I can't depend on external validation to motivate me. My motivation is simple: *I* want this thing to exist and it never will unless *I* do the work to make it so.
Me too, and well said. I want to tell this story, and I want to do my characters justice. I think the characters are very real to me and I feel responsible for them. But mainly it's not going to write itself.
Same.
I have had the seeds of my story in my head for 20+ years. In the past few years it has crystalized into something I want to get out into the world.
I always wanted it to be in a visual medium. Thanks to the advances in AI this past year I now see it as a possibility that I could make a motion comic of my story without going bankrupt. But I need to story to be complete first. So I'm going to write a book or two then when it is done in 5 more years (at my current rate of progress at least) I hope the AI tools will be advanced enough to convert those words into the images I have in my head.
Writing stories that I want to read. I just like writing. It's like people who love training or drawing. But my motivation is likely my brain. When I don't write for too long, I keep thinking about certain scenes, over and over again. It's like pressure slowly building up, and the release valve is typing them down.
That is me as well. I am writing a story I want to read. Every time I reread a chapter it feels like I am reading it for the first time. It feels GOOD.
If the thing that's motivating you isn't in your control anyway--for example money, success, popularity, recognition, being "as good as" another writer somehow--then it's easy to get demotivated. Because actually you can't do anything yourself to guarantee those things. They'll happen or not.
Or in the case of "as good as" someone else, not achievable, because we're all just different people writing different things in different ways.
Whereas if the thing that's motivating you *is* in your control--for example, expressing your ideas, enjoying yourself, having a creative outlet, improving in your own eyes through practise--you can keep it up much better. Because all you need to do is to write, which is physically very easy. It all helps to work towards what you want to achieve, even if all you're doing day-to-day is practising.
I always tell that to myself and usually it’s enough when all is going well but when you start having some complications and problems this becomes just too weak of a motivation for me 😔
I'm doing it purely as a hobby, so I struggle to find motivation as well.
That being said, my main motivation is that I just want to be able to get my story out there and have people read and care about the story and world I created. If I get at least one person excited to read my story I'll be happy. That potential one person reading my story is what keeps me going.
I think that's fair, but it is important to realize that trying your best is what matters the most. If you don't do that good the first few times around that is okay, you can strive to be perfect after you failed a few times before.
Just do your best man, I'm sure it will be great.
Of course, I want to make a gazillion dollars and have millions of fans...
But I write because I love creating stories and challenging my imagination.
Getting family and friends to read it, meeting fans who love it, is all icing on the cake.
I don’t think I’m doing it for money or fame I just think this is where my talent lies while everyone else keeps telling me otherwise not because they think I’m bad at it but because they think I can do better things than being a writer and I guess deep down I kinda agree
You don't have to only do one thing. I wrote all through school, into college, then stopped for years because of life. Work, family, etc.
Now I'm in my 50s and have extra time to write regularly. I have life experience to write about. I never stopped learning how to write, and so I'm a far better writer than I was 30 years ago.
Anything you do for self expression or enjoyment is not wasted time.
Writing doesn’t have to be your only thing. And if you want to prioritize it then do what you feel is right because it’s your life and your time at the end of the day.
What helped me out was this thought: "You can't edit a blank page." Let your first draft be your first draft. It's not going to be perfect. It doesn't have to be. Just as long as it's out, it's better than being stuck in your head. You can always edit later. And most times, you are going to have to rewrite it anyway.
I want to exorcise the pulsating thoughts of plot and character and theme that haunt my mind by putting them on paper so I don’t have to worry about them anymore
Write because being creative is who you are. Write because not writing feels like a part of you isn’t being fed. Write even though no one else will read it! Join a good writing group who will provide accountability and mentorship for your writing!
Writing is difficult because of the Just World Fallacy.
For a lot of professions hard work, talent, and intelligence are rewarded. Not exactly ,it's not a one to one correspondence, but there is a much much higher correlation to getting something - anything - if you have those things in normal professions.
For writing, and a lot of creative industries, there's a high degree of luck involved.
I remember sitting down at a writing conference and talking randomly to this guy - turned out he was published out the ass. He had around 12 books out, traditionally published, and had movie rights optioned. And the way he described his success was so bizarre - there were so many cases where some gatekeeper just happened to look at his work at the right time. And this was something that was repeated in a lot of the highly accomplished speakers at the conference- they just happened to know someone or get recognized or whatever.
