Finding Motivation to Write & Complete the Novel
Novel Writing Tips & Hints on How to Stop Procrastination
May 26, 2009
The writer might have a fully-formed idea in their head, posses accomplished writing skills and have their writing tools at their disposal, yet might still be tempted to do the washing up first. So often it happens that the writer puts it off until teatime has arrived and is left wondering where the time went.
How to Beat Procrastination When Completing a Novel
The core of the problem could be anything from habit, hear of the inner critic, to the dreaded writer’s block. Before delving into such matters, the culprits to time wasting must be removed. These might be:
- Surfing the web
- Emailing
- Telephoning friends or family
- Getting caught up on TV
- Non-essential chores (excluding parental commitments)
- Browsing through catalogues
Removing oneself from these distractions will be difficult at first and a little cold turkey might be experienced. This might mean sitting in the shed or shutting oneself in the bedroom.
Book Writing Tips to Cure Wasting Time
Lack of distractions can be bewildering and the first few words are always the hardest. The following strategies might help move things along:
- Setting oneself small goals for the writing. Just ten minutes a day is better than nothing, even if half the time is spent staring at the page.
- Making a pact with oneself by writing down how long or how many words to be committed might reinforce each goal.
- Taking the writing tools everywhere for when the muse comes. The day is full of empty moments, waiting for the bus, sitting in the car.
- Rather like the story of Pavlov’s dogs, setting aside a particular time slot and a place to write could eventually condition the subconscious into clicking into writing mode.
- Ensure this time is free of commitments and occurs at a time when the mind is most alert.
- Award oneself with a prize after the writing session, even if it is just a cup of tea.
- Some writers practice free writing, which is writing whatever comes to mind during a quiet time.
Creative Writing Advice for Writer’s Block
Persistent lack of motivation could be due to a lack of enthusiasm for the novel Perhaps the plot is a little flat or the characters lack life. A general rethink could be in order. The following might help bring the spark back:
- Liven up a particular scene by introducing tension, comedy or an embarrassing situation to the characters within. This might make the scene more fun to write
- Look for a flat character and introduce a quirky detail, a secret phobia, a shameful secret or desire to make them behave in an interesting way.
- Be ruthless. If a scene or character remains flat, cut, cut and cut some more. The author will strangely liberated afterwards.
- It might help to move onto a climatic scene. Ideas might present themselves whilst writing it, such as how to build more tension towards it. No one said the novel had to be written sequentially.
- There is nothing wrong with relating this problem to another, but never discuss the idea of the novel. Keeping the story secret is vital in retaining the writer’s creative energy.
How to Stop Procrastination when Writing a Fiction Book
Becoming a writer requires discipline and determination, but various strategies can be used to overcome procrastination when it strikes. There are no hard and fast rules about writing, but it is important to get to know one’s preferences, such as the time and the place to do so. Small goals will help move things forward, but persistent lack of motivation could signal a problem with the novel and a rethink might be in order.
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