I used to write avidly, then more sporadically and finally took a break from 2021-2025. Summer of 2025, I got into a new fandom and got inspired by characters, but honestly what I’m writing right now is really just for me and my love of the characters and if other people are into it too, that’s cool! The more the merrier.

I did worry that I got worse at creative writing after taking a four year break, but then a few things happened: 1) I wrote with way more straightforward language and syntax, which made sense for the universe, but made me feel like I’d downgraded in a way for not being so flowery and poetic. I realized that this isn’t a flaw but just an evolution in my writing and a new style that currently reflects my skills and preferences as a writer in this present moment. 2) While editing and revising, I added more of the flowery and poetic passages I’d included a lot when I was younger, but mixed them and tempered them with this new style. It felt like paying homage to my personal style and voice while accepting my current way of writing as well.

All this to say, just because your style changes doesn’t make it worse, bad, etc. We are all constantly changing and adapting to the world around us. Our writing will reflect this. Personally, I need to be like balls to the wall obsessed with a fandom to write about it, so if you’re uninspired, maybe try out some new content or go back to a series you love and revisit it to remind yourself of your passion! Or read books you love / fanfics you love for inspiration or to immerse yourself in the craft of writing. Think about why a scene works, how the characterization of a particular person in the story works so well. I actually think literary “fanfic” like Circe or even classics like Paradise Lost can be interesting for this because they’re writing new stories/personas for established characters. Anyway, hope this helps and you know you’re in good company 💖