I think it's one of the things that has kept me so in love with writing—no one makes me do it. I choose it each day.
It's also why there are so many people who talk about writing a book without ever actually doing so. Because sometimes the choice is hard. No one will make you get out of bed early to write before you head off to school. No one will force you to edit that scene again because you just know it could be better.
That's why communities like Go Teen Writers, great writing friends, and other writing groups are so valuable. They're the rare place that you can be motivated by others who are working toward a similar end.
What helps you stay motivated?
Knowing that one day I could be published. That would just be sooo cool. And that if I did get published, that I could spread God's word through my books.
ReplyDeleteVery motivating thoughts indeed!
DeleteMy family and friends who want to read it---Savannah
ReplyDeleteAww, that's nice. Supportive family and friends are the best :)
DeleteMy friend who's also writing a book. And I knew her as a friend before knowing her as a writer. Neat. :)
ReplyDelete~teensliveforjesus.blogspot.com~
I have a friend like that too. It's great, isn't it?
DeleteOh, I love that!
DeleteWhat helps me to stay motivated.... That's a hard one. Perhaps the fact that I just like it? Writing is like playing with words, and I love that art.
ReplyDeleteAlso the idea of possibly being published, I guess. I mean, without writing, it will definitely not happen, will it?
arendedewit.blogspot.com
I totally agree. Part of the motivation is just that it's FUN :)
DeleteJust the step into the world of blogging has done me a lot of good...
ReplyDeleteOh, that's interesting. Just the sense of community? Or something else?
DeleteFor me it's the pleasure I get when a story clicks after having work so hard on it, and everything works. It's a great sensation of fullfillment.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, as everyone, I'd love to be published, one day. But even if that will never happen, I'll write anyway ^_^
Same here. And it's so wonderful when you see hard work pay off like that.
DeleteWhat motivates me is that every time I read a book I always think about things that I would've changed or when I go to a bookstore or library I think of stories that I would love to see on the shelf. But to see them on the shelf, I have to write them myself.
ReplyDeleteWriting the type of books that you wish were available is a great motivator!
DeleteA lot of things motivate me to write! Thinking about my story and picturing certain scenes in my head is a great motivator for me. The third book in the trilogy I'm writing is so far my favorite idea so I am motivated to write more so I can get to it quicker. :) Also, other writers motivate me! Especially word wars and Camp NaNoWriMo that I just finished.
ReplyDeleteOh, and writing at the Grand Canyon a couple of weeks ago really motivated me. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, cool!
DeleteThings that motivate me to write:
ReplyDelete~Writing is my true passion.
~I have so much fun when I'm writing.
~Finishing a story on which I've worked so hard.
~This blog, other blogs about writing/reading and people that encourage me in the comments of my own blog.
~Challenges like the GTW word wars and Camp NaNoWriMo.
~My family because they like reading my stories.
~My dream of publication. I'm not really sure whether I should pursue publication or not, though, because I would really like to be an engineer full time and an author part time, but I'm not sure that that would be okay with publishers and/or agents.
What a great list!
DeleteMany, many writers have full-time jobs. Agents or editors wouldn't be bothered at all by that. And engineers make really steady, consistent money while writers don't, so that could work out perfectly for you.
Oh, good. That is such a relief to hear. I just wouldn't want to pursue publication now as a teen and get sucked into an obligation to pursue writing as my full time job for the rest of my life. I absolutely love writing, but like you said, writers don't have a steady income, so I just want to make sure that I'm doing something more practical for a full time job.
DeleteThe idea that one day the world might enjoy the worlds I dream up is what motivates me to keep writing :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I read others books and enjoy them, I treasure that feeling and would love to give others the same feeling about what I write.
I hope you write those authors and tell them, because someday you'll be so excited when readers write those kinds of letters to you!
DeleteDefinitely my characters. I know that if I just simply stopped writing a story I would never know what life has in stores for them at the end of the book. I have to keep writing for my characters, and everything they represent for me. I created them, each one a part of me, all fabricated into words, and the beautiful fact that they are all mine.
ReplyDeleteI've felt that way with books too! Where I want to keep writing because I like this character so much. Good one!
DeleteThis is a really interesting post, I find the idea one I haven't ever really thought of as a writer, but even as I write this it's twirling about in my thoughts and making me consider! I think self motivation is very important in a lot of things, though perhaps especially so in writing since it's not something you *have* to do, but do because you feel it within you and need to get it out. You don't have to do it for others, you have to do it for yourself, maybe.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post! It was great!