Staying productive between sparks of inspiration
If you’ve ever stared at your script and had absolutely no idea of what to write, you’re not alone. You’re only human.
Inspiration is powerful, but fleeting. If you only write when the muse shows up, your show might stall out halfway through Act One with no idea where to go. Or, your characters can write themselves into a corner, leaving both you and the story at a standstill.
But here’s the good news: momentum doesn’t depend on inspiration—it depends on action. Even bad action is better than no action, because bad action can get you someplace better. No action leaves you trapped. Stuck. Unsure of what to do.
Let’s bust the myth of the muse and explore how to keep your creative engine running, even when you’re not “feeling it.”
The Myth of Waiting for the Muse
Many writers hold onto the romantic idea that creativity strikes like lightning. But the best writers understand that waiting for inspiration can lead to long, unproductive stretches.
Professionals don’t wait—they build habits that keep the work moving forward regardless of mood.
Think of it like rehearsing a show. You don’t only rehearse on the days everyone feels inspired—you show up, warm up, and get to work. Writing is no different.
Techniques for Showing Up Anyway
Most of life depends on your just showing up. That’s the honest truth.
You don’t need a brilliant idea to get started.
Try these techniques that help you “show up” to your writing practice:
- Freewriting: Set a timer for 15 minutes and write without stopping. It might be junk—but it might lead to something unexpectedly brilliant.
- Morning Pages: Julia Cameron’s classic practice involves three longhand pages of stream-of-consciousness writing every morning. It clears out mental clutter and primes the creative pump. (I highly recommend Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way and its companion book The Artist’s Way Morning Pages Journal.)
- “Permission to Write Badly” Drafts: Give yourself a pass to write something terrible. You can always revise later—but only if you write something in the first place.
Revisit Earlier Drafts with Fresh Eyes
Sometimes the best way to move forward is to look back.
Pull out an earlier draft of your script or score. Reread it as if it were written by someone else. What works? What surprises you? What needs cutting?
Time and again I’ve seen my writers go back to something they’ve put away, and when they look at it with fresh eyes, they discover something totally different.
You might find a character’s voice you forgot you nailed—or a plot thread that needs untangling. Editing can be just as creatively energizing as drafting.
Alternately, if you are in a writing group you can present your new scene or new pages to the group to get their feedback. Or you can hire a dramaturg and get their insights on the work – which may be a smart move, especially if that dramaturg is connected with a regional theater or producing group.
Structure Your Non-Writing Days to Allow a Larger Vision of Your Show
Even when you’re not writing, you can still stay connected to your work:
- Watch a show (live or recorded) with a playwright’s eye: What works in the structure? What would you change? What do you find especially appealing visually? What specific theatrical elements create the mood or deliver over the message? “Steal like an artist.”
- Create a playlist for a character or a scene. Let music spark emotional connections as you move about your day. Inspiration comes from unusual places sometimes!
- Read interviews with other writers to stay inspired and feel less alone.
- Go on a “research walk”—literally walk around and observe like your character would. Extra credit for switching out your environments.
These actions keep your creative muscles warm, even if you’re not putting words on the page.
Playwright-Tested Inspiration Exercises
Here are a few other “go-to” practices from real writers that I’ve found worked well over the years:
- Write a scene in a totally different genre—turn your serious drama into a sitcom episode and see what happens. Or a musical. Or a farce.
- Interview your characters as if you’re a journalist. This can be powerful.
- Use writing prompts like “What is my character most afraid to admit?” or “What does my antagonist believe is true and right?”
- See your scene on stage, but with no sound. Can you still understand the dramatic action?
These little “a-ha moments” often lead to bigger ideas.
Final Thoughts
Inspiration will come and go. But momentum? That’s entirely up to you.
A writing routine and a writer’s inner life is something you can cultivate.
- Show up.
- Stay curious.
- Keep your project in motion—even when you’re not feeling particularly brilliant.
- Find inspiration in the mundane moments of your life.
The muse may be elusive, but your creative habits are reliable. And inspiration is literally everywhere.
And when the next wave of inspiration hits? You’ll be ready for it.
Comment below and let me know if you’ve found any of these helpful!