Written by Chelsea Lena Girard
In a world full of writers and literature junkies, it can be easy to get caught up in the charade of standstills with your latest written piece. A novel, a book of poetry and that last book report all left you with your mind full of anger and you just want to vanquish the roadblocks in every meaning of the word “writing”.
I took to the world of Instagram and Twitter to ask some self-published and traditionally published authors on the advice they would give to someone who needs some motivation towards their next literary work of art.
SB Maamari is an author, writer and visionary creator who posts on Instagram under @sb.maamari. Maamari advises new writers to let their writing be natural and never force an idea when it isn’t there.
“Write only when inspiration hits you,” says Maamari. “ If you write because you feel the obligation to, it will feel more like work rather than enjoying the journey.”
With every written work requiring an abundance of trust, productivity and passion, here are a few of my tips I like to keep near me while writing.
- Before you start, jot down some ideas to keep the writing process flowing.
- Write drafts, drafts and more drafts. Perfecting your work takes time so don’t rush.
- Remove distractions. Turn off all electronics and find a quiet place to be with your own thoughts so you’re not distracted.
- Write about what you love. If you aren’t passionate about your work, it will be reflected in your work.
19-year-old author from Seattle, Brianna Goux is a fantasy writer who believes that indulging in the world you’re creating is the best way to surpass writer’s block.
“When you get stuck, put down the pen and focus entirely on the world you’re writing,” says Goux. “To picture each detail of the scene that is giving you trouble and to fully submerge yourself within the story.”
Whether you’re writing a short story, novel or newspaper article, finding a piece of literature that moves you or something you wish you had written is the best way to structure your own piece of art. Being able to read reviews, critique the work of others and find out what you would do differently is what most new writers need in order to strive to the deepest level of understanding their own story.
S.E. Anderson, who goes by @readcommendations on Instagram, is the author of the Starstruck Saga whose ratings sit at a steady 4.8 out of 5 stars. She agrees with Goux as both have different advice they would give upcoming writers but both would agree that passion is number one.
“A tip I got recently would be to imagine your audience as a single person before writing your book,” says Anderson. “Write the book as if you’re telling this person your story. That will make it gripping and exciting to your audience, not to mention it will make the process of actually writing less intimidating.”
With every story written comes a time where every upcoming writer needs to take step back from their work and focus on what they want to produce. For author C.E. Clayton, who goes by @chelscey on Instagram, she finds taking a step back is one of the most productive ways to scrap your writer’s block.
“If you feel stuck or aren’t sure you should keep going, put your work down for a week or more and revisit with fresh eyes,” says Clayton. “You would be surprised by the new things you discover in your own writing by just putting it away for a little while.”
Despite your never-ending writer’s block and the blank paper you sit in front of day after day, I hope these motivational tips help you find your passion again in both your heart and on the page.
“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” – Toni Morrison
It is better to die for something than to live for nothing.