How to keep going

Photo by Vek Labs on Unsplash

The hardest thing about maintaining a consistent writing practice is staying motivated.

I don't know a writer who hasn't at one point or another thought—what's the point? Why am I doing this?

Last week I took a one-day workshop with screenwriting coach Corey Mandell, and he asked us this question:

Why is this your dream? What is motivating you to pursue writing?

This is a great question to ask a writer at any stage of their career. 

I'm still mulling over my answer.

It's a big question.

All I know is that before I became a writer I had few interests and was good at nothing.

I took my first writing workshop when I was 20 and thought—I'm doing this for the rest of my life.

I haven't looked back despite the few highs and many lows. Somehow I've managed to keep trudging along. It hasn't been easy. It's mostly been hard. 

But I never thought about why I was doing it, I just did it.

I still don't have a answer to this question. I'll save that for another blog post.

In the meantime, here are some tips if you are having a low moment where either you don't feel like writing or don't see the point in it. 

Things to do if you don't feel like writing or working on your project or if you feel like giving up:

1. Do a morning free-write where you write anything and somehow ideas start to come. 
2. Read something you love.
3. Do some experimental writing exercises.
4. Give yourself permission to not write for awhile.
5. Eavesdrop  on conversations.
6. Collaborate with another writer.
7. Find a buddy who will help keep you accountable and who you can check in with.
8. Make a writing date with another writer either in person or on Skype where you just write together but on your own projects.
9. Take a break from social media (I have not done this one but should).
10. Give yourself permission to stay away from literary events and other writers. This may sound mean but can be helpful if you're in a not-good space.
11. Take in some other form of art. Go to a movie, play, art show, performance (thanks to Danielle Egan for this one.).

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