Embarking on the journey of writing a book is an act of both courage and determination. But this road can be long and filled with unexpected twists and turns, and even the most dedicated writers can find their writing motivation dwindling.
Let’s dive into the reasons behind procrastination and the tools that can help you stay inspired to see your writing dreams reach that final chapter.
Why Do Writers Procrastinate So Much?
Here are the most common reasons why writers tend to procrastinate.
Fear of failure
- The blank page can be a daunting judge. This fear of imperfection, of putting forth less-than-stellar work, can be so paralysing that it’s easier to not write at all.
- Imposter syndrome: That sneaky inner critic can plague even accomplished writers, whispering that you’re not skilled enough or don’t have anything worthwhile to say.
- Lack of structure: Book writing is a mammoth task. Without a clear roadmap and smaller milestones, it’s easy to feel rudderless and unsure where to focus your energy.
- Perfectionism: The desire for every word to shine from the first draft is a recipe for stagnation. Aiming for flawless prose too early stifles creativity and forward progress.
- Distractions: Modern life is a symphony of interruptions. From those tempting social media notifications to well-intentioned family demands, focus can quickly be eroded when facing the blank page.
7 Steps: How To Stay Motivated When Writing a Book
Let’s combat these motivation-zappers with practical strategies:
1. Set specific, achievable goals
“Write a book someday” is too vague. Instead, create SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Bound). For example, “Draft 1500 words for Chapter 2 by Friday.” Take into consideration steps that are important when publishing.
2. Create a dedicated writing space
Establish a distraction-free zone that becomes your creative haven. This tells your brain it’s time for deep work as soon as you sit down. Invest in noise-cancelling headphones if necessary, and let your family know this space means “do not disturb.”
3. Schedule your writing time
Don’t wait for inspiration to strike. Block non-negotiable writing appointments in your calendar, even if it starts with just 30 minutes. Consistency is vital to building the writing habit and momentum.
4. Don’t edit as you go
Silence your inner editor during the first draft phase. Focus on getting your raw ideas out and avoid plagiarism – there’s plenty of time to analyze and revise later. Think of this stage as sculpting messy clay; the form takes shape first, and refinement comes after.
5. Find an accountability partner
Regular check-ins with a fellow writer or a supportive friend can make all the difference. Share your goals, your progress, and even your struggles. This adds positive external pressure and a sense of camaraderie to keep you on track.
6. Recognise and Face Your Fear (Imposter Syndrome)
Remember, your first draft is yours alone – embrace its imperfections as a natural part of the process. Journaling can also be helpful, allowing you to identify those nagging doubts and start to replace them with more empowering thoughts.
Imposter syndrome and how to overcome it is a common struggle for many writers, especially when tackling a project as substantial as writing a book. It’s that nagging voice that tells you you’re not a “real” writer, that your work lacks value, and that you’ll ultimately be exposed as a fraud.
7. Reward yourself
Positive reinforcement is powerful! Set milestones and celebrate achieving them, whether it’s treating yourself when you hit 10,000 words or organizing a celebratory coffee date with your writing buddy after chapter completion.
How Do You Stay Motivated to Finish Writing a Book?
To keep the fire alive throughout the lengthier stretches of the project:
- Focus on your “why”. Hold the reason you started writing close to your heart. Why is this story or research important? How might it change someone’s perspective?
- Visualize success: Picture the completed book in your hands, imagine readers absorbed in your words. Use this vision to fuel those tougher writing days.
- Connect with readers If appropriate, find a beta-reader group or share excerpts with your target audience. Their excitement and feedback will reignite your own and serve as a powerful reminder of why you write.
And If you need an extra spark here is your daily book writing motivation quote: “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” – Louis L’Amour
Once you have a finished manuscript, it’s time to start thinking about the path to publication. If you’re looking for a straightforward and accessible publishing process, consider working with Lambert Academic Publishing. We specialize in turning academic works and research into professionally published books.
Our process is easy to navigate and we take care of the complexities of publication so you can focus on sharing your work.