So I asked him about it and he sighed and said yes, that is correct and it's not often talked about. He used to be the head of the writing group that put on the conference so he knew a ton of serious writers, and he said there were people he knew who were far, far better than him without any publications to their name (despite trying). And there were people who were really crappy writers that were far more successful than him.
And then he proceeded to tell me how he gamed luck.
For him it was always having projects ready to pitch in tiers. Every Monday, project #1 would go down to tier #2, and project number #2 would head to tier #1, and down the list.
Consistency breeds the chance of making it in.
See luck isn't just pure happenstance. It's a combination of many things, and there's some really interesting research on it.
It's consistently increasing your odds by putting yourself out there all the time. It's knowing how to pitch. It's networking. It's optimism. And it's applying even if you think you're unworthy. It's habits - automaticity and consistency regardless of reward. That is hard. And that's all far more important than your writing skill.
And ultimately, it's about mental health. Because the problem with all this is that it's unpaid, unrecognized labor. And when you're paddling so hard behind the scenes but barely treading water, the world thinks that must mean you're not hard working enough, not talented enough, or not intelligent, because that's how it works in other professions.
None of that is true. It's a fallacy.
>when you write something but just isn’t getting enough recognition
First, it should never be about recognition.
I'm sure it sounds flowery and all that, but seriously. It's supposed to be something you *enjoy*, not something you have to force yourself to do.
So if you ask me what my motivation is - it's because it's fun. I love coming up with cool things and writing them down, fleshing them out, and extrapolating a story from them. It's just **fun**.
Even before recognition being too scarce: just the mere quality of the WIP that is lacking (*only seen when I’m no longer completely delusional* 😅) . So hard. 😔
Two things keep me going when I’m at the lowest in that regard:
- **Hope**. Hope given by a few feedback, a handful people saying my story is salvageable, or even interesting and promising.
- **Love**. Love I have for my dear characters. I want them to see the world, not to rot in a drawer, and so the exit is the finished novel published in a way or another.
Sometimes just getting the story finished is enough motivation. Especially because i get really attached to my characters so i like seeing them through to the end of their story.
Long term, the thought of being able to hold a physical published copy of a book i wrote is my biggest motivator. I could get 1 sale from my mom and that’s it and I think i could be happy with it
> isn’t getting enough recognition
As other people have said, you can’t depend on external motivation.
You don’t need some grand sweeping motivations of wanting to change the world or have your writing become super popular on the internet to enjoy writing. Writing will always be there for you.
Sometimes motivation is as simple as wanting to have fun, to play around with a story idea you thought another book squandered, and to write a story that you want to read.
Personally, I write because I want to. Writing is fun for me.
I write because its enjoyable.
If I "hit a wall" usually its just because I'm fatigued. I step away from the computer, take a walk, get a coffee/bite to eat, and usually in an hour or so I'm ready to write again.
I write because I enjoy the process of writing. Granted, this can make me more likely to flit from project to project, but since I'm not trying to write professionally, I don't worry about it.
If your process is causing you frustration, I'd suggest trying some changes. If you have an outline, pick a scene you're excited about and write that next, no matter where you are in your draft. If you're a pantser, make up a situation you think would be cool and write that, then see if you can find connective tissue between it and the part of the story you've already written. Heck, write a flashback or a scene that will never show up in the book, just so that you keep learning about your characters and setting.
Ideally, you want to be excited to write because that's most enjoyable, but if you can manage white-knuckled determination, that will also help you progress toward your goal. For me, the most important thing is to never go too long between writing sessions so I don't fall out of the habit of putting words onto the page. Good luck!
Practical advice: make a list.
This may work better for long projects like novel, but I make a list of everything I love about what I'm currently writing. When I'm feeling demotivated, I look back on my list. It really helps inspire me and remind me why I'm doing this.
If you're more into small projects, you could try making a list of everything you love about your writing process and past things you've written. Compile some excerpts that you've written that you really like.
Creating for creation's sake, I guess. Taking something that only exists inside my head and writing it so other people can read it and get as much from it as I got. It's like leaving a mark on the world.
I write to entertain myself first. If I'm not entertained, it's not worth it.
I also write to get all those voices out of my head and onto paper, or the chaos grows and they start food fights in my head.
