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headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3815) [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4670: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3815) [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4671: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3815) [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4672: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3815) Horror World • View topic - Keep Motivated
Joined: Mon Dec 11, 2006 11:30 am Posts: 329 Location: Michigan
A problem I'm having at the moment... *eyes cards*
Writing a novel and multiple revisions can be daunting. There are many rest stops along the way that look oh so inviting. When you find yourself at one of those stops it can be difficult to restart the engines and get the creative oils warmed up again.
Here are some things I use to keep motivated -
Enlist friends and family to kick your arse when you procrastinate. Usually I reach a point where I know I have to get to work so I'll set my page count and let Hashy and Varulf know of it...and they bug me. "Did you get your X pages done today?" ... "No? Then WHY are you talking/reading/RPing and not writing???"
Try to keep your story and characters in your head as much as possible - while you're cleaning or working out or what not. This usually leads to scenes popping in on you that just have to be written or uncovers a fresh side to your character that you weren't aware of.
Read books on writing. I have shelves of them and I love them all. When I'm stuck or unmotivated I take a half hour out and read a bit of one. If I'm tired of my characters I'll read a character type one, tired of my plot I'll read one on plotting etc. Tired of everything - I read something motivational like Bradbury, Edgerton or Block.
Dream and keep dreaming. Imagine your first book signing or the new Convention you added to your Events this year or being able to meet your favorite author or getting into your favorite writer's association. Imagine being able to write full time and not have that boss sniffing at you all the time. Whatever dream motivates you - use it.
Readers. Readers keep me motivated. It makes my day to bring them stories that will transport them from day to day worries. To bring them magic, hope and fun. I write to entertain them and if I keep this in mind and keep in mind my stories might help someone forget a bad day I can keep on writing. The best compliment I've ever gotten was from Varulf when he read Night Wing while helping me edit and hone was "That was really fun to read!" That one compliment kept me going through two more revisions.
Set goals and keep them. If you're not under contract to finish a novel make one on your own. Then stick to it. If you fall behind treat it just like you would if your publisher or agent was breathing down your neck for it.
Anyone else out there with motivational tips?
_________________ <b>~Raven Bower
Author of Horror & Dark Fantasy
Joined: Wed Feb 14, 2007 10:13 am Posts: 29 Location: The Arctic Circle
Just one tiny addition to the pestering friends and family - Make sure they're the stubborn, tenacious kind who won't let you get away with procrastinating. To me, when Raven says she writes 10 pages - it means 10 pages or more. Any less, and I'll get on her case like a pack of wolves.
I'm terrible, I know.
The thing I find most motivational is deadlines and focusing on the writing.
When writing, I set myself a fixed deadline to get either the storyline, the first chapter, first ten pages etc done - and if I don't, the way I pester Raven will seem like a picnic in comparison to what I'll do to myself.
Focusing on the writing. Well, the problem that at least I have with motivation is that I'd rather be doing something else. I'm sure all here get the urge to watch television or similar while we're writing. Those moving pictures are just so tempting and it would be so much more fun to go watch the latest TV show or movie that sitting before the computer screen, staring at words that don't even do tricks. Well, I sold my TV. Problem solved. So now I can focus on the writing without any distractions; and since getting rid of the box, I've almost tripled my rate of pages per day.
Good advice, thanks. I don't think I could handle getting rid of my TV though. No more LOST, not a chance. It's the greatest show on TV, possibly of all time, at least IMO. I also like Smallville, Supernatural (lots of different supernatural ghosts and monsters each week here, Raven), Survivor and Heroes. I guess I like TV too much but those shows I mentioned help inspire me to want to write due to their creativity, so I don't think I could stop. And LOST trys to get their veiwers to read by tying several classic novels in with its mythology (a few books shown on the show as clues to the mystery are: Watership Down, A Wrinkle in Time, The Third Policeman,Turn of the Screw, An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge, Carrie, OF Mice and Men, The Gunslinger (Dark Tower series), The Fountain Head, and several others. These books are all supposed to somehow have part of their themes represented in the show. IT ROCKS!
Joined: Mon Dec 11, 2006 11:30 am Posts: 329 Location: Michigan
Lost...I've heard of that show elsewhere too. I don't watch TV either unless I'm checking for school closings for the kids and even that I really wish they'd put it somewhere on the net! Or send out emails.
But I do hear it's good. I heard rumor that this is the last season too? What's it about?
_________________ <b>~Raven Bower
Author of Horror & Dark Fantasy
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