I heard Debbie Macomber – romance author – speak at a convention put on by the Alberta Romance Writer’s Association in Calgary. It was quite a few years ago – yet I still remember – her ability to motivate was phenomenal. She spoke with enthusiastic zeal and I found myself wanting to rush home and write – because I needed and wanted to. I applaud her ability to motivate.
Unfortunately, Debbie hasn’t answered my requests to stand beside me and motivate me when I just don’t feel like writing. So I need to investigate tools that might motivate me to write. Although I find an odd variety of information I gain from researching helpful in new ideas and stories, what about the story I’m writing at the moment? It’s easy to put it aside and start a new one. But it doesn’t go towards helping complete a novel. I often hear people, acquaintances, friends and relatives, who want to write a novel. I know of a rare few who do so although they might have a box of ‘ideas’ all ready.
Everyone must find their own motivation. Although other people can help – in the end it’s up to you to complete a novel, no one else can do it for you. For myself there are various methods I use for motivation. I have three contacts I often receive advice from which is motivation to me. I was at a stalemate in writing my new novel – Seraphim. I want to thank Lesley Fletcher – her subtle words, not intending to tell me what to do, motivated me. Just a slight direction change and my creative juices started flowing. Thanks to Lesley, Harriet and Sean, those three people who often keep me focused.
I have discovered that nature, a fun time with friends (like a group going to the Calgary Stampede) or a visit to a place I love (Heritage Park in Calgary) all motivate me. I find watching a child motivates me. Studying interaction between people I don’t know motivates me. I am a people-watcher without being obvious by just staring. Traveling motivates me. Spring motivates me. Sunshine motivates me. Rain and rainbows motivate me. Horses motivate me. Sometimes a movie or a book motivates me – either as learning what to do or what not to do.
Everyone must search their own methods for motivation. Motivation – will definitely help you complete your story. Good luck.
Mary M. Forbes - Author 