Creative writing is one of the most demanding jobs one can have. It goes without saying that many writers lose steam along the way, abandoning writing altogether or even choosing a different job that is easier to do.

From experience, I see that motivation is what keeps one going when the days are dark. But how does one stay motivated to write when faced with discouraging events that seem to make it hard to sit your butt down and write? The following points might help.

DEFINE YOUR WRITING GENRE AND STICK TO IT
I see a lot of nairaland writers passing themselves off as being able to write all genres. That's the number one mistake most writers make. Every writer, whether they are conscious of it or not, has a unique writing style that differentiates them from others. Identify yours and develop it because that's your unique selling point. Delving into areas you're not so good at will only serve to make your work unappealing and unoriginal. Ultimate, it will make you lose motivation. Don't try to be a jack-of-all-trade writer.

However, this is not to say that you should limit yourself to just one genre if you have the talent and the capacity to do more.
Only be sure to identify your areas of strength and maximize your potential in that area. That way, you'll always stay motivated.

LET YOUR EXPECTATIONS BE REASONABLE
Having unrealistic expectations about writing can serve to lower your motivation if those expectations are not met.
As a newbie, don't be driven by the desire to make quick money. Focus more on honing and perfecting your writing skills and the money will come.

SET A REALISTIC TARGET FOR YOURSELF
I find that people work harder when they have deadlines or targets to meet up with. To stay motivated as a writer, you always need that little extra push that keeps you at your desk when your body feels like it needs to be drinking beer at the bar.
If possible set a daily target of, say 500 words, along with a long-term target of, say 3 books in a year. This will push you to keep writing to meet up with these targets. But in all, don't set a target for yourself that will be impossible to meet up with because that can also cause you to lose motivation.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS
As a writer, perhaps your greatest gift is a sharp, intuitive mind that continuously churns out it's ideas. Learn to ease your mind by taking it off work for a while.
To keep your mind sharp, get enough rest. Enjoy nature by going to the park or zoo. Do whatever it is you do to unwind. Sometimes, having fun has a way of triggering creative ingenuity. It's not all about work, you know.

CONNECT WITH THE SUPERNATURAL
As a writer of Christian literature, I find that connecting with God brings out the best in me. I don't mean going to church or indulging in church activities. I mean making out time to study your Bible and let God minister to you through His word.
As odd as it sounds, finding a secluded spot to study and meditate on the word of God can open you up to spheres of creativity that you never thought possible. Try it and see if it works for you.

As they say, "Different strokes for different folks." If there's something else that keeps you motivated as a writer, feel free to share it with us as a comment.

i've started and stop half way too many times, maybe with these i'll start again sometime tanks op for your words

Well,must say thanks a million for taking your time to sharing great tips,and do hope for more updates....see you then.

Ogamysamo:
i've started and stop half way too many times, maybe with these i'll start again sometime tanks op for your words

Please do start writing again. I hope to read your work someday.

vickybby:
Well,must say thanks a million for taking your time to sharing great tips,and do hope for more updates....see you then.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad you found these rips interesting.

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Ogamysamo:
lalasticlala
seun
mynd44

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