Finding Motivation

It can be hard sometimes, especially as creatives, to find & keep the motivation going. The slog of writing a tome of a novel, that then needs to be edited multiple times or even rewritten before going to professionals can feel daunting. It can seem like you’re not getting anywhere & will never be done. That’s why it’s important to make sure you have tools in place to help keep up the motivation.

There are a number of ways you can refocus & rekindle your passion when you feel it waning…

Have An Aesthetic Board

The easiest way to do this is Pinterest. As I’m sure you’re aware Pinterest allows you to create ‘boards’ for whatever you like. I (& many other authors) use Pinterest to create mood boards, vision boards or my favourite – aesthetic boards, for my novels. Aesthetic boards are a little different to vision or mood boards. Aesthetic boards are not just any images that help inspire you. They follow specific types of images, colour themes etc.

C G Drews of Paper Fury has a great article about Aesthetic Boards to help you get started. It may feel like a lot more work than your average vision board BUT looking at it when done can fill you with such inspiration. I like to look at mine every time I need to feel that passion again or redirect my focus if it’s been drifting. You can check out all the aesthetic boards for my novels on Pinterest.

Keep A Positivity Folder

You’ll only be able to do this one if at least a couple of people have read your work – whether that be actual reviews or just supportive comments from friends & family. If you’ve got any positive snippets then you can keep a positivity folder. It can be on your computer or a physical folder, but save these reviews & comments on your work.

Whenever you’re feeling insecure about your work, or needing a reminder on why you should keep going, look in your positivity folder. All of those comments will help inspire you with your work because not only do you care about it – so do many others!

Create A Writer’s Statement

You may have come across a writer statement where you write in general about why you became a writer, what makes you feel so passionate about it etc. BUT it’s also a good idea to create a writer’s statement for each project.

When you’re in the throes of beginning a new project – outlining or writing the first chapter for example, create a statement about why you feel this project is unique & important; what makes you so passionate about it; & why you’ve got to persevere to finish it. Whenever you’re struggling to get any work done, go back & read your writer statement.

Focus On Short Term Goals

Completing a novel is a marathon not a sprint. Sometimes that marathon can feel like you’re being beaten with sticks as you’re pushing water uphill with a rake – AKA impossible. That far off goal can make you feel very unmotivated because you’re not seeing any regular progress.

The key to this is, setting regular small goals with rewards. Finishing a whole novel is not going to happen in a couple of days, BUT you could finish a chapter in that time (or pick a goal that works for you), make sure it’s easily achievable in the time frame you’ve set & reward yourself when you’ve completed it. If you’re focused on short term goals then it can help you stay motivated as it feels like less of a mountain to climb.

Finding & keeping motivation can be hard, not only will these tips help you, but having a support network of writers around you can make it that much easier. If you’re not already friends with writers, you can find loads in Facebook groups, or on sites like NaNoWriMo. Or comment here, to find like minded people to support one another.