Motivating Yourself to Finish Your Story
Back when you took on the challenge of writing, it was a bold and admirable move. It's okay if you find yourself growing tired or having smooth sailing. The process of writing involves its fair share of ups and downs. Let's explore some strategies to reignite your passion and motivation to finish your story.
Taking a Break, But Not Giving Up
Feeling stuck or uninspired? It's important to acknowledge that this is a perfectly normal part of the writing journey. However, jumping straight into editing or binge-reading can sometimes restart the creative spark. Consider taking a break—a well-structured one where you commit to not writing for a set period, like a week. This break allows you to relish in the relief from the pressure to create, giving you a guilt-free escape to recharge.
Volunteering for Something Else
Engaging in writing forums as a volunteer editor can be incredibly rewarding. By offering your skills to help novice writers, you may find that their unfinished stories or ideas trigger something in you. These writing prompts can reignite your own creative fires and bring you back to the table.
Switching Projects
If you find yourself bogged down with a specific scene or project, it might be time to switch to something else. For instance, if you're working on a novel, consider shifting to another exciting scene or even starting a new, unrelated project. This shift can provide the much-needed boost to keep your motivation alive.
Embracing the Imperfection
Sometimes, your brain might signal that what you're working on isn't good enough. This is a normal part of the process. Be open to the idea of starting over or discarding parts of your work. Sometimes, when a project drifts off course, it's necessary to start afresh.
Personal and Professional Motivation
Even if you're not under contract, finishing a story is an essential part of your creative journey. Whether for personal satisfaction or professional goals, the completion of your work is a significant milestone. For example, if you're working on a series of five books, each completion brings a new level of personal challenge and achievement. Writing is not just a hobby; it's a passion.
Understanding the Force Behind Motivation
For some, it’s the characters that need to be freed from your mind. For me, it's the continuous scream of 'Get my story out! ' from the characters within my stories. Truly finishing a piece of work can be a release. While you're in the midst of writing, there might be periods of restlessness, but the sense of calm that follows completion is a powerful motivator.
Ultimately, the drive to finish your story comes from within. Whether it's the idea of bringing your characters to life or the thrill of witnessing your thoughts transform into a tangible work of art, these internal forces propel you forward. So, even on those frustrating days, you must remind yourself of why those characters want their stories out so badly.
Call to Action
Take a moment to reflect on what drives you. Remind yourself of your goals and why you started writing in the first place. By staying true to your passion and believing in your story, you'll find the motivation to finish.