Staying motivated while writing a novel—or any kind of book—can be a challenge, but there are several practical strategies you can adopt to keep your creative fire burning. Whether you're dealing with writer's block, lack of inspiration, or just the sheer length of the project, motivation is key to finishing what you start. Here are some ways to help you stay motivated throughout your novel-writing journey.
How to stay motivated when writing your novel
1. Set clear, achievable goals
One of the most effective ways to maintain motivation is to break down the enormous task of writing a novel into smaller, manageable chunks. Instead of seeing the process as “I need to write 80,000 words,” focus on smaller, more immediate goals, like writing 500 words a day. This can make the work feel less daunting and allow you to celebrate small victories along the way.
Daily or weekly word count goals: Choose a word count that feels achievable for you, whether it’s 200, 500, or 1,000 words per day. It’s about consistency, not speed.
Chapter milestones: Treat each chapter as a mini-project within the novel. Setting a goal to finish one chapter by a certain deadline can give you focus and a sense of accomplishment.
Use writing tools: Tools like Scrivener or Novlr can help you break your project into smaller sections, track your progress, and stay organised.
By having a clear direction and focusing on short-term goals, you can keep your motivation high as each milestone becomes another step towards completing your novel.
2. Establish a writing routine
Routine can be incredibly powerful when it comes to staying motivated. Creating a daily writing habit trains your brain to expect and prepare for creative work at specific times.
Set a regular time for writing: Whether it’s early in the morning, during lunch, or late at night, commit to writing at the same time every day. This creates a sense of ritual around your writing practice.
Make a writing space: Having a dedicated space to write can help put you in the right mindset. Even if it’s just a particular corner of a room, when you sit there, you’ll know it’s time to write.
Eliminate distractions: Turn off social media, put your phone on silent, and focus solely on your writing during your designated time. You’ll feel more engaged and productive when you're not constantly pulled away by notifications.
Creating a structured routine can help eliminate the feeling of “waiting for inspiration” and instead foster steady progress.
3. Find inspiration in other works
Sometimes the best way to reignite your passion for your story is by seeking inspiration from other novels, movies, or forms of art. Exploring the creative work of others can spark new ideas and motivations for your own project.
Read similar novels: Reading novels in the same genre can help you see how other writers have navigated similar challenges. You might discover new techniques or approaches to plot, character development, or dialogue.
Watch movies or listen to music: A visually captivating movie or a moving soundtrack can help to stimulate your imagination and bring fresh energy to your writing.
Analyse your favorite authors: Go back to books you love and take note of what draws you to them. Understanding what makes a story resonate with you can inspire you to strive for the same in your own writing.
Inspiration from other works can help you overcome creative blocks and rekindle your excitement for your own story.
4. Allow yourself to write badly
One of the biggest obstacles to motivation is the pressure to write perfectly. Writers often get bogged down by self-doubt and the belief that every sentence must be flawless. This is a recipe for frustration.
First drafts don’t have to be perfect: Give yourself permission to write poorly in the early stages. A messy first draft is part of the process, and it’s far easier to revise a page full of bad writing than an empty page.
Focus on progress over perfection: Don’t obsess over getting every word right on the first try. Instead, focus on completing the story. You can always come back to polish it later.
Embrace revisions: Understand that revision is where the real magic happens. You’ll have plenty of time to refine and improve your novel once you have a complete draft.
By releasing yourself from the need for perfection, you can maintain momentum and keep the words flowing.
5. Join a writing community
Writing can feel like a solitary process, but it doesn’t have to be. Joining a writing community can offer you support, encouragement, and accountability. Whether online or in-person, being part of a group of like-minded writers can help keep you motivated.
Find writing groups: Look for local writing workshops or online forums like Scribophile or Absolute Write where writers can give and receive feedback.
Attend writing events: Participate in writing retreats or conferences. These events can provide motivation by immersing you in an environment where everyone shares the same goal.
Accountability partners: Partner up with another writer and check in with each other regularly about your progress. This sense of accountability can be an excellent motivator to stick with your goals.
Writing with a community can not only help you stay motivated but also give you valuable insights into your work.
6. Celebrate your wins
No matter how small, celebrating progress is vital to staying motivated. Recognising your accomplishments can help you stay positive and reinforce your commitment to the project.
Reward yourself: Set up small rewards for reaching milestones. For example, after completing a chapter, treat yourself to your favorite snack, or take a relaxing break.
Track your progress: Keep a writing journal or use an app to log your word count and accomplishments. Seeing how much you’ve achieved over time can give you a sense of satisfaction and keep you motivated to continue.
Remind yourself of your purpose: Regularly remind yourself why you started this novel in the first place. Is it to tell a story you’ve always wanted to share? To fulfill a lifelong dream? Keeping your larger goals in mind can help you stay focused and enthusiastic about finishing.
By celebrating your successes, you reinforce positive behaviour and keep your motivation alive.
7. Embrace breaks and rest
Pushing yourself too hard can lead to burnout, which is a sure way to kill motivation. Remember to take breaks and rest when needed. Writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint.
Take breaks: If you’re feeling stuck, take a short break to refresh your mind. Sometimes stepping away for a few minutes can help you return with a clearer perspective.
Rest days: It’s okay to take a day off from writing if you need it. Overworking can lead to creative exhaustion. Make sure to get enough rest and keep a healthy balance between writing and other aspects of your life.
Practice self-care: Take care of your mental and physical well-being. Whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones, self-care can help you stay motivated and energised to write.
By pacing yourself and recognising when you need rest, you can avoid burnout and maintain long-term motivation for writing your novel.
Staying motivated while writing a novel is about finding a balance between discipline and inspiration. By setting realistic goals, establishing a routine, finding inspiration from others, and allowing yourself the freedom to write imperfectly, you can keep your creative energy flowing. Celebrate your progress, engage with a community, and take breaks when necessary. Remember, every word you write brings you closer to finishing your novel.
If you'd like more help bringing your writing to life and getting it in perfect shape before publication, whether it be a basic proofread or full edit, get in touch to find out how we can work together.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Commenti