Writer Self-Esteem & #Writemotivation Part 2
Naturally, after my Part 1 post – everyone has made the decision to write, right? You sat down, examined what it is you really want and have decided that writing is it, regardless of what anyone else thinks.
Congratulations. You’ve taken the hardest step (and probably far quicker than it took me to make it).
So today I thought I’d tackle some finding your groove and motivation. Mainly, because I believe these two go hand in hand. It doesn’t matter how amazingly detailed you plan things out – if you don’t have the motivation to stick to that plan? Well, we all know how that ends.
While soul searching to discover whether you truly want to be a writer, you’ll have realized that you have some goals.
Make a list:
It can be anything.
- Write a blog post per week.
- Read a book a week.
- Read a book on writing.
- Write down the idea that’s been keeping me awake at night.
- Find a crit group.
- Write to self-publish.
- Write to look for an agent.
Anything. It doesn’t matter what it is you want to achieve with your writing. The point is, you want to write. If you want to write and accomplish anything on your list, the next thing to do is plan time for it. Thinking about writing and actually writing are not the same thing. And everyone writes differently.
Me? I’m a binge-writer. I have no idea if this is a real term, but it’s how I describe my process and so – now it’s a word 
What type of writer are you? Do you know if you work well pantsing? Or do you never manage to finish when you do that? Do you think you’d be better plotting in detail? Or do your characters rebel against any time of confines? Perhaps you’re a mixture of the two?
Figuring out how you write best, helps you plan. It helps you know what type of preparation to do for your writing, and if blocking off just twenty minutes a day will be beneficial or wasteful for your style of productivity.
You may have heard people say: Write every day! And while this works for many, it may not work for everyone. Writing processes are as subjective as the people who read the books resulting from them. Everyone has a way that works best for them. Perhaps try to write every day.
But if it feels overwhelming, don’t get discouraged. Try to do something writerly every day instead. What’s something writerly? Reading, researching, critiquing, editing etc. Something that may not be writing new words, but might be fixing others, or experiencing worlds written by other people.
Finding your groove can be hard. But if you’ve made that important decision to write, you can’t give up or your decision meant nothing. It’s all part of being a writer.
Even while you’re finding that groove, motivation is essential. You can’t rely on other people to constantly motivate you. Though your parents/best friend/spouse might love you and tell you not to give up on something you truly want to do – they don’t always get it.
Motivation needs to (originally) come from within. Remember, if you can’t motivate yourself through the choice and finding your groove. If you can’t believe in yourself long enough to really start down the path? No one else can give you that belief.
Why find writer support groups then? Because as long as you dug deep and made the decision, found that tiny sliver of belief in what you love and want to do? They can help reinforce that and cheer you on.
Give yourself a reward. Nothing is greater motivation than promising something you really want to yourself and earning that reward. Those chocolates up there? They’re reward chocolates that keep me going. When I finish paper-edits, I get to eat them ALL.
Make the decision. Find a plan (even a tentative and vague goal plan). Get some #writemotivation.
Write.
~
What’s your writing groove? Do you write every day? Do you make sure you do something writerly every day? Are you a plotter or a pantser?
You want to be a writer, so you made the decision. What else keeps you going?
Also, if you like giving #writemotivation, please give me some feedback here.
~
Don’t you love the blood spattered heart chocolates up there? (It’s cinnamon hehehe).
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This is a pretty awesome post.
My groove is doing something writerly everyday. I try to write on my WiP at least five days a week. But making sure I’m plugged in to my “writer me” on a daily basis is a must.
Thank you
I had fun writing it.
*nods* Grooves are something else no one can really do for you. You have to find what works for you through trial and error. I’m so happy you have a groove. And the writerly things – are perfect.
The blood-splattered hearts are awesome!
Part of my coming back from not writing for several years has involved relearning my process because what worked for me five years ago probably won’t work so well now. I definitely work best when I do something writing related every day. It helps keep the momentum up.
Not only did they look awesome – they tasted like white chocolate and cinnamon HEAVEN!
Figuring out your process is all part of it. Keep up that momentum – you’re doing so well.
This is so helpful for me. I’m still trying to decide on my weekly writing/blogging goals for this year
this post helped me so much.
I’m glad it helped. Just make sure the goals are something attainable and it’ll work.
Great post KT! I’ve found that I need to write, even when I don’t feel like it. Almost always great things come from those sessions.
True! Sometimes those – DAMN YOU WRITE sessions – yield wonders
Re: binge-writer
I love that term! That fits me perfectly. I don’t feel guilty if I can’t write that day. Life has to come first, and that’s more important. But when I write, I’m a machine. :p
It’s the only way I can describe how I write. I outline, plot and then lock myself away for 2 weeks to write the first draft lol. I can’t not finish it. Work is very hard to bear with during those times haha.
This sure does fit quite nicely with my most recent post, now doesn’t it?!
You are a great friend, motivator, and inspiration! But most of all, friend. I don’t think I would be where I am, or the fact that I am tackling my fear of the novel without your support, encouragement, guidance, and cheering! I love your posts, KT. Keep them coming!
You can do whatever you set your mind to, love. You don’t need me for it, I just cheer you on *hugs*.
This is a fantastic post KT. You’ve been great about #writemotivation. I so look forward to what we’re gonna do in the future.
Over the past summer I made a personal goal to write at least 2,000 words everyday. However, the end result of that was about ten different stories (one of them novels and two novellas) that needed to be revised and reviewed.
Since then, I made a point to be a little more meticulous about writing. The last piece I’ve actually written was a couple months ago. Since I’ve been reviewing my material, I’ve become much more of a planner. Details are essential, and it’s become necessary for me to know what is going on with the characters and their motives, otherwise I get held up in my writing. However the end result is my first draft coming out much more refined.
I try to do something writerly everyday. Whether it be just reading all day, brainstorming an idea, reviewing my material or another writer’s. I even consider looking up material on my story subject to be writerly. However you look at it, I try to do something in the writing realm, and it’s all fun.
Aww hon, thanks. I love cheering people on. And you’re right – if you don’t make sure your goals are achievable – you disappoint yourself.
Writerly every day is the way to go. Even if it’s reading/editing/critiquing.
I’m definitely a pantser and a binge-writer (All my novel manuscripts are from NaNo). I’ve always had a tough time doing something writerly every day. That’s why my tweet tales thing has been so important for me because for 15 minutes each day I’m writing SOMETHING. And #writemotivation has been the key to helping me stick with it these first three weeks, so I’m so happy I found you guys!
Your tweet tales are fantastic
It’s a great accomplishment.
I’m so happy you found us too
So true… it wasn’t until very recently that I realized loving to write isn’t ever going to turn me into an author all by itself and I needed to outline a plan (which for me is to self-publish) …I’ve known the importance of outlining my stories for a while but it never occurred to me to outline my life.
And thank you for the term binge-writer. I think I just might be one… I’m definitely a binge-eater and its a good thing honey buns and cocoa pebbles are my drugs of choice or I’d probably be a binge-something-worse too!
You’re so right. I used to think this way too. Oh I love writing, and when I write that’ll show through. Well it does, but I also needed to apply myself and practice.
Binge-writer is an awesome term. Accurate and fun. In fact, I’m currently on a binge-writing spree!