When the words don't flow, take it slow!
I keep hearing that push your writing even on the tough days when you have like zero inspiration. I mean I get it that being regular helps but aren't you forgetting something that is very important- The Joy of Crafting a story!
There are days when I just don't feel like going to my WIP. Not that I don't like the story or characters. I love them! But some days I just don't feel like stepping in that world or meeting them. If I force write during those days I come up with really shitty sentences, which again I will have to remove or rewrite during editing.
Then there are days when the words flow naturally. With every breath I take, I come up with sentences or scenes that exceeds my expectations. These are the days when I get most of my writing done. Now don't get me wrong, I am not promoting procrastination here. I found few practices that can help get the words flowing even on tough days.
Journaling - Keep a journal especially for the days you don't have words, when your creative soul feels empty. Pick up a pen and pour the emptiness on the pages. Write all the shitty sentences that comes to your head without any filters, without any thoughts. Just write 'em all. It will do two things for you- get rid of all the junk blocking your writing and helps you analyze the reasons of avoiding your WIP.
Feed more words to your creative soul - To write a perfect story one must read a thousand books. Reading helps you to escape for a while as well as fills your head with more good words, inspiration for characters and so much more. After all it's reading that ignited your passion to write your own story, which brings me to my next point.
Revisit - There must be something that made you start writing your own story. Maybe a book you once read long ago or maybe a movie you saw or maybe a song that inspired your characters. Revisit all those sources so you get reminded of why you started your story in the first place.
It's okay to take it slow - Don't be harsh on yourself. Remember you are not just keying in words, YOU ARE CREATING. That needs time and skills. So even if you write 100 words a day, it's okay. All that matters is that you enjoy writing stories. Don't make writing something to stress about. Rather it should be something that brings you joy.
I hope that these practices help you rediscover your lost words during tough days. As I keep saying- think of your story as a missing piece to a perfect world.
Happy writing dreamers!