How to Find Motivation to Write
4 ways to get motivated and unlock your writer’s block
photo by Andrew Neel on unsplash
As a writer, it’s common to go through periods of time where your motivation to write is low, or the words just won’t flow. We often call it writer’s block! Some people find that waiting out this period works better for them, while others want to push through it and write anyway. Whatever you choose, there is support out there for writers, and finding community can make you feel less alone while you’re facing these challenges. Here are a few tips and resources for you to try that may just help cure your case of writer’s block!
1. Go for a walk
Sometimes taking a break and going for a short walk can clear your mind and bring inspiration for writing. Wear some comfy clothes, bring a notepad and pencil, and your favorite music if that helps you write, and see what comes to mind. You may just work out a few character details or plot points, or find some beautiful imagery to use along the way!
2. Accountability groups
Finding an accountability group or writing community of your own is a great way to make connections with like-minded people also interested in putting time into their writing. There are many options for finding a writing community from Twitter lists/hashtags, to Discord servers where you can chat with other writers and host study voice-calls, and of course, The Poetry Club where we host monthly write-ins, workshops and a private community to meet other writers like you.
3. Co-working/study streams
If you find that you work best alongside someone else, co-working streams may be a good option for you. Through Twitch or Youtube, you can search ‘co-working’ or ‘study’ and find live streams of other people working through school assignments, writing, thesis work, anything! It can also be helpful to tune into the same streams each week and make connections with people in the chat features on each site.
4. Pomodoro technique
A lot of study streamers use ‘pomodoros’ in their studying. Not sure what the pomodoro technique is? The pomodoro method is essentially working for a set period of time with no distractions, and then allowing yourself a short break. For example, a half hour of non-distracted work, then 5 minutes for a break to check messages, social media, whatever was on your mind during the working period. Then repeat through the day! Here’s a pomodoro timer online you can try out:
Other helpful links and resources:
Forest app: motivate yourself by growing a forest while you study! Downloadable on desktop/smartphone
I Miss My Cafe: set the perfect ambiance for your at-home work using this website
LifeAt Space: pick a virtual workspace from your favorite anime, famous libraries, cozy coffee shops, and cities across the world.
It’s important to remember that while writing is thought of as a solitary task, it doesn’t have to be isolating. There are so many resources out there for finding a community and support, and once you find what resources work for you, finding that motivation to write will come easier. Happy writing!