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One of the hardest times for a writer is those periods when we feel we have nothing left to offer by the written word. Some believe they lack inspiration others consider their muse is taking a vacation or has fallen silent, but what are some of the real causes for this feeling?

Inspiration is a fickle friend. Sometimes you can feel surrounded by it and every moment, every breath, every image that comes to mind or eye offers a springboard for your creativity. The simplest delight offers you insight into yourself and gives you something you want to share with the world. You find your hand unable to remain still, your pen flickers in and out in an intricate weave of words. These are the times when everything else fades from importance and you cannot bring yourself to do anything but write.

However, as I said, inspiration is a fickle friend. The times when you feel inspired seem few and far between. Those periods in between have you feeling drained, tired, depressed and angry. You find yourself wanting to write but unable to bring yourself to do so. You look for any excuse to do anything but write while feeling terrible knowing you are making excuses. You berate yourself for finding it so difficult when you know how easy it can be. You feel like a failure and as if you may never produce something worthy of reading again. You occasionally force yourself to put words on the page only to feel everything you write is terrible.

I do not know if anyone has found a universal solution to this problem. I certainly still find myself facing the periods of dismay when the words just do not seem to come. There is however, some good news. IT ALWAYS HAPPENS FOR A REASON. Yes, you heard that correctly. Always. Lack of inspiration always happens for a reason.

Some reasons include:

Exhaustion Coming off a period of intense activity, particularly creative activity, you may find yourself wordless. Allow yourself some rest. Stop berating yourself for not putting words on a page and congratulate yourself for having recently produced so much. Enjoy a walk, take a long soothing bath, spend time with your family, and catch up on sleep. Recharge your batteries and then come back to writing, fresh from the break.

Fear You may be afraid of failure or criticism; perhaps you are afraid to bare your soul. Regardless of what causes your fear try this affirmation, "Courage is being afraid but doing it anyway." Give yourself permission to be courageous.

Depression Writers often feel encased in depression.

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