As writers, we have all found ourselves feeling stuck somewhere in the process of writing, whether that be brainstorming, outlining, drafting, or editing. We get so stuck, that we end up dropping our writing altogether.
I can relate, since just recently I had to take a month away from my WIP (work–in–progress) since I had started to feel overwhelmed, stressed out, discouraged, and was thinking that my story—which was at 15,000+ words— was all trash.
I am pleased to say that I’ve finished drafting that novella, and I’m in the process of editing + revising… and loving it.
But I don’t want this to happen to you… I don’t want you to hit burnout in writing. So I propose a better way, a way to stay writing nearly every day, getting words on the paper (or document, if you’re like me!) even when you don’t feel like it, and not hit burnout or throw all your other priorities to the wind.
Does this sound like something that would benefit you? Then keep reading this post to hear my favorite tips to staying motivated to write!
CREATE REALISTIC GOALS: PACE YOURSELF!
About two months after starting to write seriously, I decided I was going to draft my YA novel in one month. I did NaNoWriMo. I wrote 50,000 words in 28 days (about 150 pages).
But I hit burnout… bad. For one, there were elements in my story that required lots of research that I didn’t have time to do, things like the mafia and Catholicism. And then there were random things, like when Christmas break was for Columbia University, what money currency in Dubai was called, and all sorts of random facts about the government and police (I’m sure that I didn’t even get half of the facts right!)
And on top of all of this, I realized that for the sake of being realistic, my Italian charrie could no longer have blonde hair. I still haven’t completely gotten over it yet, haha!
All that to say, writing 1,667 words a day with half an outline— one that I threw to the wind after, like, day two— was not what one would consider pacing yourself. I got in over my head, and paid for it dearly. I discovered a major plot hole just a few scenes away from finishing, suddenly became terribly overwhelmed with the whole thing, and wasn’t even able to think about approaching the story for over 6 months.
I don’t want that happening to you. It’s not fun, and not good for you or your writing.
So what does pacing yourself really look like?
I challenge you writers out there who are trying to build consistency to dedicate 20–30 minutes a day on your writing for the next week or two. It’s not that much, and even if you’re busy, if you’re dedicated to seeing your writing flourish, it’s important to set aside time to write.
Your schedule doesn’t have to be so rigid that the world could fall apart around you, but you have to write anyway! But it’s also not good to take every little excuse you could think of (I’ve been guilty of this) and not write because of [fill in the blank].
Start with something manageable and reasonable, and work up to spending more time each day on your writing. As you see what time you work best at, where you get in the mode, and what else helps you stay focused, adapt to make sure your environment and energy are as good as you can get them before sitting down to write— it’ll help!
AKS SOMEONE TO KEEP YOU ACCOUNTABLE
There is more power in accountability than you may think! And while this is definitely something I’m still working on in writing, I’ve found it helpful in so many other areas of my life.
Going back to when I did NaNoWriMo, there was one reason and one reason only why I didn’t quit on day 3. And trust me, I wanted to quit.
It was because I told a bunch of people what I was planning to do, but one person said I couldn’t do it. I’m not easily offended, and this time was no exception, I was just incredibly determined to prove him wrong.
And I did.
In a sense, that was accountability, even though neither of us knew it at the time.
I want to encourage you to take some time and think about your writing goals. Where do you want to be a year from now? What about in a month? How about on a day to day basis?
Once you’ve figured out some of these things, you can set your realistic goals, and ask at least one person to keep you accountable with your goals.
At the beginning of the year/end of last year, I sat down with both of my parents and discussed my long–term and short–term writing goals, and I’ve expressed that having set time each day to write would be especially helpful to me.
We’ve been tweaking a little system for me as things happen and changes
take place. The way I’ve been settling in to this system has been so beneficial to me + my writing, and I’ve been way more productive and consistent with my writing (both fiction and non–fiction) lately. Accountability for the win!
REMEMBER: YOU DON'T HAVE TO RUSH THE PROCESS
You’re not being forced to finish your story, blog post, or anything else writing–related as soon as humanly possible. One thing I’ve heard Kara Swanson say (she’s one of the instructor’s in my writing community) is that writing is a marathon, not a sprint.
And that’s so true!
Like I said earlier, we have to pace ourselves. It’s important to remember that each time we write another word, listen to another writing video on YouTube, read an informational book, and edit + critique a piece of writing, we’re getting closer to our goal.
We’re learning, practicing, persevering, and continuing even when we don't want to. That takes courage and determination that only true writers have. You don’t have to constantly be in a rush to finish this or that and get things done. All good things take time, and so does good writing.
We have to be willing to work through the unglamorous parts of writing, push through that terribly annoying writer’s block, and be able to sit down and write words even when we don’t want to.
That does more for us as writers than constant stress and rushing do.
So remember— it’s okay to take things slow if you can stay consistent. Don’t rush things!
DON'T FORGET THE "WHY" BEHIND WHAT YOU DO
One of the most important things to help you stay motivated is to remember what motivated you to write in the first place.
I started writing seriously because I wanted to help people break down their misconceptions about who God is and what His love would do for them. I don’t write for myself, I write for God. My friend Joanne wrote an article that was published on Kingdom Pen which was called, How Writing with God Changes Everything, and it’s true: it does!
When you realize that each time you sit down to write, you are working toward your goal, working toward what motivated you to start writing in the first place, it’ll be like opening a door of motivation and inspiration that you had forgotten was there!
So think about it: the first time you sat down to write with excitement and vigor, what was your motivation? What did you see for yourself in the future? How did you see your readers reacting, changing for the better? Don’t forget it! This will be the driving force behind everything that you do.
IN CONCLUSION...
So here you have my four tips for creating consistent writing habits. I can honestly say this isn’t always my strong area— but I’m working on it. Every day, I try to take time to do something with my writing. Whether I end up writing 1,500 more words in my novel, or half–draft a blog post, I’m working toward my goal and getting closer and closer to it each day.
I believe that you + me can both reach our goals if we’ll stay consistent. We’ve got this!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
My name is Leah, and I’m a farm girl, auntie, graphic designer, and writer, but most importantly, I’m a Jesus follower.
My greatest desire here is that my website be a safe, Christ-centered community where young women can gather together and find + give support, prayer, and encouragement. I’m here to serve you.
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What did you guys this of Leah's post? What was your favourite tip? Have you checked out Leah's amazing blog yet? What are some of your writing goals? habits you have set? habits you want to set? I'd love to know!
Cheers!
P.S.: This post is actually part of a post-swap me and Leah did!
If you want to read my post about
"Ten Things every Writer Should Have On Hand",
go to her blog! <3