I have wanted to be a writer since I was in the 3rd grade. I had all these plans and dreams to write a ton of books and be one of the top authors. Over the many years, those plans never came to fruition, and those book ideas just kept piling up. I'm probably up to around 50 book ideas now, if not more.
Just recently, I published my very first book and have started the process to getting all those (or as many as I can) books written. Two things motivate me to get this done:
This quote I heard from someone a long time ago: "What a shame it would be to die and take all that art and creativity with you. The paintings, the sculptures, the poems, the stories. None of it seeing life. Only death, along with you." No idea who said this, but it's stuck with me.
The other motivation is this, though not everyone can do the same thing: "Sometimes you have to put yourself in a situation where your only option is to succeed." This idea came from Travis Barker who said that he had gotten a ton of tattoos in the 90's so that he wouldn't be able to get a job and would have no choice but to succeed and become a successful musician. I understand not everyone can do something along these lines, and I'm certainly in a unique situation that I've been able to comfortably quit my job and give writing my 123% effort.
A bonus thing that motivates me is having faith in God that everything will turn out as it needs to.
So, of all these things, I think my first motivation is something that every artist of every medium should always keep in mind. Don't let all that art and creativity die with you. Try your hardest, and get it out there for eyes to see. Whether it's good or bad. Just like everything, art (including writing) is a skill that takes practice to get better at.
What helped me out was this thought: "You can't edit a blank page." Let your first draft be your first draft. It's not going to be perfect. It doesn't have to be. Just as long as it's out, it's better than being stuck in your head. You can always edit later. And most times, you are going to have to rewrite it anyway.
Half spite, half enthusiasm. I got into quite a few different series here on Reddit. I loved them, of course, but here and there, some fell short in certain areas. Whether certain plot points were never touched again, easy-to-fix stuff that should be caught in editing like the same character's name being spelled six different ways, etc. As much as I love the stories, it can be frustrating at times. Plus, it can be so so painful to wait a week for a chapter release, as there are some people who are way too good at cliffhangers.
So, equally inspired and frustrated, I set out to add my own story into the mix. I wanted something that read more smoothly, and I wanted an awesome story that I can read as fast as my imagination can carry me. Therefore, I started writing for me. If people don't like my book, there are others out there, and I take no offense. Just as I have criticisms for others, they'll have theirs for me. Do it to get recognition from yourself, not anyone else.
One day I wanna proudly proclaim that I am my own all time favorite writer. I have a long way to go but I just about crack my own top 100. I hope to get myself into my top 25 in the next few years.
I kind of don't have a choice? If I don't write, I get depressed. I lose sleep. I grow irritable.
As long as I still love the core ideas of a story, I know I'll eventually get back to it.
As for thinking your work isn't good and you can't do it...even PROFESSIONAL writers feel this way. Those that still care about their craft. It's called the "writer's curse" for a reason. Welcome to the club!
I motivate when I accomplish an goal I tend to make. It keeps me focused on what is happening and I make progress which makes me excited to see how it turns out.
I too struggle with motivation but do my best work when I write for myself with no expectation of praise or reward. I often write about my mental health and share it openly. While I do hope it resonates and maybe even helps a few folks, ultimately I do it for me. I do it to help me process my own thoughts. I do it for the catharsis. And I miss it when I shy away from writing thinking no one wants to read it. Write for you first.
I have an idea in my head that I want to make happen, and as soon as my fingers connect with the computer keys, I start to bring it to life. It just feels so amazing.
For the story I am writing right now, it's the MC. I know she's fictional, but she's in my heart regardless, and she has a story to tell from and about the world she is a part of.
I’m doing it because I want to read my story. I find the premise fascinating, and other people I’ve told about it seem intrigued as well. I just love good stories and want to contribute one myself, even if I never reach a large audience.
I love writing and storytelling. It's the most fulfilling thing in the world.
Also, perhaps more superficially: the promise of one day holding the actual finished book in my hands. That's usually enough to motivate me through the tough parts.
I have a few things that motivate me:
I’ve had this idea since high school. Almost a decade at this point.
I’m 60k words in, which was my goal but now I’m aiming for 70k to close out the last few chapters.
I need to get it done/self-published before I see my favorite actress at a convention in May because when I saw her last year I told her about my book and the character she inspired and was so into it and wanted to read it, so I’m gonna give her a copy.
