Our thanks to freelance writer Kelly Marone for this guest post.
Motivation or lack of it decides the outcome of a project for most writers. Unfortunately, most of us will become stagnant at one point or another. In such cases, the pen won’t move and brain appears to have taken a vacation.
At times likes these a little encouragement, support or inspiration can help rejuvenate the brain juices, enabling the pen to flow normally again. Although it seems easy, gaining inspiration isn’t always simple. Sometimes, we need the right effort or knowledge to flare up the imaginative parts of the brain.
What to do when everything seems to have stopped?
It is a common situation for any writer to face this situation. However, the following tips ensure there is no immobility and everyone can write with skill and proficiency.
1 Create Deadlines
Procrastination is the most common cause for writers to leave their projects, thinking that they can be completed afterwards. But as time goes by the projects are forgotten and the ideas that are supposed to go into the book would perish. An effective solution for this procrastination is setting deadlines. Although these are only imaginary, one should set them in such a way as they touch the personal feelings of the individual or create constant awareness of the resulting threats when the project is not completed in time.
2 Self Encouragement
Disappointment sets in once the writing is delayed, but one should avoid such delays by clearing the mind of tensions and other responsibilities. Remember, writing is a passion which can be completely utilized by a blessed few. Consider this as a privilege and encourage yourself to indulge in penning ideas.
You can also use the following free online tools to incorporate in your daily routine:
3 Scheduling Time to Write
It is understandable that a writer cannot concentrate only on writing and has to perform daily chores for a living. But this shouldn’t be an excuse to skip writing for days. Inspiration and fiery desire stays put only when there is consistency in thought process. Therefore, maintain a schedule that includes time to write. Once it becomes a part of the routine, writing habits will never go away and your mind would ring alarm when the set time is approaching.
4 Communal Interactions
Most modern writers are inspired by ideas provided by common men through different platforms. In addition, attending discussions and debate sessions of like-minded people can help you understand the pros and cons of your writing. This spurs constant motivation and a need to improve every second. Through interactions and sharing knowledge about writing you can easily stay inspired.
5 Tranquil Conditions
A peaceful environment without any distractions lets the mind focus more on the work. This can be easily done by switching off mobiles and electronic devices, completing daily duties, etc. Eventually, the mind can think of nothing else as everything is closed except for the task in hand.
Kelly Marone is a professional freelance writer, enthusiastic and devoted to her work, sharing the latest writing and freelancing trends in her articles. You can contact her via Linkedin, Google+ or Online Form.
These are all wonderful tips especially for the novice. As a professional writer what I wish folks realized is that it’s a profession. You just do it … no one excuses the teacher, the surgeon or the welder if they ‘don’t feel inspired’ to work. When you are paid for a job you need to produce. If you sit down to write daily (because you have a soul longing to do so not because it’s a homework assignment) you’ll be surprised what happens.
Very, very good advice, Regina! It IS a job for some — yet even those folks get interrupted by, “well, you’re just writing…” as if they could do so if you were in surgery, eh?! Thanks for letting our tribe know you can and SHOULD take yourself seriously as a writer — so others will, too 🙂
Scheduling the time seems to be the hardest one for me. When I have done that in the past, every other part of my life seems to get utterly backlogged – finances, housekeeping, email, personal commitments, etc. I need to do some serious prioritizing!
Sigh…
Oh, feel your pain, JoAnne! But seems unless we DO, our writing becomes the thing we “want to do” — pushed far behind all the things we “have to do.” Only way to make it part of our daily routine is to, like the saying goes, JUST DO IT! Write on…