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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMuses, Inspiration, And Ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Let’s start with the magic, that mysterious spark that gets us jumping out of bed at 3am eager to tell our story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, we can’t get motivated because we are bored. Bored with our story, our idea<\/a>, or the monotony of sitting in front of a laptop all day trying to reach our word count. If that’s the case, then it’s time to find some inspiration<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting motivated to write can often simply be a matter of finding something more interesting to write about. So here’s my list of ways to get your creative juices flowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When I teach writing to teens I like to play a game where they have to pick three prompts from a lucky dip jar – a genre, a scenario, and a random object. Write as many of these as you want (or even better, ask a friend so it’s a surprise) and pick one from each category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s impossible not to feel inspired to write a fun short story when you pick a combo such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What would your<\/em> story be about?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or, try our writing prompts for fantasy<\/a>, horror<\/a>, thrillers<\/a>, romance<\/a>, poetry<\/a>, and Christmas stories<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Writing motivation is often as elusive as finding inspiration, but having the right people around you can kick-start you into action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whereas a muse (perhaps the object of your affection) may inspire you to write beautiful poetry or the deep lyrics to a new song – a muse who gets you motivated is just as helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In my case, I surround myself with lots of author friends. No one understands a writer like another writer, and they know why it’s important to stay motivated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I have writer friends on Facebook groups, WhatsApp groups, or friends I call. Not only are they a shoulder to cry on or a sounding board for moaning, but they are also the ones who will cheer me on and keep me going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being part of a writer gang means they can also brainstorm your next work in progress with you, or help with plot holes (after all, it’s always easier to come up with plot ideas for someone else’s story).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Join our free Jericho Writers Community<\/a> to find like-minded writers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some call it writer’s block<\/a>, others call it imposter’s syndrome or simply running out of steam. Whatever has ground you to a halt, the first thing to do when you feel like giving up is ask yourself why you feel this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you really run out of ideas? (If so, see the inspiration section above.) Are you really a crap writer (I doubt that), or have you simply lost faith in yourself?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Losing confidence is part of every writer’s writing journey,<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you go to a writer’s house and every room is spotless, then you know they’re avoiding writing their book. Us writers are exceptionally good at making excuses as to why we don’t have the time to finish the next chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So next time you find yourself procrastinating…<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yep. You may be lacking in motivation because you are standing in your own way. Ignore those miserable voices in your head and don’t read any negative reviews of past work. Stay surrounded by positive people and remember why you write in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if that doesn’t work…there’s always good old-fashioned spite!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We all have that one person in our lives who told us we would never make a success of our writing. Perhaps it was a teacher, a parent, a friend, or a work colleague.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So if you are still<\/em> struggling to find the impetus to keep going with your writing then I strongly suggest you think about this person and imagine their face when you’re sitting in Barnes & Noble, or Waterstones, ready to sign your book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is there anything sweeter than looking someone in the eye and saying ‘see? I told you I could do it?’<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be petty and reach your goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re serious about writing, you need to take it seriously. That means carving out time in your day to write, the same as you would any other job or commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Firstly, you need a comfortable place in which to write. You won’t feel motivated if you’re balancing your laptop on your lap while your flatmates talk over your head or your dog runs circles around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It doesn’t matter whether your writing space is a big fancy office or a corner of the kitchen table. Allocate a nice spot, somewhere where you can preferably be left alone that isn’t surrounded by things that will distract you, and make it your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need to focus. That may mean seeking silence, getting out of the house, or putting on headphones and playing your favourite music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My biggest downfall is Twitter. So when I need to do nothing but write I turn off all WiFi, put my phone on airplane mode, and tell myself I can’t get up until the work is done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One top tip that author Angie Thomas once shared (on Twitter, of course) is to unplug your laptop and write until it needs charging. Then as your computer charges, you get to as well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Professional writers, and authors who have found success, treat writing like a full time job -because for many it is! That means they get up every morning and they write every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re just starting out it’s fine to write simply when you feel like writing, but if you have a deadline to meet it’s important to set goals and stick to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your goal doesn’t have to be anything too unrealistic. Perhaps it’s to write 300 words a day, or complete a chapter per week, or set a date to get an outline in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The only way to reach the end of your book is to get that word count up – so bit by bit will still get you there. And the best part?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some writers like to buy themselves a fancy box of chocolates and they only get to choose one when they reach the end of each chapter. Or perhaps plan a fun day out to spend with those you love the week after your book deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, on the flip-side, it’s also important to take a break now and then…<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you get up in the morning and can’t face the day, I guarantee you will not produce good writing. So if you don’t feel like writing – don’t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Watch a movie, flick through Pinterest, or go for a walk. It may feel like a break but it may inspire you too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I took to Twitter to ask professional authors of every genre what motivates them to keep writing. They shared how they find the motivation to write:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I set work hours<\/a> and treat it like an office job and open the document, even when I want to watch Netflix instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I break the day up into manageable sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cake in all its glorious forms! Nothing like a reward at the end of each chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It may sound basic, but going for a walk often clears your head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If I am lacking motivation I ask myself ‘does my brain need a break for a day?’ Forcing it can result in awful words which leads to frustration and even less motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For motivation I have a few writing exercises I go to, pick one out of my jar at random, and write something totally new to find my love of the spontaneous words again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having writing buddies to do sprints with, or make accountability goals with, really helps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also I have a really geeky habit of breaking down my word counts into a spreadsheet and then doing 20-30 min sessions, updating it and seeing how it chips away at the big goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I set a 20 min timer on my phone then switch everything else off during that time and write\/edit – telling myself I can stop after 20 mins. By then I’m usually in the right headspace and keep going. But it takes the pressure off!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Honestly, for me, writing is only worth doing if I want to – but that\u2019s because it\u2019s no longer my actual job. When it was my job I reminded myself you can\u2019t tell the bits I wrote under duress from those I wrote with joy and got on with it. You edit them anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I make a list of all the scenes I\u2019m excited for and write toward them. If the book starts to drag, I know I need to re-plot to get the excitement back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Short sharp bursts – it’s all I have time for anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If it isn’t working, take a break. And if it really isn’t working, return to it another day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Routine helps. I write from 7-9 most nights. I use word sprints and sometimes a focus app to block browser access. I also have an elaborate spreadsheet that tracks progress relative to my self-imposed deadlines. Basically, anything to convince my mind that writing is an urgent task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I don’t wait for inspiration, I just write. This is my job so I write every day – sometimes 400 words, sometimes 4,000, but I always do something. Also, I believe writing is a muscle – to keep it in shape you have to use it, develop it, feed it. So I do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I simply remind myself that if I don’t get on with writing this book I will have to go back to working full time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing exactly what bit<\/em> I have to write helps me on the days I don\u2019t want to! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Throwing my phone in the bin* helps too. (*a nice safe drawer)<\/p>\n\n\n\n What motivates me is a desire to escape this world to somewhere more wonderful in my own imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I let myself play around with the scenes I\u2019m most excited to write and then that makes me eager to build to those moments organically in order to really tighten the beats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I find having several books on the go good motivation. When I get stuck\/fed up with one, I move on to another. Plus rereading it to familiarise myself with the characters helps me unstick myself too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I set myself small targets like ‘just write 250 words & then you can do what you like’. By which point I’m into the writing and ploughing ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I try to think about the buzz I felt at the idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For some it’s to simply share their stories, for others it may be to hold their book one day or to prove to themselves they could do it. Find what motivates you, and use that energy to keep following your dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every writer loses writing motivation at some point. The best thing to do is not panic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imposter syndrome is a part of the writing process every author encounters. Like most artists, writers are rarely happy with their work, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good. The easiest thing to do is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I hope this article has got you out of your writing slump and raring to go. there’s no right or wrong when it comes to writing goals and penning a novel; the only way you can fail is by giving up altogether!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ve been staring at a blank page for ten minutes now, which is ironic as I’m a writer who gets paid to write and at this moment I’m meant to be writing about how to get motivated. But that’s OK, because losing writing motivation is something that happens to everyone. Why? Because creativity can’t be<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17576,"featured_media":504148,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,16],"tags":[27498],"class_list":["post-504128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-writer-self-care","category-novel-writing","tag-idea-generator"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWriting Prompts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Find A Muse (Or A Squad)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How To Persevere When You Feel Like Giving Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Stop Making Excuses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get Out Of Your Own Way<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prove Them Wrong<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"finding-writing-motivation\"](\"https:\/\/jerichowriters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/article-image10.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Importance Of Habit And Routine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Find A Writing Space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Reduce Distractions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Set Aside Time To Write Your Book<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Set Goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Reward Yourself!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Be Kind To Yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"motivation-for-writers\"](\"https:\/\/jerichowriters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/motivation-for-writers.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDo What the Professionals Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Emma Cooper<\/strong>, Up Lit Women’s Fiction Author Of The Songs of Us<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Isabelle May<\/strong>, Foodie Rom Com Author Of The Cocktail Bar<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Emma Claire Wilson<\/strong>, Author Of Emotional Thrillers And Editor Of The Glass House<\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Emma Jackson<\/strong>, Rom Com Author Of Summer in the City<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Sophie Flynn<\/strong>, Thriller Author Of All My Lies<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Non Pratt<\/strong>, YA Author Of Giant Days<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
M. K. Lobb<\/strong>, YA Fantasy Author Of Seven Faceless Saints<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Meera Shah<\/strong>, Thriller Author Of Her<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Erin Fulmer<\/strong>, Fantasy Author Of Cambion’s Blood<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Bethany Clift<\/strong>, Women’s Fiction Author Of Last One At The Party<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Elizabeth J Hobbes<\/strong>, Fantasy Romance Author Of Daughter of the Sea<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Lia Louis<\/strong>, Rom Com Author Of The Key to My Heart<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
A J West<\/strong>, Eerie Historical Author Of The Spirit Engineer<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Kelly Andrew<\/strong>, YA Fantasy Author Of The Whispering Dark<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Leni Morgan<\/strong>, Self-Published Author Of How a Good Geek Survived The Zombie Apocalypse<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Lauren North<\/strong>, Thriller Author Of Safe at Home<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"motivation-for-writing\"](\"https:\/\/jerichowriters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/article-image6-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Motivates A Writer To Write?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What Do You Do When You Lose Your Motivation To Write?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How Do You Get Over Writing Anxiety?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Let’s Goooooo!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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