And most importantly I’m doing it for myself. I don’t care if I don’t make money, if I don’t get people to read it... this is just the first step. If I can write this book that I am passionate about, then I can write the next one and try to actually market it and traditionally publish it. I’m at a point in my life where I have the time and resources to pursue this so I’m gonna give it a shot.
I eliminate demotivations, such as getting discouraged by the thought that it might not meet “some” standards. While it might be true that I don’t, it’s still a hindrance, and you certainly don’t get any better by giving up.
Write for the joy of the process. It is not the result or deadline that I am working to ( i have to finish this book before...)
Just go with the flow. If you enjoy what you are doing it will be succesfull for your own standards. If you do not enjoy it, hey it is not your thing. Pick up a gitar and try that, or start painting. Whatever suits you as long as you enjoy it. You do not have to please somebody else with your personal hobbies.
I need something in life that I can always go back to, no matter how bad my life gets. No one has to read it after all. The thought of transforming my „misery“ into something beautiful really comforts me.
I write my books for me. To discover what I think about life, the world, people. My writing has a point beside the plot. It’s about something meaningful to me. The exploratory process alone is motivational, but it’s also fun to me. The process of creating is enjoyable, so recognition is just an added bonus, not an expectation.
I can't depend on external validation to motivate me. My motivation is simple: *I* want this thing to exist and it never will unless *I* do the work to make it so.
Amen
Me too, and well said. I want to tell this story, and I want to do my characters justice. I think the characters are very real to me and I feel responsible for them. But mainly it's not going to write itself.
Same. I have had the seeds of my story in my head for 20+ years. In the past few years it has crystalized into something I want to get out into the world. I always wanted it to be in a visual medium. Thanks to the advances in AI this past year I now see it as a possibility that I could make a motion comic of my story without going bankrupt. But I need to story to be complete first. So I'm going to write a book or two then when it is done in 5 more years (at my current rate of progress at least) I hope the AI tools will be advanced enough to convert those words into the images I have in my head.
Never underestimate the power of creating, even if only for yourself.
Afterall, writing is all about being creative, whether for others or yourself.
Writing stories that I want to read. I just like writing. It's like people who love training or drawing. But my motivation is likely my brain. When I don't write for too long, I keep thinking about certain scenes, over and over again. It's like pressure slowly building up, and the release valve is typing them down.
That is me as well. I am writing a story I want to read. Every time I reread a chapter it feels like I am reading it for the first time. It feels GOOD.
I keep going because it’s fun and feels fulfilling to me.
What about when you hit a wall?
Then I go back and change things, usually. Working through the “wall” is part of the fun for me.
If the thing that's motivating you isn't in your control anyway--for example money, success, popularity, recognition, being "as good as" another writer somehow--then it's easy to get demotivated. Because actually you can't do anything yourself to guarantee those things. They'll happen or not. Or in the case of "as good as" someone else, not achievable, because we're all just different people writing different things in different ways. Whereas if the thing that's motivating you *is* in your control--for example, expressing your ideas, enjoying yourself, having a creative outlet, improving in your own eyes through practise--you can keep it up much better. Because all you need to do is to write, which is physically very easy. It all helps to work towards what you want to achieve, even if all you're doing day-to-day is practising.
The realm of motivation can be treacherous, especially when tethered to external factors beyond one’s control.
Write for yourself! If you write the book that you’d wanna read, you’ll be set.
I always tell that to myself and usually it’s enough when all is going well but when you start having some complications and problems this becomes just too weak of a motivation for me 😔
Well if you need a buddy to write with lmk or you need me to whack you in the back of ya head with a pillow to knock some motivation into you🤎
I enjoy writing and the entire process. If someone likes what I have written that is a bonus!
I enjoy reading what I wrote the process itself sometimes isn’t the most fun so that’s why I need motivation to keep going
I'm doing it purely as a hobby, so I struggle to find motivation as well. That being said, my main motivation is that I just want to be able to get my story out there and have people read and care about the story and world I created. If I get at least one person excited to read my story I'll be happy. That potential one person reading my story is what keeps me going.
I’m just kind of a perfectionist as in if I don’t get the best story out there it would feel absolutely pointless to me
I think that's fair, but it is important to realize that trying your best is what matters the most. If you don't do that good the first few times around that is okay, you can strive to be perfect after you failed a few times before. Just do your best man, I'm sure it will be great.
