Writing Motivation

Some days it can be a struggle to find the motivation to write. Thankfully, I currently work for myself and don’t have any hard set deadlines that need to be followed, but that doesn’t mean I don’t need to get things done. There are a few tips I have picked up this past year for keeping myself on track.

One thing I’ve started to do when I hit a writing block is to skip ahead to a different scene. Not everyone can write out of order, and I used to be someone who couldn’t. But, I’ve found that it helps keep me going if I skip ahead to a scene I’m really excited to write. Then, I can go back later when I’m not low on motivation and write the less exciting scenes.

Another thing I’ve started to do is make a stack of sticky notes for my goals. What I mean by this is I write a word count goal, like 10,000 words, and then stack it on top of each of my other goals. When I reach the 10,000 words, I rip off that sticky note and get to crumple it up and throw it away. Beneath it is another sticky note for 20,000 words with a little note of encouragement, like “you’ve got this!” or “you’re doing great!”

I am a very tactile and visual person so being able to physically interact with my goals through the sticky notes makes it much more fun when I reach them!

If I’m still not feeling the motivation to write, I don’t force it. I take a break, walk…