How do you get motivated to write when you just don't feel like it?

1. 81

   catfish33posted 11 years ago

   How do you get motivated to write when you just don't feel like it?

   replyreport
2. 61

   lindalou1963posted 11 years ago

   Maybe you could try doing something else, maybe watch TV or read something. If you're thinking 'I need to write' but you're drawing a blank, try focusing on something else. It's kind of like 'a watched pot never boils'...  As long as your focus is 'I don't feel like writing' or 'I can't think of what to write about', then that's the way it'll stay.... does that make sense?

   replyreport
   1. 81

      catfish33posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I always try to write on Sunday, which is my one totally free day off, and I have a backlog of ideas.  I have to do some yardwork.  Maybe that will do it, thanks,

      replyreport
3. 88

   Cardisaposted 11 years ago

   I know this might be difficult for some, but I just break my mind into it, knowing I have to get it done.
   
   Currently I am experiencing a difficult period with losing someone close. Everyday is like this for me when I just don't feel like doing any thing but I just do it. Once I set my mind to it I find that the barrier starts to clear and I really get into it.
   
   With this mend bending practice, I published 14 hubs last months and 13 already this month, even with grieving my brother. I found that if I distracted myself with something else it was more difficult to get back to writing.
   
   My answer is in no way advice, I am just answering the question asked.

   replyreport
   1. 88

      Cardisaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Sorry about the misspellings, it's supposed to be "mind bending practice"....lol

      replyreport
4. 80

   Rosefallposted 11 years ago

   I find that watching a movie where the main character is a writer helps. Watching the writer working away is a great visual. Or, browse online for writers and read about them discussing the craft--a little competitive spirit may arise in you--and get you writing.

   replyreport
5. 80

   WillStarrposted 11 years ago

   Why push yourself if you don't feel like it? What's the point of that?
   
   I only write when an exciting idea hits me, because that's what makes it fun!

   replyreport
   1. 88

      Cardisaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hey Will, it's just that some of us do it to make a living. As for me I have a quota to reach each month because of the Apprenticeship program. I have 11 more hubs to go this month.

      replyreport
   2. 78

      JamaGeneeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I don't do this for a living, so I'm not affected by "dry spells". In fact, the reason why I never wrote professionally is a deadline automatically causes brain freeze.  When I DO want to write and can't, I simply do something unrelated for awhile.

      replyreport
6. 90

   missa72542posted 11 years ago

   I'm still really new to this. But, I have a goal to write atleast 5 hubs per week (more or less basically 1 hub per weekday-like a job) because I have no other means of work right now. My boyfriend works but its just not enough. Since I can't find other work, I'm trying my best to make this work, but at the same time, not wear myself out either.
   
   So, if I find a day that I cant get motivated, I try to think about something fun to write. I either write part of my fictional story (Which I haven't posted yet) or I write about cats, or video games. Something that will come easy for me to write about.
   
   If you can't get motivated to write, then you aren't going to enjoy writing about something that you have to either research parts, or think hard about. If you like cats like me, write about what makes them fun for you. Or why you would enjoy a dog as a pet. Write movie reviews, book reviews.
   
   If you still cant seem to get yourself motivated, maybe consider taking a break. Watch TV, read a book, or whatever you like to do in your spare time. Come back later after you've spent some time doing fun stuff and maybe you'll be better in the mood.
   
   Also... if you ever randomly come up with an idea for a hub, write it down! Even if it seems like a silly topic, write it down and find something to write about it. You can use this list of random topics to choose from if you ever get stumped on your writing day.
   
   Sorry if I wasn't much help.

   replyreport
   1. 90

      missa72542posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Also, sorry for long post

      replyreport
7. 64

   WritingPromptsposted 11 years ago

   I find some small step that I can take without much effort. (This works with housework and other things I have trouble finding motivation for too.)  Just by doing that one little thing, a lot of times I will suddenly find some motivation and end up doing a lot more than I planned.
   
   When that doesn't work I usually give myself permission to get some rest or at least wait until tomorrow to take the next small step.

   replyreport
   1. 78

      JamaGeneeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'm with you on those "small steps without much effort"!  One leads to another and another and pretty soon the task is done.  Alas, it doesn't work for me in writing, though.  (sigh...)

      replyreport
8. 60

   UMHiramposted 11 years ago

   Although I'm a new writer at HubPages, I have been writing for a bit about other subject matters.  One thing that helps me is going to a local, scenic location with either my computer or a writing pad and pen ... this allows me to free my mind a bit from the everyday hustle and bustle.  In my opinion, a clear mind assists in the writing process.  That's my two cents )

   replyreport
9. 63

   mcbelposted 11 years ago

   This may not work for everyone, but I slam my head REALLY hard on a cement surface. Then I don't feel like doing much of anything for a while. A few days later, all I really CAN do is write, so I write. Good luck!

   replyreport
   1. 63

      mcbelposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I actually did receive a concussion from a nice hard slab of pavement a few months ago. When the dopiness cleared, I still felt kind of slow but I wrote probably seventy or eighty pages that week. Don't actually go out and hurt yourself.

      replyreport
10. 77

    Beata Stasakposted 11 years ago

    Usually work on my farm in a clear air surrounded by my animals improve my attitude or an early morning walk along the endless empty beach looking at the surfers enjoying waves helps my imagination and stories just pop into my head:)
    
    I write when my head is full of stories and I can't contain them any more, not other way around....

    replyreport