Motivation or Lack Of

Motivation or Lack Of

‘It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.’

Confucius

Every writer faces the hideous phases of decreased motivation and it really eclipses the writing process and oppresses your creative juices. It isn't a particularly nice place to find yourself in and it is most likely the product of overwhelming yourself with work, without sufficient time in which to rest. The onset of decreased motivation can feel scary, you have a schedule and you need to stick with it no matter what and yet as the crippling lack of self-motivation deepens it becomes harder to keep up and you find yourself submerged in a frenzied panic, you may even find yourself having nightmares about your lack of work or creativity. For me personally it usually hits about six months after finishing a book or project. I spend at least eighteen months working on a book and the juices flow pretty well as I am swept up in the magic of writing. However even as I give myself a two month break after every project I almost always hit a brick wall as I begin to settle into a new project again and it is depleting and demoralizing. This lack of motivation is to me more prominent when writing fantasy based stories and in a way that makes sense, especially if the project is complex and deep. If you are writing on behalf of several characters and several story lines it is hard work, mainly because you find yourself chopping and changing every week or so.

Despite this always being a part of my schedule, a few weeks in which I find myself incapable of working, it doesn't bring ease to me as a writer. When I am not focused or working, I find myself floundering and indulging in self-pity. I begin to feel guilty on behalf of my characters and story lines and to myself I begin to feel as though I will never accomplish what it is I have set out to do. It begins to feel beyond my power and control and so when you find yourself in that place you must STOP.

STOP?

Put down the pen, close your laptop and walk away, no matter how hard it is to literally walk away.

You cannot be serious…right?

I know this may seem alien to you as it does me, but resting is the only remedy worth taking if you wish to ever finish what you have started. Your mind and your body are telling you to chill and you have to listen to them, because they actually know what is best for you. Your characters and stories are not going to fall into despair, they simply pause like you and take a rest. Spend a week or two away from writing, including blogs because they can become overwhelming too, especially when you are a self-published author trying to make a break through. It is a tough business and you can become enslaved to it and it can suck the creativity and love out of your writing and this is a dangerous place in which to find yourself.

But I will lose my following etcetera etcetera…

Better than losing the gift of writing right? Listen when you are writing books it is important to always keep in mind the reasons as to why you write. Are you writing so that you can become a successfully published multi-millionaire author? Or are you writing because you don’t give two flying fig rolls as to who reads your work or how many people read your work, simply because you love to write and you love your projects? If the latter is your reason then believe me having a rest will not alter your mind-set, in which love will not fade away into an abyss. If you are writing to become a successful author, all power to you as it is an incredibly tough business and you have to put everything you have into making it work out. Personally I have tried to make my writing into a business format, but have found it impossible as it drains the enjoyment and love out of something so precious. I highly doubt your followers will fall into a heap upon the ground if you take a week or two off to concentrate on yourself. Truth is this: if you don’t take that break then you will find it impossible to find your project, something I assume your readers etc. are anticipating, plus I would like you think that your readers and fans are human as well and understand how tough it is to write a book.

What should I do?

Grab that book you have been wanting to read for weeks and go and find yourself a quiet place in which to read it or if you prefer, go to a café and spend hours reading with a muffin and mug of tea. Spend time with your friends and family, maybe even go away if you can and find inspiration elsewhere. Bake or cook. Paint or draw. Buy tickets for a concert and bring a friend. Listen to music or play music. Personally, I go to cafes to either read a book, magazine or the Times. I also happen to love black and white movies, so I will spend time watching as many as I can. I also happen to love classical music and so I will find free concert tickets and go to an afternoon concert by myself and enjoy the time in which to sit and admire something beautiful. I may also challenge myself to play a piece of music on the piano, despite giving up my lessons when I was a teenager. I also happen to love exercising and find that brings me enjoyment and pleasure.

What if I am really suffering?

The world we live in today is fast paced and competitive. If you are seen to do nothing then you are lazy. However, I believe we are too consumed with trying to shove as much as we can into one day that simply forget how to stand still and admire all that is around us. If you are really suffering from lack of motivation, then I would urge you to stand away from your busy schedule and find time to simply be. If your body is exhausted, sleep until you feel re energised and also I would urge you to look at your diet, try to eat foods that will nourish your body and mind. If you cannot read, that’s fine. If you cannot go outside, that s fine too as along as it doesn't become the norm to hide yourself away from the world. Take small steps and do not feel shame or guilt for doing so. If you work outside of writing novels, then try to give yourself an hour every day in which to do something for yourself, take up a new hobby or simply spend the time resting. I promise you that you will find yourself ready to take up the pen when it is time and your work will be all the better for it.

To conclude…

If you love what you do then it will not fade away easily, if you are passionate about your book or books then that passion will be the driving force you need. Believe in yourself and trust in your gift.

Iseult O’Shea