Motivation? What is that?
Hello again all, we’re delving into the cursed subject of motivation, because I have poor self-discipline, this is the only practice that results in finished books, and it has a mind of it’s own.
As an indie-author, I've found that motivation is an elusive, often fleeting companion. Writing a novel isn't a sprint. It's a marathon - a long, arduous journey that cannot be rushed. Unlike traditional publishing, indie-authors set their own timelines. There are no looming deadlines to meet, only the ones we set for ourselves.
“Trying to force creativity during a motivational slump is like trying to squeeze water from a stone - fruitless and frustrating.”My motivation varies - not due to the quality of the story I'm working on - but based on factors such as available time and personal circumstances. Motivation can't be forced; it rises and falls, much like the tide. There are times when I'm consumed by a whirlwind of ideas and enthusiasm, writing furiously as the words flow. On other occasions, I find myself staring at a blank screen, the cursor blinking expectantly, as if mocking my lack of productivity.
In such times, I've learned to let my manuscript sit. To step back and give myself permission to not write. It may seem counterintuitive, especially when we're surrounded by advice encouraging us to "write every day" or "stick to a writing schedule". But for me, trying to force creativity during a motivational slump is like trying to squeeze water from a stone - fruitless and frustrating. Instead, I step back and allow myself to rest, rejuvenate, and eventually return to the manuscript with fresh eyes and renewed enthusiasm.
This approach requires patience and acceptance. Patience to wait for motivation to return, acceptance that it's okay not to be productive all the time. It's part of the creative process, a cycle that goes hand in hand with the unpredictable nature of inspiration and motivation. The important thing is not to perceive these periods of low motivation as failures, but as opportunities to ruminate on ideas within your mind, before they make it into the continuity of your book.
-LP
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