I've known I wanted to be a writer since 5th grade. Ideas swarmed inside my head and the realization that I could bring the worlds I created to life through my own words was life changing. Since then, I have jumped head first into big projects, however, I almost always get as far as the first chapter before throwing in the towel. There's not enough fingers on my hands to count the many abandoned novels in my Google Docs and Drive trash. I look at them and wonder: Have I failed? Should I change my major from writing arts to something more practical that will secure a future for myself, like business?
The answers to both questions are quite simple: no. I'm being dramatic. For years, I've struggled with a lack of motivation. It's tiring to be in a constant state of defeat for not being able to achieve my goals, but I still never stop trying. Over a year ago, I decided to begin writing a new story. I'm really invested in the plot and characters, so staying motivated is crucial. I've created a list of techniques to fight off writer's block and to stay motivated, which I want to share to help other writers with similar problems.
Just write
I think it's fair to say that we've all been there once: staring at an empty document or paper, waiting for it to magically write itself. Empty stares at the blinking cursor, mind wandering to what you're going to eat later. It's difficult to actually start writing. If you're anything like me, a perfectionist, you don't want to write garbage. Even if it is the first draft, you want it to sound like Shakespeare right off the bat. With that in mind, the fear of beginning becomes even heavier and you find yourself never starting. It's hard to do, but you have to let yourself just write utter trash to get the writing juices flowing. I found that writing everything that comes to mind on paper first and then looking it over, fixing it as I type, helps tremendously. It's easier for our brains to flip on the switch to editor mode since that was what we are taught to do in school, but you need to have something on the paper before you can chip away at it.
Write an outline
Some people despise outlines and prefer to dive into their story, but they are my absolute favorite part of the writing process. When writing a book, I like to see big events planned out so I can have a clearer picture of where my story is headed. I also use outlines as a checklist and when I get to check off a chapter I finished, it's a mini achievement that helps me push forward. I highly recommend you make an outline. It's a chance to think deeper about the characters and plot. Though not impossible, writing a book without an outline and only a vague idea of what is going on seems inefficient. An outline does not have to be overly detailed, but it would be beneficial to have significant events written down and then you can fill in the minor parts as you go along.
Set a schedule/imaginary deadlines
It would be best to try to write a little bit every day, but if that's too much, then write as often as you see fit. The most important thing is to avoid burnout. Setting fake deadlines as if you have to turn in your work to an editor can give you incentive to write more frequently. I've tried to write one chapter per week, but then I fail two days in. I'll gain random spurts of energy and will be able to get a couple chapters done, but once the tank is empty, I won't touch my novel for three months. It's a terrible habit that I want to combat. What I need to work on is attaining some grit and refusing to succumb to distractions.
Change your environment
Inspiration can come in any shape or form and will fuel your desire to continue writing. Sometimes, moving to a new location can help spark that inspiration. Move around your house, sit outside in your backyard, the park, a library, etc. It also depends on the type of person you are, whether you prefer to work in quiet areas or in a room with other people, having their chatter in the background, you just need to find a spot where you will stay focused and enthused. I personally like to write in a silent area (though I still get easily distracted), but also have some soft music playing.
Stay away
Sometimes, you just need to step away from your story. Giving yourself a break isn't a bad thing. If you try to push through too much during a burnout, you might begin to hate everything about your story. I began writing my first serious novel in 8th grade, but I grew so stressed out because I got to a point where I felt stuck and that the story wasn't going anywhere. I didn't know how to make the changes I wanted, so I completely gave up trying to write it. This cycle has persisted in my life. That's why I think it's okay to step away before you ruin the joy writing brings you. I believe if you're truly passionate about your idea and want to see it succeed, then you should be able to come back no matter how much time you spend away from it.
I was once told by a classmate that there was no rush to have an entire book written right now and that I had plenty of time. It's true, but a part of me can't help to feel a sense of failure when I think about how people my age and younger have gotten published. My one goal in life is to get at least one of my books published and not being able to achieve that at this very second is frustrating. Still, every writer's journey is going to be different. Some authors could take up to a year to write a book or even ten years. Regardless of how long it takes, they never give up, so neither should I, nor you.
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