Today, I want to talk about the hardest thing any writer faces: The simple, daily act of showing up.

It’s easy to write when you’re excited, when the words are flowing, or when a massive story idea hits. But we all know those days when you feel unheard, when the words feel like they’re just going to fall to the ground and rot. Those are the days that count the most.

My own mission stems from a simple, profound truth: we have valuable gifts placed inside us, and the spiritual warning is clear—we must not expire full. That means putting the work in, even when it feels pointless. I realized a long time ago that you can’t rely on inspiration; you have to rely on discipline. That’s the real secret. It is the steady, continuous effort that keeps every part of my work moving forward—from my poetry and devotions to my short stories and lessons. The real strength of any creative life isn’t about the massive finished building; it’s about the conviction to lay one small brick every single day.

The Unseen Work of the Writer

Since we are complex people, our writing must be complex, too. To keep the creative engine running and ensure we don’t dry up, we need simple, daily exercises that feed our passion. These are the habits that build a powerful arsenal of language and keep us from freezing up:

The first step is always Creative Free Writing. Sit down with a timer for 10 or 15 minutes and write without stopping, editing, or judging yourself. Write about anything—a dream, a raw emotion, or even a ridiculous-sounding story. This is crucial because, as the great novelist Terry Pratchett once said, “The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.”Getting words out matters more than getting them right.

Next, you need to actively grow your language. I challenge myself to take one Word of the Day from a dictionary and spend five minutes actively creating sentences or a short, bizarre narrative using that word. This rapidly expands your vocabulary and trains your brain to implement new, precise words, making your voice richer and more confident. Alongside this, I practice Rhyme-Time Drills, picking a simple word and brainstorming all possible rhymes. This is essential training for lyrical and rhythmic writing, keeping that part of your mind sharp and ready.

Finally, you must feed the beast. You need The Artist’s Input. Consume something specifically for creative fuel. This means exposing your mind to new styles and ideas to stay sharp, whether you are reading poetry, listening to music you normally ignore, or studying a master like Stephen King. You must constantly be filling the well so you have something left to draw from.

Fighting the Freeze

That feeling of paralysis—Writer’s Block—is normal, but it’s not permanent. Instead of fighting it, we must reset the system. Block is often just stuck energy. Many great writers know they need to Change the Scenery—get up, take a walk, or drive somewhere new to let your mind drift. You are trying to fill the subconscious, not force the conscious mind.

And when you sit down, give yourself permission to Write the Bad Version. Don’t aim for perfection. Give yourself permission to write the absolute worst, clunkiest, most confusing version of the story. Getting something down breaks the silence.

The core lesson remains simple. It’s about persistence over power. It is the steady, faithful commitment to your direction that eventually wins the day and ensures your voice is heard.

Remember this ancient truth:

“The person who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”

Your daily commitment—that one small stone—is the true engine of your creative life. It’s the only way to ensure that your gifts, your heart, and your unique voice get poured out into the world.

What small stone are you committing to carry today?

—Joshua L Mullins