If you’re not “driven” to write by something inside you, then chasing the muse is a waste of fretting. I’ve read a lot of biographies of authors, and I can’t recall any of them feeling the need for “inspiration” to “write.” They might need inspiration for a specific story, but the drive to write shouldn’t be something that waxes and wanes if it’s really your passion. (Some writers have mental illness, in which case, their illness might disrupt them. I’m excluding those folks.)
In my case, I go nuts if I go more than eight hours without writing, and have been that way for years and years. It’s an obsession. I don’t even understand the concept of “writer’s block,” as it’s something I have never experienced. That’s not touting myself; I’m merely pointing out the distinction between having a “hobby” and having a “passion.” And I’m suggesting that chasing “mojo” to write is a waste of time. It’s either there or it’s not. And if you’re writing because your aim is to be published, that’s not a passion for writing—that’s either an ego thing or a money thing.
I’m also not suggesting that writing as a way to kill time or as a hobby (or even just to make a buck, or to stroke your ego) is not worthwhile — it’s absolutely a fantastic pursuit for those ends, and a great way to keep your brain cells active in your later life. But be honest with yourself: if you have to force it, then it’s not a true passion, and what you produce won’t be “true.” So, roll with it through the dry spells, as fretting over not being able to find the muse is a waste of time.
When I’m not in a position to write on my creative work, I write in my journal about what’s going on around me. Being an obsessive observer and writing things down, including overheard conversations, is a great way stir the creative juices and perhaps awaken your muse (and the latter will help you craft great dialogue). I also obsessively write down interesting descriptions, words, or expressions when I read, which you might find inadvertently triggers your muse. I carry a voice recorder everywhere I go, and have for twenty years. I even whisper stuff into it that I see when I’m trapped in the subway, then transcribe it later.
Read. Obsessively. Outside your preferred genre. And read books on writing craft.
Lastly, too many people “go for the novel” instead of writing short stories or even just scene descriptions. I would bet 99% of novels never get finished (because they should have never been started in the first place). Perhaps you might consider being less ambitious and aim for short stories.