Of course, I want to make a gazillion dollars and have millions of fans... But I write because I love creating stories and challenging my imagination. Getting family and friends to read it, meeting fans who love it, is all icing on the cake.
I don’t think I’m doing it for money or fame I just think this is where my talent lies while everyone else keeps telling me otherwise not because they think I’m bad at it but because they think I can do better things than being a writer and I guess deep down I kinda agree
You don't have to only do one thing. I wrote all through school, into college, then stopped for years because of life. Work, family, etc. Now I'm in my 50s and have extra time to write regularly. I have life experience to write about. I never stopped learning how to write, and so I'm a far better writer than I was 30 years ago. Anything you do for self expression or enjoyment is not wasted time.
Writing doesn’t have to be your only thing. And if you want to prioritize it then do what you feel is right because it’s your life and your time at the end of the day.
What helped me out was this thought: "You can't edit a blank page." Let your first draft be your first draft. It's not going to be perfect. It doesn't have to be. Just as long as it's out, it's better than being stuck in your head. You can always edit later. And most times, you are going to have to rewrite it anyway.
I want to exorcise the pulsating thoughts of plot and character and theme that haunt my mind by putting them on paper so I don’t have to worry about them anymore
Write because being creative is who you are. Write because not writing feels like a part of you isn’t being fed. Write even though no one else will read it! Join a good writing group who will provide accountability and mentorship for your writing!
Write it for you.
I write because otherwise it would take up too much space in my head and I wouldn't be able to think about much else
Writing is difficult because of the Just World Fallacy. For a lot of professions hard work, talent, and intelligence are rewarded. Not exactly ,it's not a one to one correspondence, but there is a much much higher correlation to getting something - anything - if you have those things in normal professions. For writing, and a lot of creative industries, there's a high degree of luck involved. I remember sitting down at a writing conference and talking randomly to this guy - turned out he was published out the ass. He had around 12 books out, traditionally published, and had movie rights optioned. And the way he described his success was so bizarre - there were so many cases where some gatekeeper just happened to look at his work at the right time. And this was something that was repeated in a lot of the highly accomplished speakers at the conference- they just happened to know someone or get recognized or whatever. So I asked him about it and he sighed and said yes, that is correct and it's not often talked about. He used to be the head of the writing group that put on the conference so he knew a ton of serious writers, and he said there were people he knew who were far, far better than him without any publications to their name (despite trying). And there were people who were really crappy writers that were far more successful than him. And then he proceeded to tell me how he gamed luck. For him it was always having projects ready to pitch in tiers. Every Monday, project #1 would go down to tier #2, and project number #2 would head to tier #1, and down the list. Consistency breeds the chance of making it in. See luck isn't just pure happenstance. It's a combination of many things, and there's some really interesting research on it. It's consistently increasing your odds by putting yourself out there all the time. It's knowing how to pitch. It's networking. It's optimism. And it's applying even if you think you're unworthy. It's habits - automaticity and consistency regardless of reward. That is hard. And that's all far more important than your writing skill. And ultimately, it's about mental health. Because the problem with all this is that it's unpaid, unrecognized labor. And when you're paddling so hard behind the scenes but barely treading water, the world thinks that must mean you're not hard working enough, not talented enough, or not intelligent, because that's how it works in other professions. None of that is true. It's a fallacy.
>when you write something but just isn’t getting enough recognition First, it should never be about recognition. I'm sure it sounds flowery and all that, but seriously. It's supposed to be something you *enjoy*, not something you have to force yourself to do. So if you ask me what my motivation is - it's because it's fun. I love coming up with cool things and writing them down, fleshing them out, and extrapolating a story from them. It's just **fun**.
Even before recognition being too scarce: just the mere quality of the WIP that is lacking (*only seen when I’m no longer completely delusional* 😅) . So hard. 😔 Two things keep me going when I’m at the lowest in that regard: - **Hope**. Hope given by a few feedback, a handful people saying my story is salvageable, or even interesting and promising. - **Love**. Love I have for my dear characters. I want them to see the world, not to rot in a drawer, and so the exit is the finished novel published in a way or another.
