Writing
is difficult. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not. My stories start in my head.
I hear dialogue, I see scenery, I even hear the exposition. Getting it down on
paper and keeping my tushy in the chair is another thing entirely. It can be downright
challenging. Here are some ways that may help you to stay motivated.
Take a short time to
organize.
I’m a ‘plotzer’ – cross between a planner and pantzer I use a basic story
outline to know my story’s direction. For me, detailed planning prevents my
characters telling me where things are going. I know that sounds strange, but
detailed planning for me (and I stress for me), interferes with some of my creativity.
So, I use a basic outline and character study (index cards or notes). It’s the
character study I find most valuable and where I spend my time. I get close
with my characters. Once I know them
well writing flows easier and easier writing keeps me motivated. If I get
stumped, I go back to my outline, character study, or do some ‘what if’
scenarios. It recharges me and keeps me writing.
Set Deadlines. Deadlines work for some
people. For me, they definitely are part of my day job and I had aggressive
ones with my editor. I know the punishment for missing these deadlines but what would
really happen if I missed a self-imposed writing deadline? Move the date?
Besides, I’m a real softy. Ask my kids. So to quote Nathan Bransford “The trick
is setting a deadline with teeth. If you secretly know that the deadline you’re
setting for yourself is a soft one, it’s not going to have its hair-raising,
stress-inducing maximum effect. So either you have to learn to be scared of
yourself and your own punishments or you may need a partner in crime who can
help you keep to them.”
Daydream a Little. Picture what it will
be like when you book is completed and you ship it off for query to an
agent/editor. Dream about the possibilities of a successful novel, keynote at
RWA, Pulitzer (when they have a romance category), and movie option. It all
depends on completing what you write. Tuck the daydream in a nice cozy place
and come back to the present and make it happen.
Journalize. Writers usually keep a
journal or pad handy for jotting down story and character ideas. Use your
journal to clarify your obstacles, then think of ways around writing problems,
like plot difficulties or difficult decisions about how to organization your
story. Perhaps solving these difficulties will motivate you to keep on going.
Just start typing. Momentum can be
invaluable in making progress. Even 10 minutes of uninterrupted writing can be
helpful. Find time during the day to write, at lunch, commuting, waiting in
line at the grocer, at soccer game practice, you see what I mean.
Skip ahead. I tell you this
technique but admit I do not follow it myself. I am a linear writer. I find it
very difficult to write ‘out of order.’ However, just because it doesn’t work
for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. So, if you’re stuck about writing
the next thing, skip it for now and try jumping ahead to the next piece you’re
excited about. You can come back to the part you skipped later.
Talk with your critique
partner or someone who supports your writing. For me, talking about my work in progress
gets me excited. Sometimes that is all I need to stay motivated. I was stuck on
a fight scene and spoke to my son (he’s grown) and Rayna Vause (a writer who is
also a martial arts expert). Both gave me the support I needed and valuable
insight. And while it’s not true of everyone, a lot of people—both writers and
readers—are flattered to be asked to talk with a writer about a work in
progress.
Move Around. Sometimes you need to
move out of your space, physically, to reset your mind. I get up and go
downstairs to the kitchen for a glass of water or cup of tea. (Sometimes even
chocolate.) I come back to my desk renewed.
Write what You Love. Don’t try to catch a
fad. It may be tempting, but most times it doesn’t work. You need to love your
novel unconditionally if you’re going to finish it.
Your turn. What about you? What
motivates you?
