315: From Stuck to Finished | Azul Terronez

Motivational Tips for Aspiring Authors

Writing a book is an exhilarating journey filled with excitement and promise at the start. However, as the days progress, there are moments when the initial spark diminishes, leaving many writers staring at a blank page. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I delve deep into the reasons behind this loss of motivation and offer actionable strategies to reignite the writing fire within.

The Clarity Conundrum: Gaining a Clear Vision

One primary reason writers lose motivation is a lack of clarity. At the inception of a book idea, the vision may not be entirely fleshed out. This ambiguity can lead to uncertainty and eventually, writer’s block. I underscore the importance of having a clear understanding of your book’s purpose and message.

Strategies for Gaining Clarity:

✍🏻 Elevator Pitch Exercise: Be able to succinctly describe your book in 90 seconds, answering what it’s about, who it’s for, and why it needs to be written.

✍🏻 Mind Mapping: Create a visual map of your book’s themes, characters, and plot points to see the broader picture.

Finding Your Deep Why: The Core of Motivation

A robust, personal reason for writing your book is crucial. Often, writers start with altruistic motives, like helping others, which while noble, may not be compelling enough to sustain long-term commitment. I suggest having a why that is both personal and meaningful to you.

Defining Your Why:

✍🏻 Self-Reflection: Ask yourself why you want to write this book. Is it to achieve fame, share family stories, or grow your business? Be honest with your reasons.

✍🏻 Visualization: Envision your life post-book publication. Imagine book signings, seeing your book in stores, or reading reviews. Make these visions vivid and detailed.

Streamlining Ideas: Avoiding Overwhelm

Having too many ideas can paralyze your writing process. I point out that trying to cram every thought into one book often leads to complexity and overwhelm.

Streamlining Techniques:

✍🏻 Focus on One Idea: Narrow down your topic to the smallest, most manageable part.

✍🏻 Prioritize and Allocate: List all your ideas and decide which ones are essential for this book and which can be saved for future projects.

Overcoming Mental Blocks: Writing Without Thinking

Overthinking can be the bane of a writer’s existence. The habit of constant self-criticism and doubt can stifle creativity. I advocate for a method he calls “writing in presence,” which involves letting go of judgment and allowing words to flow freely.

Practices for Writing in Presence:

✍🏻 Timed Writing Sessions: Set a timer and write non-stop until it goes off. This reduces the tendency to self-edit while drafting.

✍🏻 Stream-of-Consciousness Writing: Write whatever comes to mind without worrying about coherence or grammar. This helps unlock deeper thoughts and ideas.

Rewards and Accountability: External Motivators

While intrinsic motivation is fundamental, external rewards can provide temporary boosts. I mention using small rewards like specialty drinks or new pens to mark writing milestones.

Setting Up Reward Systems:

✍🏻 Daily and Weekly Goals: Set specific, attainable targets for your writing sessions.

✍🏻 Reward Yourself: Plan small rewards for meeting your goals, whether it’s a treat, a new book, or something else you enjoy.

Joining a Writing Program: Structured Support

Sometimes, the journey of writing a book requires structured support and accountability. I talk about the benefits of joining writing programs where expert guidance and peer encouragement can make a big difference.

Benefits of Writing Programs:

✍🏻 Mentorship: Learn from experienced writers who have successfully navigated your challenges.

✍🏻 Community: Gain encouragement and accountability from fellow writers who share similar struggles and triumphs.

Ignite the Passion and Keep Writing

Reclaiming your motivation to write involves a combination of self-awareness, clear purpose, practical strategies, and sometimes, external encouragement. By gaining clarity, defining your why, streamlining your ideas, freeing yourself from overthinking, and leveraging rewards and structured support, you can overcome the hurdles that stand between you and your finished manuscript.

Join us again next week for more captivating insights from influential authors and publishing experts. Remember to subscribe to Authors Who Lead and visit our website for more show notes and past interviews.

That’s all for this week. If you have a message inside of you that needs to be written, today is the day to start. Don’t delay—take action.