Writing is difficult. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not. My stories start in my head. I hear dialogue, I see scenery, I even hear the exposition. Getting it down on paper and keeping my tushy in the chair is another thing entirely. It can be downright challenging. Here are some ways that may help you to stay motivated.
- Take a short time to organize. I’m a ‘plotzer’ – cross between a planner and pantzer I use a basic story outline to know my story’s direction. For me, detailed planning prevents my characters telling me where things are going. I know that sounds strange, but detailed planning for me (and I stress for me), interferes with some of my creativity. So, I use a basic outline and character study (index cards or notes). It’s the character study I find most valuable and where I spend my time. I get close with my characters. Once I know them well writing flows easier and easier writing keeps me motivated. If I get stumped, I go back to my outline, character study, or do some ‘what if’ scenarios. It recharges me and keeps me writing.
- Set Deadlines. Deadlines work for some people. For me, they definitely are part of my day job and I had aggressive ones with my editor. I know the punishment for missing these deadlines but what would really happen if I missed a self-imposed writing deadline? Move the date? Besides, I’m a real softy. Ask my kids. So to quote Nathan Bransford “The trick is setting a deadline with teeth. If you secretly know that the deadline you’re setting for yourself is a soft one, it’s not going to have its hair-raising, stress-inducing maximum effect. So either you have to learn to be scared of yourself and your own punishments or you may need a partner in crime who can help you keep to them.”
- Daydream a Little. Picture what it will be like when you book is completed and you ship it off for query to an agent/editor. Dream about the possibilities of a successful novel, keynote at RWA, Pulitzer (when they have a romance category), and movie option. It all depends on completing what you write. Tuck the daydream in a nice cozy place and come back to the present and make it happen.
- Journalize. Writers usually keep a journal or pad handy for jotting down story and character ideas. Use your journal to clarify your obstacles, then think of ways around writing problems, like plot difficulties or difficult decisions about how to organization your story. Perhaps solving these difficulties will motivate you to keep on going.
- Just start typing. Momentum can be invaluable in making progress. Even 10 minutes of uninterrupted writing can be helpful. Find time during the day to write, at lunch, commuting, waiting in line at the grocer, at soccer game practice, you see what I mean.
- Skip ahead. I tell you this technique but admit I do not follow it myself. I am a linear writer. I find it very difficult to write ‘out of order.’ However, just because it doesn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. So, if you’re stuck about writing the next thing, skip it for now and try jumping ahead to the next piece you’re excited about. You can come back to the part you skipped later.
- Talk with your critique partner or someone who supports your writing. For me, talking about my work in progress gets me excited. Sometimes that is all I need to stay motivated. I was stuck on a fight scene and spoke to my son (he’s grown) and Rayna Vause (a writer who is also a martial arts expert). Both gave me the support I needed and valuable insight. And while it’s not true of everyone, a lot of people—both writers and readers—are flattered to be asked to talk with a writer about a work in progress.
- Move Around. Sometimes you need to move out of your space, physically, to reset your mind. I get up and go downstairs to the kitchen for a glass of water or cup of tea. (Sometimes even chocolate.) I come back to my desk renewed.
- Write what You Love. Don’t try to catch a fad. It may be tempting, but most times it doesn’t work. You need to love your novel unconditionally if you’re going to finish it.
- Your turn. What about you? What motivates you?
I downloaded Write or Die app to my IPAD and I have the desk top edition. So far I've set it in 15-20 minute spurts. It's amazing how much I can get done when challenged. I highly recommend Write or Die, especially if you think you don't have time to write everyday.
A deadline or promise imposed by an editor or fellow writer. I am a 'pleaser' and I hate to disappoint.
Self-deadlines are hard to enforce. I find tons of excuses to clean, cook, eat, watch a favorite film rerun, play solitaire.
Sigh.
@Tanya Goodwin
That's a great tip. It takes me 10 minutes just to get ready to write! But I'm trying.
… Ruth
@Ana Morgan
I'm right with you, a 'pleaser,' it's really difficult to say no. But is seems I'm willing to not please myself. What's wrong with that picture?
Ana, we both have to learn that sometimes we have to put our own wants and desires at the top of the list.
… Ruth
My main problem is keeping my butt in the chair. I easily get distracted. A committed pantser, I have been trying to incoporate an outline to my writing process. I am considering buying Scrivener, which was just released for Windows. I used the program when it was in BETA. While I like the interface and functions, I'm not sure it would improve my writing much.
@Lita
I know how you feel. I too get distracted easily unless I am really focused on a scene.
Scrivner sounds like a good program. Others have told me they use Write Way, YWriter, and other use One Note.
I did take April Kihlstrom's Book In A Week class and found many of her hints invaluable.
… Ruth
I take my 31 year old daughter to lunch once a week. It is one of the delights and a lot of the time we plot my stories. She swears she won't ever be a writer, but WOW she sure has ideas, and they are good ones. What amazes me even more, is how quick they pop into her head. I love seeing her thoughts as I read through my stories. She's never been much of a reader, but this past years I've gotten her hooked on my friend's stories and she is reading – BOOKS – yay for her. I love hearing her enthusiasm when she discusses them with me. I'd say this time with her is priceless.
I am also a panster because I develop a great relationship with my characters – learn to enjoy my heroines and always fall in love with my heroes.
@Paisley Kirkpatrick
What a wonderful time you must have with your daughter. It seems my kids (we have three around the same age as your daughter)don't have time to read for pleasure. All read to keep up with their jobs.
