The toughest thing about getting into a writer’s headspace is getting into a writer’s headspace. I know it is bad writing to say it that way, but the truth simply is. That truth, like the work of writing, is unavoidable. In order to be a good writer you need to be good at sitting in one space for stretches of time and focusing on a story/poem/song/screenplay/whatever for long enough to actually put legitimate words on paper. I did a good job this past December working every day on the map for the fantasy storyworld. I did a terrible job putting new words down towards the Justice Engine.
What good writers do is sit down and write. They may not do it every day, but they do it often enough and long enough to get the story done. This may look different for different writers. I have a friend who is on his 3rd or fourth novel of his career. It takes 6 years or more to put one down for him. Yet when he gets it done it is magic. My sister is the same. By the time I get to see a draft it’s been two years in the making, yet the work is amazing.
Me? Yeah. I define fits and starts. Moreover, it takes a moment for me to really sink into a project and get going. I am, it appears, a slow-cooker. Once I get there, the writing is hot and fresh and (IMHO) quite good. I am in the warming stage now. I am trying to get started and get going on a couple of post-semester projects. I aim to simmer sooner than later, but it does indeed take time.