When doing any kind of activity/work related task you must
always keep motivated. Whether it comes to revising for an exam, learning a new
language or learning to draw.
Some people are naturally motivated and find it easy to
learn new things and keep it up.I on the other hand need to push myself day
after day to keep myself motivated.
I like timetables, word counts and making endless lists. When
revising for exams when I was studying I needed to plan months ahead all of the
things I needed to do, otherwise I never stuck to it.
Now when I’m writing which is a much more fun task than revising for a maths or science exam I still need things that keep me going on those stressful or stagnant days when I don’t feel like writing.
These include:
Daily word counts
– I have recently set myself a daily word count of 1000 words a day and if I cannot
manage that, if I am busy or don’t have any current ideas I make sure to do at
least 500. Now I have started to see my story grow and grow with each passing
day. I find myself wanting to write more as my stories always seem to be on my
mind, and as of today I have hit the 30,000 word mark which makes me feel so
proud.
Music – This is a
big influence on my writing in general. Music is like films playing in your
head. When you listen to your favourite songs you find yourself imagining what
the singer is describing. This is the same with writing. When you play scenes
over and over in your head it opens you to new ideas. Let other peoples art
inspire you.
Television/film –
Now when I watch television I like to keep notes on several pointers:
- How characters look at on another
- How quickly stories progress
- Their tone of voice or how they move
- All this fuels your writing, giving you new ideas on how people behave
Notepads – I keep notepads everywhere with me. In my bags, on the coffee or bedside table. If I am ever feeling inspired I like to note down all my ideas immediately. Not all of them are always good, but it just shows you how much you think about your writing, letting you know that it is always on your mind.
Imaging your end goal
– Whether I am picturing how my book will look or how well I am hoping it will
sell. All of this fuels your ambition and determination. It’s like if you
wanted to be a rock star, what better motivation than imagining yourself on
stage playing to thousands of people. Even if in this moment in time you are
only playing air guitar in front of the mirror. For now I and others may be sat
in front of computers typing and typing until you can.t type anymore, but one
day we will get there and it will be worth it.
If you wish for something enough and you have the power and
talent to make it happen GO FOR IT!
