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Ideas for getting my motivation back?
I had a short story published in The People's Friend 10 months ago, my second one, but since then I've not been able to find the motivation to sit down and write another, although I've had plenty of ideas. Family health worries are a big concern at the moment and likely to remain so, which seems to take up all my energy. I'd love some ideas to get my motivation going again. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Comments
I don't think you can force it, and sometimes other things are a priority, so don't worry too much. Nothing wrong with keeping it on the back burner for a while. I would suggest writing down your ideas though, so when it does come back (and it will) you have something to kick start your work.
Good luck!
Just to keep the brain tick-tocking, try a ten minute free writing session, just take a random prompt and write.
Then when you're able to spend a bit more time writing, the motivation will kick in.x
There arequite a lot of free to enter competitions for flash fiction, so aiming at one of those might spur you on.
Our local evening paper recently added a slot for short stories. At writers' group we challenged ourselves to submit something. The paper published two of my stories - it does boost confidence to know you can still do it. Several other members had theirs published too.
I need a goal to get going - a deadline for a competition, someone expecting something from me, etc. I find a theme helps me to focus.
You could set yourself a goal. Maybe work through the alphabet and start with a consecutive letter each time. Look for submission and competition opportunities; you don't have to enter.
But don't fret. It will come back to you. A writer is always a writer. You just need a clear head.
Heather, how do you manage to be short and longlisted all over the place when you haven't written anything for a year?
Though must admit it's getting a bit thin.
If you have a blog, I can thoroughly recommend the weekly Friday Fictioneers challenge because it encourages you to write 100 word stories every week. (And it's fun.)
Have a look at Lizy's blog to give yourself an idea of how it works:
http://lizy-writes.blogspot.com.es/
Mine is here: http://susan-a-eamestravelfictionandphotos.blogspot.com.es/
You have until the end of the month. Now there's a deadline for you!