How do you get motivated to write?

1. 72

   KarenCreftorposted 12 years ago

   How do you get motivated to write?
   
   I know this sounds silly but I LOVE writing~ especially on here~ and have a whole list of articles to write, but I still find it difficult to actually set myself down and get into it. I have had long-term bad-health which doesn't help (especially as it affects my concentration levels) but I'd like to push through and get out of this bad habit!
   How do you get over procrastination? Do you have any particular methods?

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2. 81

   Laura Schneiderposted 12 years ago

   I ended up writing a hub about it. Thanks for the inspiration to write! I'll probably have the hub published by tomorrow.

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3. 72

   KarenCreftorposted 12 years ago

   Thanks Laura I look forward to reading it!
   
   ~Kaz x

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4. 70

   SylviaSkyposted 12 years ago

   I used to have a tough time motivating myself until I became about 45 years old and realized I had less time on earth than before to indulge my doubts or laziness. Mortality is a great motivator! But if you are in poor health don't knock yourself out. Writing is very hard work and concentration is not optional. Write 30 minutes a day and you will eventually get to your goal.

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5. 0

   kate-olsonposted 12 years ago

   I just started taking a creative writing class. It's lots of fun! It's already helped me get over some mental hurdles about writing. I've learned to think of writing as an art. For some reason, that takes all the pressure off and creates freedom. Have you ever (perhaps when you were a child) sat down with a paintbrush or pencils and a blank sheet of paper, just gave yourself the freedom to put anything on the page? I found that writing comes so much easier when I think about it like that.
   If you have a local college, consider taking a fun writing class. You will meet interesting people. There's an 80ish year old lady in my class!! You will have a group of people to be your friends and critics. They might show you their writing, too. Writing is so much more fun when it's not a solitary art. Having a face-to-face audience is very motivational.

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6. 60

   Cory909posted 12 years ago

   That is an amazingly difficult question!  I really don't get motivated to write.  I love to write and it seems that once I start, I can't stop.  Anything I experience in my life seems to prompt me to write.  I don't always act on it, but when I have the chance to, I always enjoy it.  As far as the procrasination, I've not found a cure.  When procrastination becomes and issue with something that I enjoy doing, I almost sense it as a sign to just stop for a while until the urge to do it is so strong that procrastination isn't an issue.  If a person wants to do something bad enough they find time and a way  to do it.  If a person is having to force themselves to do something that they love, they may need to rethink their motivation all together.  God bless ya!

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   Alisonburgessposted 12 years ago

   I too am a procrastinator who loves to write.  I have my own blog and it took me forever to write my first post and then to continue trying  to post  on  a daily basis.  I had to sit down and think why was I postponing the launch of my blog.  I came to the conclusion that I also suffer from low self-esteem.  Nothing I wrote was going to be good enough so I just didn't write.  After I figured that part of myself, I decided to just write.  Not everyone is going to like it but at least it is out there and the more I write the better I get at it.  I like to keep pen and paper by me at all times and write topics to write about when they cross my mind and sometimes I will pick from them or if something is nagging at me I will write about that.  I have also invested in some writing prompt books so that I can learn to write about things that I need to write about, not just because I like the topic.  I still have my down days but so far my methods seem to be helping me.

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8. 0

   KatrineDalMonteposted 12 years ago

   Hi Kaz, I have hubs on procrastination and motivation if you like to read :-)

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9. 79

   Beata Stasakposted 12 years ago

   A great piece of art....thoughtful piece of writing...a special person I meet on my travels or a magnificiet view or a humble sight...all from nature inspire me every day and all the time...my head is full of ideas, the only thing I miss constantly is time....

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10. 61

    ThatYossarianposted 12 years ago

    I've found that Johnny Walker tends to work wonders.
    
    Seriously, though, if the procrastination becomes too bad, I stop and reevaluate the topic. If I really wanted to write about something, would I be putting it off until tomorrow? For me, the best answer sometimes is to put aside the topic, and find something that I really want to dive into.

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11. 86

    Sherry Hewinsposted 12 years ago

    I always have plenty of ideas. Sometimes too many because I have a hard time focusing on one at a time. Also I get distracted here on hubpages tracking my numbers and reading questions and answers and hub hopping. I think Alisonburgess had a good point too, I think I have doubts that other people will want to read what I write. When my pageviews drop off, I think what's the point.
    
    But I find if I just close out the internet, open a blank page, choose one of my topics that's been percolating, and start typing, the words will begin to flow. I can always edit and get rid of the trash, there's usually a kernel of something there that I can develop. It's been said that the longest journey begins with a single step.

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12. 61

    psk09posted 12 years ago

    Karen, I had a serious motivation problem too when it comes to writing. For me, the fix was teaming up with my father-in-law who loves writing and doesn't suffer from motivational issues. So we both do aspects we love and work great together.
    
    Laura, thanks for your hub. Appreciate it!

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13. 0

    lisasuniquevoiceposted 12 years ago

    My muse comes to me at different times of the day and night. I just try to be aware the she is in the room.

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14. 60

    Sarah Bolluytposted 12 years ago

    I've found that if you attach a ritual to the creative process, it makes the start much easier - automatic, even.  For example, when I am preparing to write, I always:  turn on my computer, set a pot of coffee brewing, pour a cup, bring it to my desk, and sit down at my computer to write. This simple ritual puts me in the mood to write, and the ritual combined with the caffeine jolt gives me a jump start on writing.  Hope this helps! 

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15. 72

    DIYmyOmyposted 12 years ago

    My problem is the opposite: forcing myself to do anything *other* than write!

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16. 76

    JamaGeneeposted 12 years ago

    I find distractions of any kind are a deterrent to motivation.  The TV has to be off and the phones have to be unplugged or turned off.  A cold coming on, an extra-large utility bill looming, or prepations for a must-keep appointment are all distractions that make motivation to write go out the window.  Having a deadline will kill it, too, which is why I never became a newspaper reporter or columnist! ;D

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