For about five years, I couldn’t write a single word due to struggles with my mental health. It took years to rediscover the inspiration for my writing. Initially, I never planned on publishing, but as time passed, I found so much joy in creating stories that I started to wonder, Why not share them?
Even so, being a pantser writer has its challenges. I’ve always found it difficult to stick to just one project because my mind constantly conjures new ideas for stories. Even now, it seems my brain delights in creating new plots and characters, always keeping me on my toes.
Writing is such a joy, and I love every moment of it, but I’ve come to realize that my stories often reflect pieces of my own struggles. Without intending to, I sometimes weave my personal challenges into the pages. Many of my characters face hardships—whether it’s the pursuit of love, finding the courage to fight for something they believe in, or overcoming inner turmoil. It’s fascinating, even to me, to see how a story or a character’s journey unfolds. Yet, true to my pantser nature, I rarely know how most of my stories will end until I get there. That unpredictability is part of what makes the process so exciting.
As a writer, I currently have about six projects I’m working on, yet none of them have a clear ending in sight. Despite dealing with health issues, I love carving out time and finding inspiration to write. However, inspiration doesn’t always come at convenient moments. It often strikes when I’m at work, driving, or otherwise unable to sit down and write. It makes me wonder how many other writers face similar challenges, whether it’s writer’s block or the frustration of fleeting ideas that seem impossible to capture in the moment.
To combat this, I try to keep a notebook or journal nearby to jot down moments of inspiration before they slip away. One of my current stories actually came from a dream I had. At first, it was just fragments, but as I reflected on it during my waking hours, the story began to take shape. It’s surprising how many places ideas can come from—dreams, conversations, random thoughts, or even the emotions stirred by everyday life. These unexpected sources are what make the process of writing so magical, as they often lead to the stories you never realized you wanted to create.
Happy Writing ^_^
Sara's Writing Sanctuary 