Writers flourish when our muse is alive. When our words build new worlds, ink flowing, filling up our blank canvas to create a novel. So it’s no surprise that the opposite results in dry spells of writer’s block, self-doubt, and even imposter writer syndrome.
SO! How do we keep those negative things at bay? Fear not, today I’ll share my top Six tips to keep your motivation alive.
Set Goals.
This is a small promise to yourself that your writing matters. That even in the midst of family gatherings, work commitments, and other priorities, you’ll acknowledge that what you’re working towards matters. Whether that be a daily word target, a weekend venture or the spare 10 minutes to make notes between appointments. Set a goal, stick to it and watch the word count rise.
2. Keep the vision.
The most important aspect of reaching your goals is to envisage the final outcome. How will it feel to finally finish your novel? Who will you celebrate with? What will you treat yourself with? It’s your dream, so make it big, bold and beautiful. And anytime you start to flag, or you’ve skipped too many goal targets, and guilt has taken you by the throat. Allow your mind to wonder, to daydream – and then wipe the slate clean and begin again.
3. Rally the troops.
Except for the characters that follow us everywhere, writing can be an isolating, lonely business. That’s where we need to branch out and connect with the other elusive, secretive creatures. Thankfully, you can find a few at writing conferences, creative writing classes, and on social media. #WritingCommunity on Twitter is a great place to start, and of course, I give a massive hello and welcome to my beloved blogging community. Life would be pretty dull without you all.
4. Get creative.
You can’t run out of creativity, but you can get stifled. So remember to stretch your creative wings and take flight to another craft. Colouring, flower arranging or even joining in with your kids at Lego time. I love a bit of block building fun.
It doesn’t have to involve starting a new hobby, there’s a wealth of inspiration all around us. Why not check out my other blog post with 5 Top Tips to Fuel Inspiration.
5. Celebrate the small stuff.
Don’t make my mistake of only celebrating the big stuff. Because usually by the time that rolls around, your sights will be set on the next big thing and you’ve bypassed all of your hard work. Have a cuppa after xxx amount of words. Have lunch with your friends knowing that you’ve written this week’s blog post. Binge watch that Netflix show at the end of the day knowing you’ve earned it. Ok, so you get the point… and yes that’s pretty much how I plan my week.
6. Self-love.
This is such an important part and often overlooked or hidden in the shadows. But positive mental health can bring a wealth of abundance to our work. Whereas the opposite can often result in a collapse of creativity. Not only is it wise to get some fresh air, eat healthy and hydrate. But self-love for me means listening to my body, slowing down when my illness flares, appreciating the small things and allowing things to unfold in their own time. Even my novels.
Thanks for stopping by to read. I appreciate every single one of you. Tell me what your Top Tip for staying motivated is. You know I love to hear from you.
Until next time, Much Love Xx
My top tip is
Never give up.
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Possibly the best advice in the world. Thanks for sharing 😄
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Thank you.
Glad you liked it.
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I love this post, Rainy! It is beautifully written and presented and a much needed read for me, and I’m sure any writer!
So in love with this online community and the support and advice it provides. ❤ Hope your current project is going really well xxx
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Thank you Meelie, that means a lot coming from one of my favourite bloggers. This novel is going well. I hope yours is moving along too.
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You’re the loveliest ❤ Glad to hear it's going well, mine is doing okay too :)xx
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Totally agree with this.
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💙 thank you 😊
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Love all the positivity and motivation in this post! Visualizing has definitely helped motivate me. I also try to think about all the fun author things that would come with being published and having a larger author platform, like (hopefully!) fan art, seeing my book in bookstores, seeing my book on Bookstagram, and meeting readers. And I think it’s so important to celebrate the little things and small milestones, because that’s what life is made of. ❤
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Yes, I picture all those amazing things too. I’m sure we’ll get there. 💙
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Awesome post as always. I especially the “keep the vision” thst is so important in motivation
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Thank you 😊💙
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I am just a little late with a comment, but I just wanted to say this was wonderful!!! I definitely think that keeping a vision and staying creative is very rewarding and extremely helpful! I kind of think the more we hold onto a vision, the more motivated we are.
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You’re never too late to comment. Keeping the vision seems to be the favourite tip, I know it really helps my motivation.
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Nice and really helpful tips. Thanks for sharing❤️❤️
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Thank you 🙏 have a wonderful day.
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You too❤️😊
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Terrific tips. It’s always good to know you don’t face the “hump” alone 🙂
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Thanks Elizabeth, we all get stuck sometimes. 😊
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Lovely post. Every tip we already know but there comes few times when we need to remind such important things to ourselves just to carry on with our life. And I am glad your post helped me today.
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Thank you for your kind words. Your comment is really appreciated. 😊
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I really needed this, thanks for sharing
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You’re welcome 😊
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Love it ❤ ..IF you got time have a look on my work as well.
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Thank you. 😊
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How do you find time to write? 🙂
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I’m lucky to be self-employed, so I carve out an hour to write at 8am before my day gets started. I have friends that get up at 5.30 so they can write before work and others who wait for the kids to sleep. It’s finding what works for you. 😊
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That’s a good question. I love writing in the evening but since I have a baby the only thing I dream about in the evening is to sleep. As you can guess getting up early in the morning isn’t easier either. What a wide choice 🙂 May I know what do you do as self-employed? I’m asking just for the matter of inspiration 🙂
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When my kids were small I couldn’t focus on anything other than them. Hooray for their nap times. 😂
I’m partner in a welding & fabrication business and I‘m a landlady – it’s all administration. Thank goodness for writing, it’s a wonderful creative release.
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Do you think it’s possible to write when having kids and full time job? 🙂
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Absolutely, it won’t be easy but nothing worth doing ever is. Best of luck to you.
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I’ll do my best!
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My top tip is: Anything is possible when perseverance is sprinkled in! 🙂 Thanks for the tips! I will tap into these regularly.
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Glad you found them helpful, thanks for stopping by.
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Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks for sharing I’ll definitely find this useful
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You’re welcome 😊
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Thanks for sharing I’ll definitely find this useful as I embrace my writing journey
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Absolutely adored this from start to finish. Great tips!
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Thank you, I’m glad you liked it.
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