Motivation to Write – How Writers Get and Stay Motivated

The best way to find motivation to write is to learn from the pros! Here, successful writers share how writers get and stay motivated. Whether you’re an aspiring freelance writer, novelist, playwright, or poet — or all four! — you may find the inspiration you need here.

Before the tips, a quip:

“I’ve never met a writer who wanted to be anything else.” ~ Natalie Goldberg.

If you’ve always wanted to be a writer, you gotta read Goldberg. She’s written several books on creativity, inspiration, and self-acceptance — all of which lead to more productive, successful writing. If you haven’t read her books, check out her most popular one: Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within.

And, here are several tips for staying motivated to write from successful scribes…

Motivation to Write – How Writers Get and Stay Motivated

See beyond the rejection slips. “I’ve received enough rejection slips to cover a room’s wall. What is a rejection slip?  It’s a motivator for a writer.  It demands you try harder. A rejection slip isn’t a jab at your writing ability. Remember that other factors stir into the editor’s decision. Perhaps, a similar piece was previously submitted and published. Don’t turn away from your writing dream simply because you received rejection slips.” – Marcella Glenn, writer and blogger.

Get your “bum glue” out. “A couple of years ago I met Bryce Courtney (author of The Power of One) at a writing conference.  He said that what I needed as a writer was ‘bum glue.’  Meaning, I need to glue my bum to a chair and write.  I remember it every time I set myself down to write my blog. Bryce! I am using your bum glue!” – Shirley VanScoyk, writer and blogger.

Find motivation to write in your procrastination. “When I was a freelance writer, I used to set aside about 20 minutes for procrastination activities every morning before I started to write. I took care of a lot of administrative and housekeeping tasks that way, while honoring the part of me that took writing so seriously that it was convinced I was the least qualified person ever to attempt it. Once I paid tribute to the procrastination judge, I was free to sit down and let it flow!” – Claire Bardos, screenplay writer.

Don’t be a wannabee. “The best writing advice I ever received is: ‘Writers write; wannabees talk about it.’” – Shelley Lieber, author. Sometimes the best motivation to write is knowing that real writers write. If you want to be a real writer, start acting as if you’re one of those writers who gets and stays motivated.

Write what you got. ”Unless your assignment is uber specific, don’t use precious hours searching for the proverbial needle in the haystack if there’s plenty of good stuff on hand.  Look at the material you have and decide what you can make of it.” – Joyce Wilden, publicist.

Accept that good writing is hard work — it doesn’t come easy for any writer. “Never settle for your first idea, first draft, or even your tenth draft! Writing requires a great deal of work. Even if you have the best idea in the world, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can write a good book. Whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction, you must learn each aspect of the genre that makes your book a success. You must know how to create an attention-getting introduction. You must be able to sustain interest by creating a page turner. You must end chapters with an intriguing hook. You need to create interesting, believable characters and realistic settings. You must know how to build an excellent plot that leads to a gripping climax. You must understand how to write a strong conclusion. - Cindy Kenney, freelance writer and editor.

Another tip for staying motivated to write is to connect and network with other writers. Surround yourself with successful freelancers, published authors, and writers who are working towards their goals — their vibes will rub off on you!

What do you think — how do writers get and stay motivated? I welcome your thoughts below!

Category: Freelance Writing, Inspiration & Creativity, Interviews With Writers, Nonfiction Writing, The Writer's Life