There are times when it is more difficult to write. The problems of the world loom too large or the challenges of daily life become seemingly insurmountable. Sometimes both.   

I think often of this advice I once heard from a writer whose work I love, Laura van den Berg:

“Touch the world of your novel every day.” 

Even if you only have five minutes, even if it’s to write one sentence, even if it’s simply to daydream about your characters. Go into the novel, however briefly. 

It sounds simple, but this is how we keep our connection to our own art alive.