If writing is a lonely profession, how do you stay focused and motivated?
For those of you hubber's that are in the process of writing a book, how do you stay focused? I find I write for a few days, then my mind goes blank and I leave it for a while then eventually return to it. However, this is very time consuming and it seems that I will never complete this novel unless I get a move on and write continuously.
I tend to be a loner so I rarely get lonely. If I am working on a project, I set a goal and write to that goal whether it is chapter or a number of pages or words. Even if the writing is not going the way I want, I write anyway and then edit. For me, it is important to reach the goal for my own peace of mind.
Set a goal, say 30 minutes every morning at 6am or whatever goal you choose and as they say, just do it.
When I write, I get a sense of achievement especially when I finish. What I enjoy most about writing though is the process. I like when the words in my head are displayed on paper and actually make sense. I also love the rare moments where I write something like amazing! I do not post what I write because then I find disappointment when I do not finish.
As to a "lonely" profession, (this will sound crazy) but I am most comfortable with my characters. I understand them and want their story to be told. What I am currently working on is blowing my mind on how easy it is to write. I don't have an agent or publisher. I write for myself because I enjoy it and there is no stress to finish.
Mandy, don't stress yourself out! It is a lonely profession and it can be EXTREMELY hard to focus and stay motivated. You have to build yourself up and confide in those around you to help you keep that motivation. I maintain my focus and motivation from friends and family who are constantly supporting me. It makes me feel that I am not so alone and that everyone is behind me. That's how you become less "lonely"... about focus and motivation, don't stress about what you haven't done, stress about what you can do. Imagine how awesome it'll be once you finish and imagine how much work you will have put into it. That's a motivator all in itself. You have to understand that staying focus is the HARDEST part of writing, but realizing that the end result will help you sit back at the desk. Motivate yourself and allow those around to be informed of your progress. Knowing you've gone somewhere with your book is also a motivator. Check out some of my articles about writing if you haven't yet. I got a lot of responses about how it helped them.
I have music playing very softly in the background. I find that Baroque music helps me stay focused. And, I find that if I like the storyline that I'm writing, I can sometimes get carried away and my husband would have to pry me away from my computer. On days that I'm having trouble, I take it as a hint that maybe I'm going in the wrong direction with my story. When that happens, I change the focus and I give myself 30 minutes to write something - even if it is just one sentence. Then I put it away until my next session. I don't beat myself up over not accomplishing more. Some days are just going to be like that. I think the effort is what matters most.
by Cathy 12 years ago
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