Smut Writing 101 - Stuff that helps
Staying Motivated to Write: How to Overcome Obstacles by Ruth D. Kerce
In our busy schedules, it's often hard to find time to do what we love--write. Household chores, family and friends, our "day" job--all use up precious hours and exhaust us to the point where we are no longer motivated to write. What is the solution?
COMMITMENT First, you need to make a decision about your writing. The decision should be an honest one, not influenced by the expectations of others. Are you writing as a hobby or as a career? If you're writing as a career, then you need to treat your writing as a "real" job, as important as any other job. Lack of true commitment is a large obstacle that blocks motivation, creativity, and the ability to achieve your goal-- publication.
FINDING TIME One of the biggest obstacles a writer faces is lack of time. Even if you think that you have virtually "no" time during the day, you can find at least a free 15 minutes--whether it's before you leave the house in the morning, on your break at work, during lunch, or right before bed. Do this EVERY day. Be creative in finding time to write. Search for those moments during the day when you're idle. If you're waiting in line for something, be sure you have a note pad and start writing. You'll be surprised at how good you feel, even if you only produce one page a day. It will motivate you to find even more time to write.
INTERACTION How many times have you tried to talk to non-writers about your craft, only to have their eyes glaze over? This can result in the "nobody understands me" obstacle, which stifles the desire to write. Take at least one day a month (more if possible) to interact with other writers in person. There's no better motivation than talking to people who understand the "fire" that lives inside a writer. Join a local writers group for support and to discuss techniques in writing; join a critique group to get feedback on your work--preferably one with writers who are at your level or above in their writing; join an online discussion list to talk about the business end of writing. These lists will often consist of a diverse group of people with varying backgrounds and experiences, and can be a good source of valuable information.
READ, READ, READ Read as many books as you can in the same line that you're targeting. It's a good way to compare your writing to what's being published. Do you still have a long way to go, or is your writing comparable to what you're reading? If your writing is at the level of what you're reading, then reading will keep you motivated while you continue to write and submit, knowing it's simply a matter of time before you sell. If your writing isn't at the level of what you're reading, then a good book can inspire you to overcome whatever obstacles are weakening your work. Study the book and learn from it.
VOLUNTEER WORK If you feel like you're not really as involved in the writing industry as you should be, then volunteer to judge in writing contests, or lead a discussion group, or some other activity. This can be a great motivation to achieve more in your writing by removing what feels like a "wall" between you and the business. However, don't volunteer for so many projects that you don't have time to write. How do you choose? Be sure that each project gives you something back in return--such as name recognition, establishing good contacts, or the possibility or more opportunities coming out of what you've done.
Different things motivate different people. Find out what works for you and keep doing it. Remember, though, true motivation comes from the inside. We all get tired and discouraged, but in the quiet times, you know in your heart whether or not you're a true storyteller. If you are, then that's the greatest motivator of all--believing in yourself.
~~~~~~~~~~
Copyright (c) 2000, Ruth D. Kerce Writer of historical and contemporary romances, and webmaster of Addicted-to-Romance.com Sign up for the *Whispers of Love* newsletter at http://www.addicted-to-romance.com - or - mailto:Addicted-to-Romance-subscribe@yahoogroups.com