Writing: My top tips for getting motivated

We’ve all been there; you passed the ruins of an old building while on holiday or saw a news piece about an incredible feat and felt utterly inspired to write your next big seller about it. You then get home, start writing and then don’t make it past the first paragraph. 

Writing, especially creative writing, is a skill – one that doesn’t have an on-and-off switch. You have to work up to writing and you must be inspired. You must also be disciplined. 

There are my top five tips for getting motivated to write.

1. Be inspired.

I touched upon being inspired by a location or story, only to then fizzle out and have nothing come of it. The key here is to keep that spark of imagination alive for as long as possible.

Don’t wait until you get home to start working. Use voice memos or the notepad on your phone to start jotting down your ideas. Most of the time, I find I end up scrapping half of them eventually. But there’s nothing better than coming across old musings and thinking “oh yeah, I forgot I was going to kill that character that way.”

Next thing you know, you’re back on track.

2. Put words on the page.

This might seem like a no-brainer, but you have to put words down. However, for many writers, starting your piece is often the hardest part. 

My advice is to just start writing. All of the musings, character conversations, ideas, descriptions of people, places and action scenes – just dump them on the blank page in front of you. And don’t hold back – if it’s a raunchy sex scene, a gruesome murder or difficult conversation, this is the time to get it out there. Only when you have something tangible that’s written down, can you start the editing process and build your story.

The best bit about starting is that you don’t have to do a lot of thinking. Just let your brain process your thoughts and the products of your imagination, and allow your fingers to materialise them. A lot of the time, I will cull most of this work, but I guarantee that there’s always a nugget which leads me to a pot of gold eventually.

3. Timing is key. 

Find a time to write that works for you. I’m easily distracted and find that my best work comes late at night. I spent many-a-session bidding my partner goodnight and later going to bed just as his alarm goes off.

Equally, you must schedule time in your calendar to work. Whether it’s getting up an hour earlier or sitting down after with your laptop after dinner, the key here is to make it a habit.

If time is hard, I often negotiate with myself that instead of reading a book before bed, I spent that time working on my own. This is especially good for proofreading a hardcopy. For many, the prospect of public transport is a loathsome experience, but for me, I revealed an additional two hours of my day that allowed me to be productive, which I wouldn’t have otherwise had sat in the driver’s seat.

4. Location, location, location.

A teacher at school once told me never to do exam revision or homework in my bedroom. It’s a place of rest and somewhere to retreat to. When you work in your bedroom, you’re subconsciously making it a place that you associate with stress or thinking. I’ve kept this with me and applied it to my adult life too. Today, I work from a desk in my dining room.

Having a good set-up is vital to your writing success. Your desk needs to be in a place that’s bright, warm, has a good air supply and somewhere that can be shut away. That last point is vital – if you’re easily distracted.

5. Arm yourself with the right tools.

You don’t need a state-of-the-art laptop or a studio workshop. However, you do need to invest in both a good chair and desk; you will be sat in and at both for lengths of time. Being comfortable is the key to successful writing.

I also like to keep a few staples nearby, which I find helps keep me sane, occupied, and generally well-spirited:

• A desk lap – If I’m working long into the night, this saves me getting up and turning the big light on. Once I’m up that means a toilet break. Followed by a snack break. Then I’ll unload the dishwasher before checking the laundry and playing with the cat until she gets bored.

• A plant – I like greenery, especially when I’m being creative. My dining room is filled with plants because they filter the air and induce a sense of calm. I also have a fern on my desk, whose leaves I quite like brushing while I’m thinking.  

• Pens and paper – The best notes are always jotted down onto paper. Just make sure you can read your own writing. When thinking I also love nothing more than doodling because it helps me to focus.

• A small toy (or some to fiddle with) – Keeping my hands busy when I'm mulling over ideas or trying to work things out helps me hone my thoughts. I find that playing with a stress ball or kneading blue-tack are among the best tactics for focussing.

• Water, lip balm and hand cream – It’s important to stay hydrated, and self-care is very important to me. These items are always about my vicinity. 

Lastly – and it’s not vital – but I find that either having a big screen or using an additional one to work from really helps me focus. At the very least, I always use two browsers. One is solely for writing and has the tabs with all my various notes. The other tab is where I allow myself a separate space to research. I find that I’m more inclined to switch screens and come back to my word processor quicker because I can simply swipe my fingers and I’m back in the story. It also reduces the opportunity to be distracted.

6. Look after your mind and body.

I won’t teach you how to suck eggs, but it goes without saying that you need to look after yourself when enduring stints of writing. Getting away from the screen and getting some exercise, preferably in the fresh air, helps to recharge your batteries and realign your focus. Also aim to eat well. Schedule meals away from your desk, but allow good snacks like fruit and nuts with your tea or coffee breaks. 

I can’t work to music, at least not my favourite music. One minute I’m writing an intense monologue that inspires my character’s army and the next thing my loneliness is killing me and I must confess I still believe. When I’m not with you I lose my mind. Give me a sign. Hit me baby, one more time. 

Wordless music is definitely the way forward.

7. Break it down

The prospect of writing a novel with a minimum of 50,000 words is a daunting task. Break it down and organise your thoughts. Write a physical list and helpful timelines that you can follow and tick off when completed. 

Set minor goals for yourself, like writing your next chapter by the end of the week. The next goal might be that you edit it the following week.

8. Reward yourself

Finally, with each goal post you reach, make sure you reward yourself accordingly. This could be anything from “after proof-reading these three chapters I’ll make some lunch” to “when this book sells a million copies I’ll buy that car.”

Tips for writing your novel

The first draft is always the easiest. You’re at your most excited stage and aren’t jaded by your wreckless typos yet. The hard part comes with the proof-reading and editing. You’re always going to be your own worst critic, so try and be kinder to yourself. Respect your craft and trust your talent. You’ll be fine.