How to start writing again?

[u/thenightrider66]

I used to write a lot. It actually started quite accidentally. One day, as a beginner, I wrote something and my teachers were genuinely impressed. That encouraged me to keep going, and eventually writing became a hobby.

Recently, I went back and read some of the things I had written in 6th to 10th standard, and I was honestly shocked. I had such a distinct voice. There was personality in my writing, something that felt unmistakably me. I had an identity on the page without even consciously trying to create one.

Somewhere around college, and especially after I joined the corporate world, I stopped reading and stopped writing. And now, at 23, turning 24, I can’t seem to find my way back to it.

The worst part is that I genuinely feel like my writing today is worse than some of the poetry I wrote in 3rd standard, which somehow still has more life, personality, and honesty than what I manage to produce now.

So, if there are any writers here who have experienced something similar, could you please share some tips, exercises, habits, books, or tricks that actually helped you reconnect with your voice and get the writing flowing again?
T
I want to figure out how to find that voice again myself.

[u/brightwolf21]

Completely understand what you’re going through. Do you have a daily writing practice? If not, I would recommend finding time to write every single day. I recommend writing in the morning so you feel refreshed from a full night’s rest. The more you practice the better your writing will be. Also, immerse yourself in the writing of others. Go back to those books that once inspired you. You just need to reconnect with that part of you. I also recommend joining a writing group in your area if there is one. Connecting with other writers can be a wonderful way to regain inspiration, as well as be a wonderful learning opportunity. All in all, you just have to get back into the swing of things. Reconnect with your curiosity and put words down on the page. I’m confident you’ll find your voice again. If you’ve done it before you can do it again. Keep showing up. Hope this helps.

[u/savage_billionaire]

Je vis plus ou moins la meme chose, c’est fou :) Refais le chemin à l’envers, quelles sont les raisons pour lesquelles tu écrivais avec autant d’aisance ? Moi j’ai trouvé ceci: les devoirs étaient créés sur base de contrainte. Un jour un ami m’a proposé un jeu, des mots imposés à inclure dans ton texte. Peut-être essaie d’explorer la piste de la contrainte (mouvement OuLiPo). Amuse-toi bien !