4 Game-Changing Tips to Stay Writing Motivated

During the holiday season it's hard to keep up a writing practice. There are so many attention-snagging activities! This is the time of year when I dither with one paragraph over and over, and tinker with my word choices. I'm easily distracted and don't feel capable of bringing to an end whatever phase of my project I'm in.

Whether you're drafting a novel, working on a non-fiction book, or expressing yourself through a short story, it's normal for motivation to flag. But don't lose heart! I've reflected on my own practice plus talked to some authors and developed four tips that will help you sustain your excitement so that you can move forward:

1. Connect with Your Writing Group

A writing group can be a valuable resource to help you make progress when you feel stalled. Regardless of what type of group you're in, your writing group buddies have probably been where you are, too. They can offer support, fresh perspectives, and a sense of accountability. Connecting with others will often be enough to re-energize your enthusiasm for your work.

If you feel that your group is not a safe space to share your struggles, however, then consider sourcing a different group. (I offer some tips about finding the right group for you in my ebook, The Write Group.)

2. Create a Sample Cover of Your Finished Book

Visualizing your success can be a powerful motivator. By creating a sample cover for your finished book or story, you can boost your excitement for your project.

You can sketch a cover out yourself or use a design application like Canva, or try a template in a word processing software, like Word. Or you can experiment with Gemini Nano Banana or ChatGPT. Some people get uncomfortable at the thought of using AI art for a book cover, but remember your cover design will not be your final cover. This is not for publication--it's a tactic to help you visualize your final product, which helps to make your work-in-progress more tangible.

After creating it, hang it in your workspace or set it as your laptop or phone wallpaper. This simple act can keep you focused on your end goal during the time needed to continue working.

3. Use Social Media to Engage with Potential Readers

Social media offers an interactive way to build a community, and with it enthusiasm, around your writing. Target the outlet where your potential readers might be and share snippets of your in-progress work. You not only invite others to be a part of your progress but you might spark discussions that lead to new insights into your genre or valuable feedback for your work-in-progress.

4. Write a Letter to Your Future Self

Writing a letter to yourself as if you've already completed the project offers a moment of self-reflection, can serve as a much-needed pep talk, and makes the finished product more concrete. Some things to consider as you draft your letter to yourself: What was it about a writing journey that first inspired you? What is the goal of this specific work-in-progress? How will reaching this goal help you move forward on your dreams?

When you face moments of doubt or struggle while you're working on the project, read the letter. It can serve as a reminder of your dedication and help you re-experience the passion you felt when you started, as well as look forward to celebrating your achievement.

Fun fact: A writer told me that for every project he starts, he writes a letter to himself about his commitment to the effort and keeps it folded in his wallet. He knows himself enough to expect his excitement to fade. With his letter always handy, he's ready to re-read it whenever he needs a dose of motivation.

Good Things Take Time - Motivation Helps

These are just a few ideas. Hopefully, you can use some or all of these strategies—connecting with writing buddies, creating a sample cover, engaging with potential readers, and writing an encouraging letter to yourself—to strengthen your motivation and keep writing until you reach your work-in-progress goal.

If you have other techniques to keep yourself motivated, inspire the comments button and let me know!