Stay Focused as a Writer During Tough Times

It’s challenging to find ways to motivate yourself as a writer. Keeping the commitment to your goals means taking steps to keep your focus on future success despite difficulties and frustrations that block your path.

Writing Schedule

Committing yourself to writing regularly is the most important step to writing success. Frustrations and temptations in between you and the page, however, can keep you from spending time on the craft. By creating a writing schedule — with a certain number of pre-scheduled hours regularly committed to writing — you increase the chance that you’ll spend time honing your skills instead of flipping through television channels.

Set Goals

Having the long-term goal of writing success is good, but having a few short-term goals can keep you motivated on a day-to-day basis. Commit yourself to write a certain number of pages by a certain date — or sign up for a writing contest with a clear deadline for submission. Not only will it give you something to anticipate, it will encourage you to push yourself hard and stick to your schedule.

Expose Your Work

Keep trying, no matter how hard times are — or how many rejections you have tucked in your desk drawer. There are several inexpensive or free contests available for unpublished authors who want to share their work with others, along with online journals and critique groups. Whether you receive an advance, a prize, or simply a little feedback, knowing you took the chance and shared your work can be reward enough in itself.

Reward Yourself

Don’t hesitate to reward yourself now and then for meeting your goals or celebrate a triumph in your writing career. Splurge and buy a copy of a book you’ve been wanting to read — or treat yourself to a day off at your favorite hangout with no writing plans attached. Giving yourself a break now and then will keep your goals from overwhelming you and keep the writing experience fresh.

Focus on the goals and skills you want to achieve, but don’t forget the ultimate goal — becoming a good writer. No matter what challenges lie ahead, don’t give up your love for the craft of putting words on the page.