10 ways to increase your writing motivation

Writing motivation… You start your writing with excitement and enthusiasm. And then life gets in the way.

A book isn’t a quick win like a blog or an email, so how can you maintain your focus and increase your motivation and mojo when it drops?

I was recently asked for my tips on writing motivation and here are my top 10.

Pick the few that work for you and put them in place today!

1. Create your plan

I take all my clients through the Smart Author System, as it helps them to master each step of the process.

The first four principles are all about planning, because when you create a solid plan for your book before you get started, you’re less likely to face writer’s block.

Take some time to model how you work at your best and the process you tend to follow with clients. When this informs the structure for your book, it will give you a good framework to follow.

2. Schedule your writing

Schedule writing time in your diary and make it happen. If you don’t feel like writing during one of these sessions, work through the pain for 15-20 minutes and see how you go.

Imagine how great you’ll feel once you’ve finished. And at least you’ll write something, even if it needs editing later on.

3. Know your why

Get clear on why you’re writing your book and how you’ll feel when you finish it – and how you’ll feel if you don’t do it.

Take your ego out of the equation and consider the benefits to your potential readers.

Create a strong anchor of how you will feel, what you will see and what you will hear once your book is published and in the hands of the people who want to read it.

4. Break it down

Break your task into bite-sized chunks. The thought of writing a whole book can feel overwhelming, but writing a chapter in a fortnight may feel a little more doable.

If you could write productively for half a day a week, you can create a first draft of your book in less than six months.

5. What works?

Work out how and where you write at your best and do more of what works and less of what doesn’t work.

Next week, I’m off on my own writing retreat to do just that, as I know I write at my best in bigger chunks of time. When you pay for time out like this, you’re more likely to make it happen, as you will want to get a return on your investment. Plus, it’s great to be closer to having your book finished!

6. Give yourself a deadline

If you have a particular event that you want to have your book ready for, work back from your deadline and map out the milestones on your journey.

This will help you to work out if this is realistic, as you are likely to be writing your book alongside other things in your life.

Give yourself a buffer in case you need it and don’t underestimate the time it will take to edit and publish your book.

7. Get prepared

Imagine you were going to the gym tomorrow morning at 8am. The best way of ensuring that you’re out the door on time is to get out your kit the night before.

Do the same for your writing.

Instead of losing 30 minutes of precious writing time faffing around working out what you’re going to write, get prepared before you get started.

8. Use the pomodoro technique

Set an alarm for an hour and work on your book without distractions. When you take a breather, make sure you set an alarm for your break, so you get back to your writing.

But before you start, remove distractions – turn off your email, put your phone on silent, and get rid of anything else that may get in your way.

9. Fill in the blanks later

If you’re struggling with the writing itself, here’s a tip that may help you.

One thing I do is create the outline for my manuscript and if I’m not sure what to write in certain sections, I’ll add notes in another colour. This means that I know what’s where in my manuscript and I can go back to the notes when I have a bit more time or inspiration.

Just don’t overthink the process or get in your own way. You can’t edit a blank page!

10. Get writing motivation help

Use a book mentor or coach to support you. A good book mentor like me will keep you focused and accountable, give you feedback on your writing and voice, and encourage you on your journey.

I also focus on how you can maximise the results from your book whilst you’re writing and also when you launch it, so that your book works well for you and your business.

Which tip did you find most useful?

Hit the comments button below and tell me!

Ready to get support?​

​When you’re ready to get help with your book and ensure your writing motivation, here are three ways I can support you.

1. Join a Make It Happen day (via Zoom)

Like a mini writing retreat, spend a day with me to get focus. Whether you are planning, writing, editing or marketing your book, you will work alongside a group of like-minded authors, and get guidance, support and advice to make your book happen! www.librotas.com/make-it-happen.

2. Sign up for the Smart Author System

The Smart Author System is my six-week online programme where you’ll learn everything you need to turn your book idea into a manuscript ready to be published. Plus, you will discover how to self-validate and self-fund your book as you write it, so you don’t have to wait until your book is published to get results from your writing and expertise www.librotas.com/smartauthor.

3. Work with me on a one-to-one book mentoring programme

I work with a small number of people on a one-to-one basis, so if you want my personal support to help you to plan, write, publish and launch your book over the coming year, then ​click here to book a call.