Hi readers! Staying inspired while writing is something every writer struggles with eventually, especially if you’re a full-time writer or trying to become full-time. It’s impossible to remain inspired 100% of the time. Just because you lose inspiration doesn’t mean you should give up though! There are many ways you can find inspiration and motivate yourself to write again.
This might be an unpopular opinion for some writers, but I don’t think you need to write every day. If you’re like me and have a full-time job, writing every day isn’t always plausible. I also have a spouse I enjoy being around. Some people have children and other family responsibilities, such as parents to care for. These are just a few examples, but they prove that writing every day isn’t realistic for everyone. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t have the time every day, but don’t use that as your excuse to not write at all. Maybe you spend an hour every night watching Netflix or you scroll through social media platforms first thing in the morning. These are both a waste of time and can easily be eliminated from your daily routine and turned into productive writing time.
First, you can start by making small goals for yourself. These goals can be as minimal as writing for 15 minutes every day, writing 1,000 words per week, or several thousand words in a week. Make sure they are goals that don’t overwhelm you, so they are attainable. Once you reach your small goals, you can start making more ambitious goals. Your confidence will increase and so will your word count.
However, maybe you just need a break from writing. I don’t suggest taking a long break because that will make it even more difficult to write when the break is over. But, take a few days or maybe a week off from your current writing project and let yourself relax. Going on a vacation, spending time with your friends and family, listening to music, or reading are all ways you can use your time while not writing to find inspiration again. Any of these things could help spark an idea for your book.
Try writing in a new location. If you only write in your home office or at your dining room table, switch it up. Go to a library, coffeeshop, or write outside on your patio or at a park. A change of scenery and a different writing setting could help give you the inspiration you’ve been looking for.
I think reading can also be great inspiration for struggling writers. You can read nonfiction books about writing like Stephen King’s book On Writing or Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. Useful tips about writing (and life) from published authors always seems to inspire me. Or you can read books in the genre you’re writing to see what authors in your genre write about, compare different writing styles, or potentially learn what not to do. It’s always a good idea to learn from other writers.
Learn how to play to your strengths. If you’re the type of person who wants to write every day and you have the time and willpower, then forget what I said earlier and do what works for you. If setting ambitious goals motivates you, then plan monthly goals. If a rewards system works for you, such as buying yourself a book if you hit a specific monthly word count, then do that. You don’t have to follow the exact path of writers you know but learn from them and listen to their suggestions. Recognize that every writer is different, so each of us have different things that motivate and inspire us to write. Don’t focus on your weaknesses; maximize your strengths.
For more ideas about finding inspiration to write, you can check out these articles:
Comment below if you have more tips you would add to inspire writers! Please subscribe to my monthly newsletter if you’re interested in receiving exclusive content, writing and self-publishing tips, and more.
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