The most important thing is to figure out what motivates you – what works for one writer will not work for another.
Reward System
Some writers work well with a reward system. Choose an activity you love doing and use it as a motivator. For example, after finishing a predetermined number of chapters or researching and completing an article, you get to go to the movie you’ve been itching to see or take that long, leisurely bath. The reward system won’t work the other way around – seeing a movie to get in the “mood” for writing won’t get those sentences written.
Stick to a Schedule
For other writers, a strict schedule usually works best. Having designated days and times can be a huge motivator, especially when it is the same time every day. After awhile it becomes as routine as taking a shower or eating dinner. Just make sure the time is the best for you. Aiming to write the hour after the children get home from school or when your energy is at its lowest point is planning for failure.
Set Writing Deadlines
Deadlines are a mental motivator. When an editor sets a deadline, it will provoke you to get the words written in time. You have no option but to get writing. If an editor doesn’t set a deadline, set one for yourself and be as vehement about keeping it as if an editor had picked the date.
Being Accountable: Find a Writing Buddy
Making yourself accountable to someone else can be a great kick in the butt. Like an exercise buddy that meets you at the corner to go jogging every morning at 7 a.m., a writing buddy keeps you from slacking off. Setting goals with another writer and checking in with each other on a regular basis may be all you need to stay motivated. Make sure there are repercussions if the writing goals are not met.
Reflection
Reflecting on what inspired you to become a writer may be enough to pull you away from the TV and get you writing. Remembering the thrill of the first sale, the first short story you completed, or the first cheque that came in the mail is mentally invigorating.
Stop on an Upswing
Another great way to stay motivated is to stop when you least want to. Once you’ve reached your goal, find a place to stop before you are frustrated and exhausted. By doing this, you increase your chances of returning to your work invigorated and energized.
Writing Log
Keeping a writing log – similar to a food journal or an exercise agenda – motivates many writers. By recording all activities related to writing, you’ll be inclined to keep the list of accomplishments growing. Record everything – research done, articles completed, queries mailed, chapters typed, phone calls made to sources, ideas gleaned, interviews undertaken, words written. Everything. The thought of filling up your log pages may get you writing.
Charge Your Batteries
Recharge your batteries regularly. While you don’t want to take too much time off from writing, taking a break for a few days can be just what you need to get motivated. When you tell your mind it cannot write, it wants to do just that.
Negative Motivators
While there are many motivations for writing, there are many negative motivators, things that work against your writing. Looking at the stack of bills that you need to pay with your writing will not inspire you. Dwelling on the latest rejection letters will not get the words flowing. Even unaddressed issues such as a fight with your best friend or a personal decision you’ve been putting off can hinder your writing spirit. Do your best to get rid of negative motivators so the words will flow freely.
Tips From Fellow Writers
Here’s some tips from Writers Guild of Alberta members on how they find motivation:
- I have a particular CD I play on the computer when I'm writing that absolutely guarantees to put me into the writing zone. Also, it's very important for writers to get out in nature, or out to a regular exercise program, to keep up the physical energy needed when writing. Colleen Stewart
- When feasible, working on a few projects through the day seems to keep boredom at bay and the keyboard reasonably busy. Ron Montgomery
- I have a sticky-note pasted to the left of my computer screen where it's highly visible. It reads, "Is what I'm doing right now leading to getting a manuscript (or project) completed?" It's a great motivator. Others may find it helpful pasted to the TV. Diane M. Schuller
- I’ve never had a problem being motivated to write. I simply force myself to do it. There does seem to be a kind of cycle, where I might go for a month or so without doing much writing and then will experience a flurry of writing activity for the next few months. It always comes around, and I always seem to be able to make time for it. Carol MacKay
- If you truly can't get motivated, get up and do something totally different. Take a walk, mow the lawn (or clear the snow), till the garden." Don H. Meredith
- My motivation to write is purely intrinsic...like exercise, I feel better after I jot down a few words. Writing work aside, I keep the pen flowing by summing up a day in Haiku -- short and sweet yet it's a workout for the mind. Helen Y. Rolfe
- I'm afraid I'm like the hound dog. It's said you can't make them track, but make it a game and they'll do it to the best of their ability. I guess that's my 'secret'. I do it when I want. It's fun. Like the hound dog, make it fun and you can't keep me away. Daniel Stuart
- I set aside writing time in my Daytimer, and I never pick up the phone when I’m writing. Barb Howard
Figure out what works to get you motivated to write and ignore the distractions around you.
Toby Welch - Toby is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in magazine articles, online writing, e-books, and manuscript editing.
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