Publishing Secrets

Do It Now Part 3: What to Do When the Words Don’t Come Easy

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Episode notes

In this episode, you’ll also hear: 

  • Why not writing can sometimes be the best way to get motivated to write again — and how to take productive writing breaks
  • How to find inspiration in other authors’ works
  • What to do if you don’t have the kind of support you need as a writer
  • How to practice rewards-based motivation when the words don’t come easy
  • A powerful combination that will help you find success

It's normal to have days — or even weeks! — where you don't feel like writing. The important thing is not to let those days turn into months or years. So here are a few tips to help you get motivated when you don't feel like writing.

1. Take Time Away from Writing

This may seem like counterproductive advice, but sometimes taking a break from writing is exactly what you need to get back on track. When the words don’t come easy, writing gets overwhelming, and you don't feel motivated to keep going, give yourself permission to step away from your work and time to focus on something else. 

Use that break as an opportunity to do something that brings you joy, like:

  • Spending time with your spouse 
  • Hanging out with friends 
  • Going for a walk in nature 
  • Watching a funny movie

Whatever helps clear your mind and leaves you feeling refreshed and energized, give yourself permission to do it! Enjoying activities that are unrelated to writing can be exactly what you need to give your creativity the space to thrive — and then it will be able to lead you back to writing with greater motivation than you had before. 

2. Read Other Authors

Reading other authors’ work can be really helpful when you just don't know what to say or the words don’t come easy, because it gives you an opportunity to learn new techniques and gain fresh perspective. Plus, it can spark your inner creativity and fire, propelling you into a place where you can’t seem to stop writing because you want to share your own point of view on a word, phrase, or idea those other authors have written about. 

When you read books by other authors who write in the same genre as you, or that focus on the same types of topics that you do, you can then tap into their wisdom to get the spark you need to get going on your own project. Now you have a fresh perspective and newfound enthusiasm, and now writing doesn't seem like such a chore anymore. So if you feel stuck and you need motivation, consider turning to other authors for help.

3. Join a Community of Writers

Generally speaking, it's so much easier to do things in a community than to do them on your own. It makes a huge difference when you have someone in your circle who knows you’ve committed yourself to a particular goal and can encourage and inspire you to stay on track. 

Unfortunately, not everyone has that type of support when it comes to writing. If that’s you, you might need to join a writing community either online or in your local area. Joining a writing community can be an invaluable source of motivation and accountability, as it gives you people to share your writing successes and challenges with, and who can offer both understanding and constructive criticism when needed. 

Having your tribe, your people to engage with, can provide a much-needed boost of encouragement, as well as helpful tips and advice to help you move forward. So if the words don’t come easy and you're trying to do this thing alone, don't let doubts or discouragement keep you from writing! Look into joining a writing community instead.

4. Practice Rewards-Based Motivation

This concept is talked about extensively in the book The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. Essentially, rewards-based motivation works because it incentivizes us by pushing us forward because of something that we're looking forward to. 

For example, you might take yourself out for coffee after completing a chapter of your book, and buy yourself a new coffee pot after you finish your entire first draft. But it doesn’t have to be big or expensive — it just has to be something that will make you feel rewarded for your progress and motivated to continue writing. This can help you break through those creative blocks that are holding you back from reaching your goals. 

You Have the Power!

You have the power to be a motivated writer. You just have to tap into strategies like taking time away from writing, reading other authors, joining a writing community, or practicing rewards-based motivation, so you will be more determined to push forward — even when the words don’t come easy. Every writer is different, so take some time to experiment with each of these methods to find what works best for you.

It’s also important to remember that you can achieve success through the powerful combination of patience, persistence, and prayer. This is a marathon — not a sprint. So don’t beat yourself up if you don’t see immediate results. At the same time, don't be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone. You may be surprised which strategies are able to jumpstart your productivity. 

Even When the Words Don’t Come Easy, You’re Not Alone

It's hard to stay creative and motivated when you're struggling to put pen to paper. Plus, not being able to write consistently can be really frustrating, and it can feel like you are the only one who is struggling. 

But remember that you are not alone. The Christian Authors Network is here to help you stay motivated and creative as you write your book. Our free monthly challenges are designed to give you that extra push of motivation, while a supportive community helps you to keep going even when the going gets tough and the words don’t come easy. 

With us by your side, it will be easier than ever before for you to reach those words-on-paper milestones! So become a part of this close-knit group of writers who have each other's backs through thick and through thin. 

Join us in the Christian Authors Network, and tap into a wealth of resources and a community of authors just like yourself.

 

BIO:

My name is Tamara "Coach Tam" Jackson and I am a published author, Facebook© Certified Digital Marketer, host of the Top 100 Publishing Secrets podcast, and founder of The Christian Authors Network (C.A.N.) Facebook© community. I specialize in helping mission-driven authors, coaches, and entrepreneurs increase their exposure, impact, and income through strategic self-publishing and digital media appearances. Just say yes and we will work together to attract a tribe of loyal followers that 1) "get you", 2) love what you do, and 3) are happy to invest in your book, business, cause, or movement. Plus, we will accomplish all of this without fake, salesy, sleazy, or manipulative tactics. Yes you CAN write, publish, and profit in a way that honors God; join the community today at https://christianauthors.net/fbgroup.  

 

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