What do you do to keep yourself motivated when you feel like you're not making any progress in your writing career?
Ummm…
What was the question?
Seriously, this has been my problem for the last month and a half. I have zero motivation. I sit here and stare at the blank page on my computer screen (like I did this morning for twenty minutes before I wrote this) and think about what I want to write, but I just can’t seem to put my thoughts into words. Not words that I’m happy with, anyway.
I still love my characters and my story, and I still intend to finish this draft—I even know how it ends now, so what’s the problem? And something is pushing me to keep trying. So I suppose the motivation is still there, buried under all my stress and distractions. It’s just a matter of digging it out. If I could just find the right kind of shovel, I’d be great. ;)
I guess, ultimately, it comes down to a love of writing and a desire to create.
Are my words motivating you? Yeah, me neither. Sorry people. I know all of you could cover this subject better than me. So why don’t you tell me? How do you stay motivated? Is it harder when you feel like you're moving backward instead of forward?
Be sure to check out the much more inspirational words of Shaun from yesterday and Cole’s post tomorrow.
Yeah, my motivation has been a bit buried lately as well - hope we can both dig ourselves out!
ReplyDeleteHang in there! We all have those days. Usually I read a good book or watch a good movie and that helps, or I review my accomplishments, what I've done so far with my writing and how far I've come. That seems to help. I also think about persistence is the key to success.
ReplyDeleteJust keep your eyes on the prize!
ReplyDeleteThe dangling carrot always motivates me. Of course, there are some days when I feel like I'm in a rut nothing can pull me out of, so I forget about "the prize" (ie, publication) and do something fun like read or watch a movie until I'm reassured of my own awesomeness. ;)
Sometimes everyday life just crushes the creativity out of us...or at a minimum supresses it. Don't worry, it'll bounce back stronger than ever. Promise! :)
ReplyDeleteI think the worst motivation killer are those little distractions. I sit down and then think, "Did I put that letter in the mail or wash the cat? I should do that now." Definitely procrastination can have an effect on my motivation.
ReplyDeleteHey Abby - I am right there with ya! Most of the time I am motivated...but of late, it has been a little struggle to stay focused. I agree with what every one has said though...it'll come back. Strong!
ReplyDeleteYou'll get there, Abby. You know where the story has to go, so you have a destination for your book.
ReplyDeleteSometimes when I'm stumped I realize I need to do more research. It's just a thought.
Hang in there. It will come. :0)
I like writing. It helps pull me out of my own life. If I don't dramatize on paper, I dramatize in real life and it gets messy.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I lose sight of the big picture and am struggling with a scene or procrastinating writing I think about the story and how excited I was when I was first thinking it up. I believe in my story and there's reasons why I write it and I feel like I owe it to other people to write it so that they can read it. For me novels can be very inspiring, comforting, etc. They have a big effect on me. So if I can write a novel that someone might find comfort in, or be entertained by or feel less lonely, then thinking about that is all the inspiration I ever need and my ultimate goal : D
And if I'm feeling doubtful of my abilities, I just tell myself to write and that I can always change it later but if I don't write anything there's nothing to edit and make better.
Ok, that's all : )
How's job hunting going?
Sometimes you have to move backward before you can move forward. And sometimes you have to sit still for a while before you can move. Keep on plugging!
ReplyDeleteI'm so with you, Abby. As you can tell by the lack of posts lately, I've been severely unmotivated. And I can't even put my finger on why. I completely understand where you're coming from, and I don't really have any good advice either. Sorry. Only thing I can say is to not quit, no matter what.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I own a time-share in unmotivated-ville. I loved your heart felt, honest take on this subject!
ReplyDeleteThanks for an honest post, Abby. Maybe you should give yourself a week off of writing, guilt free. You can think about your story, but you aren't even allowed to write on it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I go up and down. When I'm feeling more discouraged, it's harder to find the motivation. But I know it's just a phase. I still try and write every day. Almost every day. But sometimes a good book or movie is perfect! Pressure does not produce creativity.
ReplyDeleteI struggle with motivation plenty, too. Sometimes, no matter how much you love the story, it's hard to get out. Times like that, I find it best to just get up, breathe, and do something else. The urge to write and move forward will inevitably find you. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteIf it helps, I've been in a motivation slump too--I think it's par for the course and I think it's a symptom of a larger issue...what happens when you sit at the computer or even consider sitting at your computer to write? Do you psych yourself out? (I often do.) Consider the coinciding thoughts and feelings and see if that "self-awareness" helps.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry! It will get better. I think we all have our ups and downs. One thing that really motivates me is reading. There is something about reading a really great book that makes me want to jump up and write. :D
ReplyDelete