While I'd started many stories in the past, I think what kept me driven this time was my pre-writing planning. I took the time to thoroughly figure out each character and their back story before writing a word.
It is hard to get yourself to write every single day, especially when life keeps interrupting, you still have bills to pay, and people that need your attention. It might have been a tad obsessive, but I did keep track of what percent I was to goal during the writing process. I think that kept my story on track with where it needed to be to reach my end goal. I didn't plan out each individual chapter, just the major plot points. I like having the ability to run off in a new direction if something strikes my fancy. When writer's block hits, I find walking and talking aloud helps me break through. I might throw out ten different ideas before I come up with something that satisfies me. I've always heard to write what you know, and love what you write. It definitely makes writing easier. So when I get stuck, I feel it's usually time to wow the audience. If I'm feeling stuck, it means I'm bored-which is the perfect time to throw the reader a curve ball. I've found the scenes I had the most fun writing, are the same ones my beta readers have loved reading. That's why I'm writing, not to make money, or for prestige, but because I want to bring joy and laughter to others. I sincerely hope everyone enjoys book 1 of the Seven Hearts Series. I promise I'm working hard to make the second book as good, or better than the first.