It's time for Insecure Writer's Support Group hosted by the Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh!
We "meet" the first Wednesday of every month and discuss our writing
insecurities.
I lack motivation to write. I have too many distractions and get nothing accomplished. I need inspiration to write and when it triggers, I write like there's no tomorrow. But I've been busy with family, so there's not much time to write except to blog, comment, check Facebook statuses of my awesome bloggy friends, tweet something once a week and pin away on Pinterest.
So long story short, I have a writer's block. I really want to get back to writing film reviews and dive into writing fiction this Spring.
What motivates you to write?
Go back and remember what triggers your writing. What are you watching or reading, or maybe what are you doing. I draw a lot from movies and reading, and usually something there will trigger an idea. Although the one I have right now came from a song...
ReplyDeleteUgh, writer's block is the worst! And, once you've been blocked it is that much harder to get motivation to write... I use my tumblr account for visual inspiration, or life in general. I make sure that I'm getting out of the house and experiencing things! Music sometimes helps too! And reading!
ReplyDeleteTry reading more. It helps spurn the creative side into action. Right now, I'm suffering from the opposite. I want to write, but I've been so busy the past few days that I haven't had a chance to do so.
ReplyDeleteMy usual problem is my head doesn't let me writ. At times like that, it's fun to just string together random words. Editing can be done later.
ReplyDeleteWhat motivates me to write is knowing that when I don't I start to feel down and out. The characters of my stories wanting to be written or completed begin to start some mess inside, so I've got to at least get some of them out!
ReplyDeleteTechnically you are writing, because you're blogging, Tweeting, etc. But I know what you mean about feeling blocked when it comes to fiction writing, because that's a different form of writing, of course; what keeps me going is the thought of what it would be like if I gave up on writing altogether. It sounds contradictory, but it's true, because I know that I would miss fiction writing too much.
ReplyDeleteMy motivation is a little slow to arrive. I have to read or write in my journal for a little bit before I'm "feeling it."
ReplyDeleteHopefully you'll move past it soon!!
You sound exactly like me, Livia. I've taken to leaving my current WIP lying open around the house - it's printed out in a folder, and I refuse to tidy away until I start working on it again. So far, it's making a really good mug stand!
ReplyDeleteLife happens when we're trying to write, doesn't it. I go through waves too and recently read a couple of arguments that actually (gasp) buck the notion of daily writing.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.shewrites.com/profiles/blogs/on-not-writing-every-day
I thought this article was particularly interesting.
I agree with the others, sometimes life just gets in the way. And that's not wrong necessarily, just the way it is. If you're able at some point, try to invest some time into the things that really inspire you. Re-watch a favorite movie (or go see a new one in your favorite genre), go to a show or a concert you've wanted to see/hear, re-read a couple of your favorite books, maybe even spend some time in nature. Whatever it was that spurred you to want to write or create in the first place, try to get back in touch with it.
ReplyDeleteIt'll come when life settles down, and that will eventually happen, too. :-)
Sometimes I just have to wait for motivation and that's okay. Those down times I can use for other pressing things. You'll find your motivation; I know it. :)
ReplyDeleteYou sound like where I was a few months ago. Truth be told, heavy social media use can contribute to a block. Everyone's balance is different, but I'm confident you will find what works for you.
ReplyDeleteAnd your writing is awesome. Keep crack'n! :)
It's so nice to know that I'm not alone in this very same struggle... my lack of writing has depressed me so much lately that I've considered deleting my Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest accounts altogether.
ReplyDeleteYes, reading something really great makes me want to write!
ReplyDeleteGood luck finding inspiration again! Writer's block is definitely the worst...
ReplyDeleteReading a good book or movie can sometimes give you the spark you need to get back writing. But sometimes you just have to block off some time in your schedule just for writing. It can be difficult at first, but the feeling of accomplishment is usually enough to get the ball rolling again. I'm sure you'll find your motivation soon! (:
ReplyDeleteI almost always feel motivated to write, but I don't always have the inspiration to go with it. I live for the times my typing fingers can't keep up with my brain.
ReplyDeleteWhat I do is push myself to write some (nearly) every day and only abandon the effort if I'm so totally blocked that I'm cranking out junk or not making progress at all.
Reading good fiction or flipping through a craft book will usually spark my inspiration, but sometimes I have to take a break and do other things.
The best inspiration, IMHO, is a story that is screaming to be told.
Reading a good book and listening to music... for me, two great motivators.
ReplyDeleteHang in there, Livia. Life happens, and it's usually because there's lots of things to write about after it has:)
ReplyDeleteSometimes, a break is needed, and then sometimes I break out a timer and make myself write for 10 minutes, then 20, then so on, until I get past the block. Write junk and then revise, that's my motto. Hope your writer's block breaks soon!
ReplyDeleteI'm all for brief writing breaks to replenish the muse. Nothing wrong with that. What motivates me tho, is spending time outdoors, reading new books, watching new films. Then I can't seem to turn it off! lol
ReplyDeleteAll the living you're doing will one day be fodder for a story. Nothing in life is wasted, so don't worry.
ReplyDeleteAll of you motivate me!
ReplyDeleteI think it's so hard to balance writing with social media, sometimes it's hard to focus on both! I hope your writer's block will not last too long, and I'm sure you will meet your goals for writing in the spring. Sounds like a great plan. :)
ReplyDeleteI've started joining writing sprints on Twitter. I tend to get more writing or revising done when I know there's other people working on the same thing at the same time I am :)
ReplyDeleteI don't use Pinterest but it might be cool to look at some of your pics and see if they inspire you. Imagine you're in the pic. What is happening? If they're people what are they doing, thinking?
ReplyDeleteOr there's free writing, a lot of people recommend just writing longhand for about 20 mins, ideally when you wake up. See if it comes to anything.
Good luck!!
Ugh. Hard, isn't it???
ReplyDeleteI just keep pushing... it's the only thing that really gets me out of my funk. I still haven't been able to decipher why the magic comes and goes---I just push through with faith that the inspiration will be back soon!
I hear you, Livia! :D