My motivation is simply that I have a story that I've held onto forever and I want to make real! ❤️
Sometimes just getting the story finished is enough motivation. Especially because i get really attached to my characters so i like seeing them through to the end of their story. Long term, the thought of being able to hold a physical published copy of a book i wrote is my biggest motivator. I could get 1 sale from my mom and that’s it and I think i could be happy with it
> isn’t getting enough recognition As other people have said, you can’t depend on external motivation. You don’t need some grand sweeping motivations of wanting to change the world or have your writing become super popular on the internet to enjoy writing. Writing will always be there for you. Sometimes motivation is as simple as wanting to have fun, to play around with a story idea you thought another book squandered, and to write a story that you want to read. Personally, I write because I want to. Writing is fun for me.
I write because its enjoyable. If I "hit a wall" usually its just because I'm fatigued. I step away from the computer, take a walk, get a coffee/bite to eat, and usually in an hour or so I'm ready to write again.
I write because I enjoy the process of writing. Granted, this can make me more likely to flit from project to project, but since I'm not trying to write professionally, I don't worry about it.
I do that too but and it’s frustrating that I can’t finish a novel 😭
If your process is causing you frustration, I'd suggest trying some changes. If you have an outline, pick a scene you're excited about and write that next, no matter where you are in your draft. If you're a pantser, make up a situation you think would be cool and write that, then see if you can find connective tissue between it and the part of the story you've already written. Heck, write a flashback or a scene that will never show up in the book, just so that you keep learning about your characters and setting. Ideally, you want to be excited to write because that's most enjoyable, but if you can manage white-knuckled determination, that will also help you progress toward your goal. For me, the most important thing is to never go too long between writing sessions so I don't fall out of the habit of putting words onto the page. Good luck!
I'm having the same issue. But when this happens I try to sit and write something. Even if it's a comment that is only 30 words lok
Practical advice: make a list. This may work better for long projects like novel, but I make a list of everything I love about what I'm currently writing. When I'm feeling demotivated, I look back on my list. It really helps inspire me and remind me why I'm doing this. If you're more into small projects, you could try making a list of everything you love about your writing process and past things you've written. Compile some excerpts that you've written that you really like.
Creating for creation's sake, I guess. Taking something that only exists inside my head and writing it so other people can read it and get as much from it as I got. It's like leaving a mark on the world.
I like writing
I write to entertain myself first. If I'm not entertained, it's not worth it. I also write to get all those voices out of my head and onto paper, or the chaos grows and they start food fights in my head.
My characters motivate me.
I have wanted to be a writer since I was in the 3rd grade. I had all these plans and dreams to write a ton of books and be one of the top authors. Over the many years, those plans never came to fruition, and those book ideas just kept piling up. I'm probably up to around 50 book ideas now, if not more. Just recently, I published my very first book and have started the process to getting all those (or as many as I can) books written. Two things motivate me to get this done: This quote I heard from someone a long time ago: "What a shame it would be to die and take all that art and creativity with you. The paintings, the sculptures, the poems, the stories. None of it seeing life. Only death, along with you." No idea who said this, but it's stuck with me. The other motivation is this, though not everyone can do the same thing: "Sometimes you have to put yourself in a situation where your only option is to succeed." This idea came from Travis Barker who said that he had gotten a ton of tattoos in the 90's so that he wouldn't be able to get a job and would have no choice but to succeed and become a successful musician. I understand not everyone can do something along these lines, and I'm certainly in a unique situation that I've been able to comfortably quit my job and give writing my 123% effort. A bonus thing that motivates me is having faith in God that everything will turn out as it needs to. So, of all these things, I think my first motivation is something that every artist of every medium should always keep in mind. Don't let all that art and creativity die with you. Try your hardest, and get it out there for eyes to see. Whether it's good or bad. Just like everything, art (including writing) is a skill that takes practice to get better at.
[удалено]
Hatred towards what?
I'm simply the best. That's what.
Like the confidence 👍🏻
What helped me out was this thought: "You can't edit a blank page." Let your first draft be your first draft. It's not going to be perfect. It doesn't have to be. Just as long as it's out, it's better than being stuck in your head. You can always edit later. And most times, you are going to have to rewrite it anyway.
Half spite, half enthusiasm. I got into quite a few different series here on Reddit. I loved them, of course, but here and there, some fell short in certain areas. Whether certain plot points were never touched again, easy-to-fix stuff that should be caught in editing like the same character's name being spelled six different ways, etc. As much as I love the stories, it can be frustrating at times. Plus, it can be so so painful to wait a week for a chapter release, as there are some people who are way too good at cliffhangers. So, equally inspired and frustrated, I set out to add my own story into the mix. I wanted something that read more smoothly, and I wanted an awesome story that I can read as fast as my imagination can carry me. Therefore, I started writing for me. If people don't like my book, there are others out there, and I take no offense. Just as I have criticisms for others, they'll have theirs for me. Do it to get recognition from yourself, not anyone else.
