heart. It’s so true.
I hope you’re keeping safe and well, too, Ray. Thank you for stopping by.
Thank you once again for a great post. My voice deserves to be heard, certainly. I need to stop worrying about how my copy will turn out, and instead, just get to work. Some really nice suggestions there 🙂
Thank you, Bhawna. And yes, your voice deserves to be heard. Happy writing!
Wow, this is such an inspiring post Henneke. Thank you! I recognise everything, and it’s great to be reminded.
Especially the part of “focus on results” versus “focus on process”. The first one makes you freeze as a writer, which does not only drive away pleasure, but also makes your writing lousy.
Love,
Sandra
I’m so glad it resonated!
For me, focusing on the process (or on the work on front of me) is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned, and it helps in other parts of life, too.
Happy writing, Sandra, and thanks so much for your comment. I appreciate it ?
Hello Henneke, thanks so much for this Infographics guide. Thanks once again for your charity few months ago. I enjoyed the book I bought from you, which is Blogging to win Businesses . I will implore everyone to buy this book and eat from the cake.
Henneke poured her whole self into the book, and you could be losing out if you have a blog like mine but you haven’t read it.
In my blog I help Writers secure a lucrative future, writing, and my schedule has been powerful ever since I read your Blogging to Win Business book.
Thanks for this Infographics… I’m currently at a location where my muse gets stale, but I’ll soon leave. Thanks henneke
I hope your muse returns soon, Godwin. Happy blogging!
And thank you for your compliment on my book 🙂
Hi
This post has helped me unclog my brain. I have been writing tech stuff for so long, and it is usually bland. Consequently, creating for my 3D work has become quite a challenge, since my stories seem to be bland too.
Thanks for the advice on this blog. I will be able to kick-start the juicy, crunchy part of my creative self and get back to fun 3D work, even as I write some tech stuff for my clients. (iOS and Android tech stuff)
I really enjoyed the infographic above. As a person who expresses my thoughts through 3D imagery, it was quite refreshing.
Keep up the good advice. I enjoy gobbling it up in spoonfuls – scratch that – in ladles
Thanks.
That’s wonderful feedback. Thank you. I do feel it’s important to creatively challenge ourselves. Without any new experiments, we do go stale—exactly like you describe. It has happened to me, too. When we find ways to express ourselves better, the more mundane work benefits from our re-invigoration, too.
Happy writing, Anthony. And thank you for stopping by.
Hi Henneke
What a great and creative post. I love the way you illustrate things through short sentences, illustrations and drawings.
Your muse is definitely back. xx Tine
Thank you, Tine. And I think you’re right. Drawing invited my writing muse to come back 🙂