Motivate Yourself to Write

As funny as it sounds, the actual act of writing is often one of the last thing a writer wants to do. There are plenty of moments filled with self-doubt, procrastination, distraction, fear, and a million other emotions that can keep you from putting words down on the page.

Don't worry! You are not alone. Many writers, even professional ones, have the same sort of writing anxiety as you do in front of your computer screen. Having writing anxiety is not the problem: the important thing is to find out how to motivate yourself to write. Once you figure out the writer's block fixes that work for you, you'll be one step closer to being a better and more efficient writer-on Associated Content or elsewhere.

Motivate Yourself to Write #1- Read

As funny as it sounds, reading can actually motivate yourself to write. Read other people's articles at Associated Content. Read blogs and news clippings. Read great, great books. Everyone who wants to write should read Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott; I have a copy that I read anytime I think I can't write another word. Keep a pen and paper handy wherever and whenever you read. Take notes, jot things down, scratch them out and start over again. Actively reading will not only make you a better writer, it can motivate you and give you a bunch of new ideas. Just make sure to put down the book eventually and pick up the pen!

Motivate Yourself to Write #2- Listen to Music

Some people need it absolutely quiet to write. I, for one, am the exact opposite. My soundtrack propels my writing. Even if you think you need silence to concentrate, try putting on music you really enjoy. You may find that it provides the inspiration you need to keep writing. I personally put on jazz when I write: its tempo and repetition help me stay concentrated.

Motivate Yourself to Write #3- Photographs

You might be surprised by this one, but try taking a look at some great photography next time you don't feel like writing or can't think of an idea. Look at classic photos and things that were taken this week. Yahoo has a great page of the best photos of the week from around the world. Great photography can bring out a lot of emotion as well as give you ideas for your next topic. What do you feel when you look at that photo? I think that emotion is one of the fundamental components of writing, so anything that stirs you up inside can go a long way towards motivation.

Motivate Yourself to Write #4- Change Your Environment

Stuck in the mud working at the same desk every day? Change things up. Go to the city or the country. Take your laptop to a coffee shop or just a random street corner. If you can't get out, rearrange the items on your desk or simply move your orientation. If you're stuck in writer's block, sometimes all you need is a little change in what you see around you to start the creative juices flowing again.

Motivate Yourself to Write #5-Just Do It!

There are going to be tough times when you sit down to write. Some days will be good and some days will be bad. That's just the nature of the craft. However, if you are able to persevere and keep going, there's no limit to the amount of progress that you can make. Writing is one of those things that is very hard to get worse at, and that requires a lot of practice. AC is really great for this. Even if you feel like you're having an off day, AC can give you some positive reinforcement for your efforts. Don't think about the dollar signs when you write, but know that with each word you type, you move ever closer to your goal of being a better writer.

I hope this article was useful in getting you motivated to write, or giving you some strategies to get over the painful frustration of writer's block and back to the page. You can do it. There is no writing goal that you cannot accomplish with enough hard work and perseverance. Keep at it and good luck!