Writerly Advice - Staying Motivated
Writerly Advice - Staying Motivated
If you want to be a writer, read, brainstorm, write, and repeat.
Sometimes we get in a writing zone and the real world fades away. I do have a problem with my coffee going cold during a writing sprint. Oh, the life of a writer! Coffee isn’t the only thing that gets pushed aside by our dedication to our stories. Here is your reminder to take care of yourself.
Don’t forget to:
🔹Eat
🔹Drink water
🔹Sleep
🔹Exercise (no, really - it releases beta-endorphins which increases ✨IMAGINATION✨)
🔹Attend to personal hygiene
🔹Order more coffee
🔹Water the plants
Other times, the words stop flowing. The motivation to write stops. Maybe because you need to take care of something that you’ve been neglecting (check the list above). Or the creative juices stop and you hit a brick wall.
If you hit a brick wall, it could be time to Brainstorm.
Brainstorming helps me throughout a writing project, and it sees me through the process. Take time to think about the details of the characters, world, and story. Let them flood your brain and began to fill a notebook. An unstoppable Brainstorm. No matter the phase of the writing process - There is always time to Brainstorm!
Or maybe that brick wall is because you need a writing break. During the break, think about the inspiration for your current WIP and why you are writing?
I write because I love storytelling. The inspiration for my Middle-Grade story, A Wondrous Tale comes from wanting to tell a story set at summer camp, where I spent some of my happiest weeks when I was a kid. I begged to go at age 7. I went every summer, became a counselor when I reached the appropriate age, and continued until college. Though there are many wonderful things about summer camp (new friends and adventure being tops), I think I mostly loved the freedom of being away from home and on my own.❤️I realize that many people don’t get a summer camp adventure. So my story is my attempt to bottle the magic of summer camp to share with everyone.
I decided long ago never to stop playing. Because when you stop playing, you grow old. And I don’t want to grow old. This includes letting my imagination play freely. I write because it’s the best way to take imagination free-play to a pro-level.
Professional Brainstormer ✅
Professional Daydreamer ✅
Professional Creator ✅
Professional Imagination Indulger ✅
I also enjoy writing about things that are impossible in our world. Especially when those things are abilities that make life better, solve a problem, or are just plain mind-blowing. In the fantasy world, we have the power to do awesome things right in the palm of our hands.
Something to think about:
What keeps you motivated?
What gets you excited most about writing your current WIP?
There are many ways to keep yourself motivated as you write and figuring out what works for you is part of the writing process. Tell me what works for you in the comments below. Henry David Thoreau reminds us, “You must not only aim right, but draw your bow with all your might.” Even during a writing break, stay motivated, and keep your eye on the target. Then write when you are ready!
You can find links below to follow me on Instagram (where I post daily), Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. Until next time, have fun indulging your imagination!