I've always found reading a way to escape the pressures of the day. I let books take me to other places and times. It's also why I prefer a happily ever after.
Thanks for stopping by,
… Ruth
I'm motivated by many of the things you listed here – nothing makes you feel better than a little praise from a writer friend, right? Also, checking the word count. Sometimes, I'm just amazed at how much I achieve in one day – so of course I want to top it the next day!
What a great list Ruth. I can't write in short spurts but I do set a page goal for each day. and if I don't make it, then I force myself to write on my 'day off'. that keeps me focused. but I have to admit I'm having a hard time with the editing of this book, even though it's been requested…
I think a lot of writers forget to take mini-breathers and move around while they work. I'm always worried I'll allow some distraction to keep me from getting back to the story. Thanks for all the good tips, Ruth.
I am no good at self imposed deadlines. I am not scared of myself. As I get older I have become complacent. If it happens yay, if not- I'll live. Not good when it comes to writing. I have to work at it sometimes and others I don't. I definitely need a method that works for me. Opening a doc to begin with would be a good first step, instead of reading blogs on how to… 🙂 Great post BTW.
@Margay
I find word count a double edged sword. When I rolling along its great but when I'm struggling, well, it just confirms the characters are silent.
@Louise Behiel
Daily targets are a great idea. I'll have to try that. As for editing, I almost like that better than the initial writing.
@KC Kendricks
You're welcome for the tips and I know what you mean by distraction. I've learned that forcing myself to stay at my desk when the words won't come only makes me more frustrated. I have found that getting up, interacting with my family (even watching a bit of TV) resets my mind. I go back to the computer refreshed.
@Calisa Rhose
OMG, email and reading blogs really sucks me in too. I asked Eliza how she manages her time. She is very selective about reading blogs and email. She spends her time writing as much as possible.
Thanks everyone!
… Ruth
GREAT advice, Ruth! Im a "plotzer" mix too, and find its works best with my way of writing. Outlines slow me down and I always find the characters take the story in the direction they want anyway! LOL!
Thanks for sharing!
HAPPY HOLIDAY HUGS, Kari Thomas, http://www.authorkari.com
@Kari Thomas
I really enjoy when the characters take over. I give them free hand for the most part.
I'm glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for the holiday hugs. Hugs are always appreciated.
… Ruth
I write everyday. Regardless if its a holiday or my birthday. Having a routine writing time is a must for me.
If I get stuck I'll talk to my online writer friends, husband or my daughter, sometime they have surprisingly good insight into what I'm writing.
Janice~
Great tips, Ruth. My characters hit me from every angle, especially when I driving. So, I tend to "skip around" quite often. When they talk, I have to listen to them—even if it's a scene or a chapter ahead.
@Janice Seagraves
I try to write everyday but sometimes it just doesn't happen. When I get stuck, I talk to my critique partner. It's amazing how she knows just the right thing to say to get me thinking!
Thanks for stopping by.
… Ruth
@Nett Robbens
I know exactly how you feel. My characters, hero mostly, talks to me all the time. He even encourages me to work on my other stories. I've begun to see him as the man on the cover of my book. Not bad! *Heavy sigh* now that's a hero!
Thanks for letting me dream,
… Ruth
I can stay glued to my keyboard. It's forcing myself away from the keyboard that is difficult for me.
I think it has more to do with what motivates us and what our ultimate goal is. For some it is just to write a novel and get it published. For some it might just be to write that one story. For some it's a hobby.
For me, writing is my personal curse. I must write. Once I opened my muse to the keyboard, it took on a life of its own. It's my obsession and passion. The rest of the world melts away when I'm at the keyboard.
I can set a goal and make it happen. I think I'm harder on myself than any deadline someone else could impose on me. It's my job to take my characters and make their story worth reading. I'm the matchmaker but they must have a story worth writing.
My big fear is that they will all go away and quit talking to me. LOL
E. Ayers
@E. Ayers
I know how you feel about your characters talking to you. Sometimes,I can feel them standing next to me. But what's really strange is when I heard a pearl of wisdom they would say come out of my mouth. It was an eye opener.
Thanks for visiting.
… Ruth
Having that 'chat' re: a WIP or another of my stories can get my writing juices flowing. Also, getting a great scene down can fire me up to write the next.
Nice post and very good tips, Ruth.
Thanks!
I do use OneNote but the set-up is extensive and the program does not integrate with WORD so I find the back and forth annoying.
I attended April's BIAW workshop at the conference and she did have a lot of good processes.
Great post, Ruth. I write from 3×5 inch cards that each have a scene suggestion, so all I have to do is re-read the day before's writing and my writing takes off. My problem is shutting down the promoing long enough to write.
Toni Noel
The weird thing is I put off writing because I know once my adhd brain latches onto the subject it won't let me stop. It's a great creative process, but rather draining.
So I guess the motivation is the finished product.
I've realized the difficulty of keeping my butt in the chair (still do), but there's one thing that I got from Stephen King ~ when you're on a roll, stop before your words run dry. By doing this, you have all night to sleep on it, can start hot in the right spot, and are fueled to keep writing beyond where you may have stopped the day before.
I look forward to opening my laptop when I know what I'll be writing and where it will lead me for the next day's word count.
@Kay Dee Royal
What great advice! Something to add to my tool kit.
Thanks,
… Ruth