I was laying in bed one night and couldn’t fall asleep. It was one of the nights when my mind just keeps running and I can’t turn it off. That’s when I have to get up, go into the living room, and write out everything I’m thinking, even if it’s 1am. This happens quite often.
I’m reading all these wonderful books and dreaming about the day I will be able to hold mine in my hand. Even if I don’t sell a million copies, getting my book published will be one of my biggest successes. The book reviews I do are really motivating me to keep writing. Perhaps one day my readers will be reviewing my book.
Going to author readings and panel discussions has also made me more motivated. I’ve heard about how long it took some of them to finish their books. Some 10 years. Some less. But they all kept moving forward and did draft after draft until someone finally agreed to publish it. These authors reminded me that I’m not alone in this writing world. That each author goes through the same struggles. Sometimes words flow freely and I get a lot done. Other times, it’s a struggle to get one sentence on the page.
To get even more serious about finishing my book, I’m going to do the following:
- Join a writing group
- Spend 1 hr per day writing
- Get up earlier on the weekends to write
- Write on the train to work
- Try out different places to write (i.e. Starbucks, bookstore, park)
If I stick to these I’m sure I can finish my book soon. The getting up early on the weekends might be the toughest task though. I do like my sleep.
Now, it’s time for me to…just keep writing, just keep writing, just keep writing, writing, writing (think of Dori from Finding Nemo when reading this).
What do you do to stay motivated and keep writing?
Tagged: book updates, books, writing
Stories Unfolded 
To stay motivated? Blogging about writing helps, for sure, but I find if I give myself a deadline – even if it’s just a self-imposed deadline – I have an easier time focusing on writing my way to the finish line. Good luck with everything!
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Thank you for the advice. 🙂
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I will definitely be first in line to read any book that you write! 🙂
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Thank you Arielle! 🙂
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Hey! I have the same problem!
What i usually do and has seem to work for me is to go to crowded places; A cafe, my school library or even the park; I think the fact that i’m outside and i don’t know anyone is great because I’ve seen how distracted i get at home AKA YouTube and twitter o.o . Also what i do is that i turn off my WIFI and put my phone away 🙂 Oh and just talk to people who have similar interest * writing* you can compare progress.
heheh. A little long there! But Good luck! And like i tell my Prek students “Yes, you can!” 🙂
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Thank you for the tips. I do get distracted at home. 🙂
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What do I do to keep motivated to write? As I’ve just been discovering lately after years of busyness that crowded my mind…I simplify my life and my mind. With the calm that ensues, I naturally start thinking creatively, plan scenes for my latest writing project, and reach for the pen and paper. Just keep working on it, girl, and you’ll get there!
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Thank you so much for the support. 🙂
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