When you don't want to write?

What do you do when writing becomes a chore? What happens if you've spent 8+ years writing and then, all of a sudden, the desire is gone? What do you do when someone suggests that you should write and your groan because you feel like you're about to go wash dishes?

Comments

[Cold Spike]

I would start reading maybe?

I don't know if this helps, but I was 3D modeling for at least 4-5 years before I had to give up for a multitude of reasons (it became a chore, tedious and I wasn't getting much anywhere). I stumbled onto this fandom in my depression and started writing again (I used to a long time ago), it was so much fun so I stayed. I wanted to make video games, I still am trying at that only this time I'm making a 2D one, it's much more fun. Give writing a break though, it sounds like you burned your self out which would suck if you do it forever... if you have done it forever though, then I would try other things. My dad and me are going to make me a gaming console cabinet so I can learn woodwork for example, should be happening soon.

I still have no job, but I am trying new things all the time, just not as quickly or as plentiful as I would like.

[Noble Cause]

Sometimes you just get burned out. Do other things for a while that aren't writing. Nothing wrong with taking a break.

[TheMyth]

Take a break

[Diokno44]

2481412 I agree, take a hiatus, explore other hobbies, then, once you feel relaxed, take another shot, because you are an amazing g writer.

[MidnightBrush]

Just try out other stuff when you get burned out on something. If you continue on with something that you don't want to do anymore, then you are just going to grow to hate the game and not want to do it anymore. I would suggest trying out something else while taking a break from writing. It'll let you get back on your feet with something else and get a good break.

[Tiny Star]

You can't force yourself, you start to resent what you love, so it's best to take a break and let your fondness for it build back up again. It's like trying to pick fruit from a tree when it's barely there, small and tiny. You need to give it time to grow big and ripe.

[Shadowmane PX-41]

Is it weird that this question popped up when my computer died on me?

But still, I'm on Hiatus until I get a better computer.

[Crushric]

:slides into view from the aether:
Hello there. It's me—that guy who understands a lot of what you're getting at.
And in your case, I totally get what you're going through getting at. When it comes to writing, although people constantly request that I write more because they love what I write, sometimes I can only shrug and mumble vague promises. It's just something I do with most everything to a degree.
When I was younger, my mother used to note that I had a "vive de jure". [Technically, it mean "Life concerning law', but that wasn't what it meant] That is, it meant that one moment I could be almost obsessive over a thing to the point of wanting to spend every waking moment doing something. Such as, being nearly obsessive over video games, and then one day (to her startlement) being utterly indifferent to all things game-related. Writing could be one of those things. And in the past has been.
Right now, I seem mostly content to mod Fallout 3, New Vegas, and Skyrim (but rarely actually play them), and to watch videos on YouTube and similar sites. When my editors want me to write, I almost feel a bit annoyed. Possibly because what they want me to write isn't my first choice, but because sometimes I just feel too lazy to write. I'm in a strange limbo right now where I do wish to write, and often catch myself thinking about what I'll write for a novel proper, but being hesitant to put fingers to the keys and write, do it please ya.
So, as someone who is entirely knowing about what you're saying, I'd say that it's possible to recover if something sparks you, but if you try to keep doing what you dislike, then you will eat away at yourself bit by bit. I suggest always keeping writing in fond regards, and take a break if it feels cumbersome. Have your freetime and fun. But hope that your "vive de jure" for writing again sometimes. Keep fond your memories about writing, and hope to return thereto, but wait until you actually get the urge.
Does that make sense, old friend?

[iamli3]

don't

find something else to do

well i wash my dishes sooo.....

[cheesuschessus]

Give yourself a break. But don't stop writing entirely. You have talent and it would be a shame to see it go.

[TurboTheGameGuy]

Take a break

[Angelica Silverwing]

You stop, no one can make you enjoy it, in order for a story to be well done one first ha to be inspired. I see people come and go from writing, and honestly I understand. Perhaps it will return, but even if it doesn't one can still read the beauty someone else wrote. Good luck to you.

[Twilight paladin]

Remember me the guy who requested for metal overdrive to be continued I know this has been a long time since we messaged and looks even longer from the look of it but maybe you should take a break or simply just contemplate on whatever you want to think about things should flow from there please don't stop writing if you can help it

Ps i won't ask you about metal overdrive it would be a useless endeavor