I have 4 three-part riffs recorded within the past 7 days. I've pretty much just been goofing around on guitar until something kinda cool starts taking shape. When I have a good bunch of ideas accumulated, I'll go back through and build them into songs. :)
If a passionate musician takes some time away from the craft they always come back better. Cuz even when you not making music the wheels are still turning just itching to make some new shit eventually.