How do you get (and stay) motivated?

[Mkroman]

Hello,

I am new to these forums, so I apologize if this has already been a thread on here. If so, please feel free to direct me to it -- I looked, but didn't find one.

So, I love to write. I used to write constantly, but now, after a long day at work (and the commute), my brain feels pretty fried. And I'm really great at making excuses NOT to write. I recently started maintaining a blog and I've been good with sticking to my "one post a day" goal. But, I want to write more. I used to write short stories and poems, but I'm struggling with motivation and, well, discipline.

Do you have any tips on how to really buckle down and get it done?

Thank you!

[JennD]

I think it's easiest when you make writing a routine. Find some time of day where you really like to write. Once you've done that, it gets a lot easier.

[Maud Fitch]

As we know, life ebbs and flows. We get bored, tired, disinterested with many things including writing. I try not to think of it as a 'discipline' (otherwise it becomes a chore) more as a pleasurable highlight to my day. And, for me, motivation only comes from writing something I'm keen about. Thoughts can happen on the commute journey so have a pen and paper, laptop, iPad handy to jot down ideas. Once I missed my stop I was so engrossed.

Your writing goals don't have to be at the end, place them along the way. A lecturer once advised me to have an achievable monthly schedule as well as a long range forecast with incentive rewards. My favourite author takes one year to write and publish a novel so if you wrote a bit each day, starting now, you could have the finished product this time next year.

(PS: I'm a big fan of short stories. You could post one on the Writing forum).

[Jacob]

Find books you love that are in the same genre, remember to keep up to date with the same genre of books to see if any titles that interest you pop up. Then, spread into different but same alike genres.

And what Maud said, maybe if you post some of your stories here and we like it by saying we want more, it would motivate you since you have a group of people that are interested, then you would have no choice but to keep going.

[Mkroman]

Thank you for your thoughts & tips! I will try posting something here sometime.

[Spangle]

Hello,

I am new to these forums, so I apologize if this has already been a thread on here. If so, please feel free to direct me to it -- I looked, but didn't find one.

So, I love to write. I used to write constantly, but now, after a long day at work (and the commute), my brain feels pretty fried. And I'm really great at making excuses NOT to write. I recently started maintaining a blog and I've been good with sticking to my "one post a day" goal. But, I want to write more. I used to write short stories and poems, but I'm struggling with motivation and, well, discipline.

Do you have any tips on how to really buckle down and get it done?

Thank you!

I find it very difficult to keep motivated when writing. I think that you shouldn't be too strict with keeping deadlines, because I find that if I force myself to write, nothing happens. However, if you keep a loose plan for your writing as someone has said, plan a monthly writing goal rather than weekly, this could be easier to stick to.

Keep writing!

[Ms.C]

That is also my problem..it's hard to get motivated..Sometimes, I am motivated to write in the middle of the night but I am too lazy to stand and write

[Spangle]

That is also my problem..it's hard to get motivated..Sometimes, I am motivated to write in the middle of the night but I am too lazy to stand and write

I think what people worry about when writing, is establishing a fixed writing schedule. Some people however, find that they are motivated to writing at weird hours (e.g in the middle of the night). I would say if possible, go with your instincts and write when you feel most motivated to do it, rather than trying to keep 'normal' hours. Although I also know, that laziness is a reason why work doesn't get done too!

[Ms.C]

Absolutely! How do you fight laziness?

That is also my problem..it's hard to get motivated..Sometimes, I am motivated to write in the middle of the night but I am too lazy to stand and write

I think what people worry about when writing, is establishing a fixed writing schedule. Some people however, find that they are motivated to writing at weird hours (e.g in the middle of the night). I would say if possible, go with your instincts and write when you feel most motivated to do it, rather than trying to keep 'normal' hours. Although I also know, that laziness is a reason why work doesn't get done too!

[Timpane]

I believe what persons concern about when composing, is setting up a repaired composing schedule. Some persons although, find that they are inspired to composing at strange hours

[Hannellene]

Absolutely! How do you fight laziness?

[frankyjee]

i believe in Well done is better than well said:)

[mouseofcards89]

I read the work of Fyodor Dostoevsky, my literary progenitor and idol.

[the tiger fights]

Welcome. Work with a friend who will read what you produce in manageable segments or sections of your work. Working in tandem provides a continuity and you can respond to the feedback with discussions, which can often spark additional writing. A great motivator is sharing your work with others . . . sometimes you can thrive on their praise, or sometimes they''ll bring you back a step. Either way, you'll keep on going, which is what you want. Good luck

[Carla Hurst-Chandler]

A fixed writing schedule helps tremendously. I find that early morning and late night works best for me creatively. Your periods of creativity may vary. I thrive on ritual, so a cup of hot tea in a favorite mug and an object to toy with (for me it is usually a stone or shell or bit of driftwood) and the omnipresent Pim's biscuit or bite of chocolate.