One day I wanna proudly proclaim that I am my own all time favorite writer. I have a long way to go but I just about crack my own top 100. I hope to get myself into my top 25 in the next few years.
I’ve been living with these people in my head for nearly a decade, if I don’t write them they will slowly drive me crazy.
Spite and coffee. Also, I enjoy doing this. It's fun. I get to write people dying.
I can't cry to anyone else.
My ideas
My head will explode if I don't write.
I kind of don't have a choice? If I don't write, I get depressed. I lose sleep. I grow irritable. As long as I still love the core ideas of a story, I know I'll eventually get back to it. As for thinking your work isn't good and you can't do it...even PROFESSIONAL writers feel this way. Those that still care about their craft. It's called the "writer's curse" for a reason. Welcome to the club!
I just enjoy it (and use it to procrastinate on other things I don’t want to do)
im pissed the fuck off. if i dont write im going to jail.
I motivate when I accomplish an goal I tend to make. It keeps me focused on what is happening and I make progress which makes me excited to see how it turns out.
I am still very new to writhing but for me it’s the final product i love finishing a pice i love reading my work and seeing how my ideas transfer
I too struggle with motivation but do my best work when I write for myself with no expectation of praise or reward. I often write about my mental health and share it openly. While I do hope it resonates and maybe even helps a few folks, ultimately I do it for me. I do it to help me process my own thoughts. I do it for the catharsis. And I miss it when I shy away from writing thinking no one wants to read it. Write for you first.
I think expectations, my Boss likes my work and I want to met his expectations, also he is paying me for it so...
I have an idea in my head that I want to make happen, and as soon as my fingers connect with the computer keys, I start to bring it to life. It just feels so amazing.
Entertainment and seeing people enjoying what I write is rather addictive.
For the story I am writing right now, it's the MC. I know she's fictional, but she's in my heart regardless, and she has a story to tell from and about the world she is a part of.
I’m doing it because I want to read my story. I find the premise fascinating, and other people I’ve told about it seem intrigued as well. I just love good stories and want to contribute one myself, even if I never reach a large audience.
I love writing and storytelling. It's the most fulfilling thing in the world. Also, perhaps more superficially: the promise of one day holding the actual finished book in my hands. That's usually enough to motivate me through the tough parts.
I have a few things that motivate me: I’ve had this idea since high school. Almost a decade at this point. I’m 60k words in, which was my goal but now I’m aiming for 70k to close out the last few chapters. I need to get it done/self-published before I see my favorite actress at a convention in May because when I saw her last year I told her about my book and the character she inspired and was so into it and wanted to read it, so I’m gonna give her a copy. And most importantly I’m doing it for myself. I don’t care if I don’t make money, if I don’t get people to read it... this is just the first step. If I can write this book that I am passionate about, then I can write the next one and try to actually market it and traditionally publish it. I’m at a point in my life where I have the time and resources to pursue this so I’m gonna give it a shot.
Can’t have my sister, having a dead mom **and** sister.
I eliminate demotivations, such as getting discouraged by the thought that it might not meet “some” standards. While it might be true that I don’t, it’s still a hindrance, and you certainly don’t get any better by giving up.
Only way to get good is to write and finish things
Write for the joy of the process. It is not the result or deadline that I am working to ( i have to finish this book before...) Just go with the flow. If you enjoy what you are doing it will be succesfull for your own standards. If you do not enjoy it, hey it is not your thing. Pick up a gitar and try that, or start painting. Whatever suits you as long as you enjoy it. You do not have to please somebody else with your personal hobbies.
I write for me. That's it. And I like reading the novels I've written.
What do you mean with recognition? You want to be flattered or what?
I need something in life that I can always go back to, no matter how bad my life gets. No one has to read it after all. The thought of transforming my „misery“ into something beautiful really comforts me.
I write my books for me. To discover what I think about life, the world, people. My writing has a point beside the plot. It’s about something meaningful to me. The exploratory process alone is motivational, but it’s also fun to me. The process of creating is enjoyable, so recognition is just an added bonus, not an expectation.