What they don’t know is that all the seemingly unproductive acts that happen around writing—reading, daydreaming, decluttering, taking long walks, closing your eyes to fully appreciate the smell of rain on asphalt—are actually subtle and crucial activities that make writing possible.

When that zesty feeling starts to wane, I hope a little bell rings in your mind to signal your next-level inspiration: Here is where your story gets interesting. Here is where your writing is asking you to be even more curious. Let your writing lead you. Be willing to let go of control and walk backwards. You may feel a little sick to your stomach.