Missing In The Snow

How to Stay Motivated as a Writer.

I ran a poll to celebrate reaching 50 reblogs because you guys are amazing, and this topic won the poll.

(This is a bit lengthy, but I advise you to read to the very end. These are the kind of tips you rarely find without a fee, but for your amazing support so far, you get this from me for free.)

Let's dive in!

Before I became a writing coach, lack of motivation was something I battled with. Writing started to feel like a waste of my time, but whenever I stopped, I still found my way back somehow.

After a few more months of struggling and finding a clear routine that worked for me, I became a writing coach. Believe me when I say that it was such a commitment, and you'd never know until you get your first student.

I only knew how to stay motivated as an individual. After two students, I realized that motivation was also something they struggled with, and as their coach, it became my duty to offer solutions. In fact, nine out of ten writers struggle with this same problem, so I came up with the 'why and what' technique.

What is the 'why and what' technique?

This technique is a template to figure out the main reason a writer isn't motivated at the current time, which allows for the provision of tailored and personalized solutions to solve the specific problem. In other words: Understanding the why (the main reason for the lack of motivation at the time) to figure out the what (effective solution to solve the main reason).

Lack of motivation is pretty subjective and varies widely. Giving a particular piece of advice may work for some and not for others, which is why I ensured my technique benefits all.

I'll give examples of common reasons writers lack motivation for writing using the template. If you don't find any that relate to you, write it in the comments and get a personalized solution from me.

1. Lack of Inspiration

Why:

- Feeling uninspired by current projects.

- Overwhelmed by the vastness of ideas.

- Stuck in a creative rut.

What:

- Change your environment: Sometimes a new setting can spark creativity. Try writing in a different location, like a park or a café.

- Consume creative content: Read books, watch movies, or listen to music that inspires you.

- Engage in Free Writing: Set a timer for 10 minutes and write whatever comes to mind without worrying about structure or grammar.

- Take a step back: You are no less of a writer if you decide to take a break and watch other writers from afar. Personally, it's difficult to write when I'm not inspired. I find myself editing more than usual and, at times, discarding the piece I spent hours on. So for a little while, I only engaged online and learned other ways to improve my skills with the time on my hands.

2. Fear of Failure

Why:

- Worrying that your writing isn't good enough.

- Comparing yourself to other writers.

- Fear of negative feedback.

What:

- Set small goals: Break down your writing project into manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

- Seek constructive feedback: Share your work with trusted friends or writing groups who can provide supportive and constructive criticism.

- Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Always remember that our writing styles differ from one another, and that is what makes us unique as writers. 

3. Lack of Time

Why:

- Busy schedules and other commitments.

- Difficulty prioritizing writing.

What:

- Create a writing schedule: Dedicate specific times in your day or week for writing and stick to it.

- Use writing prompts: Short prompts can help you get started quickly and make the most of limited time.

- Eliminate distractions: Find a quiet space and turn off notifications to focus solely on writing.

- Create or join writing challenges: Activities like the 3-day writing challenge, writing a novel in 6 months, the 7-day character creation challenge, the fantasy writers challenge, etc., have specific guidelines tailored to helping writers stay motivated and at the same time productive in limited times.

4. Perfectionism

Why:

- Striving for perfection in every sentence.

- Reluctance to move forward until everything is perfect.

What:

- Embrace the draft: Accept that your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. Focus on getting your ideas down first.

- Set time limits: Give yourself a set amount of time to write and then move on, even if it's not perfect.

- Practice self-compassion: Remind yourself that it's okay to make mistakes and that writing is a process.

-Listen to writing podcasts or join a valuable writing newsletter: You will learn more about the writing industry and writing processes of other established writers, their wins, struggles, difficulties, appreciations, etc., which can serve as an assurance that you are facing the processes of a typical writer. 

Here's a podcast and newsletter for writers I totally recommend—The Shit No One Tells You About Writing. You can listen to The Shit No One Tells You About Writing on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify or sign up for their newsletter.

5. Burnout

Why:

- Writing too much without breaks.

- Feeling exhausted and mentally drained.

- Stressed out from other engagements 

What:

- Take regular breaks: Schedule breaks during your writing sessions to rest and recharge.

- Engage in other hobbies: Spend time on activities you enjoy outside of writing to refresh your mind.

- Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve focus.

- Listen to music: It's an amazing mind therapy. 

6. Lack of Support

Why:

- Feeling isolated in your writing journey.

- Lack of encouragement from others.

What:

- Join writing communities: Connect with other writers through online forums, local writing groups, or social media.

- Find a writing buddy: Partner with another writer to share progress, provide feedback, and offer mutual support.

- Attend workshops and events: Participate in writing workshops, conferences, or webinars to learn and network with others.

- Get a writing coach: Find a coach that will dedicate their time assisting you through your writing processes. 

7. Working on Too Many Drafts Simultaneously

Why:

- Overwhelmed by multiple projects.

- Difficulty prioritizing which story to focus on.

- Constantly switching between drafts, leading to a lack of progress.

What:

- Prioritize projects: Choose one or two main projects to focus on and set the others aside temporarily. This helps you concentrate your efforts and make significant progress.

- Create a project schedule: Allocate specific times or days for each project. For example, work on one story in the mornings and another in the afternoons.

- Set clear milestones: Break each project into bit-sized, manageable tasks with deadlines. Celebrate when you reach these milestones to stay motivated.

- Limit new ideas: Keep a notebook or digital file for new ideas, but resist the urge to start new projects until you complete your current ones.

- Use a timer: Work on one project for a set amount of time (e.g., 25 minutes using the Pomodoro Technique) before taking a break or switching to another task.

8. Frustration of Not Completing Any Stories

Why:

- Feeling stuck or losing interest in projects.

- Perfectionism preventing you from finishing.

- Lack of a clear plan or direction.

What:

- Set realistic goals: Define what "completion" means for each project (e.g., finishing a first draft, reaching a certain word count) and work towards that.

- Embrace imperfection: Accept that your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. Focus on getting the story down, and you can revise it later.

- Find accountability: Share your goals with a writing buddy or group who can help keep you on track and provide encouragement.

- Reward yourself: Plan small rewards for completing sections of your work. This can be anything from a favorite snack to a relaxing activity.

- Reflect on your progress: Regularly review what you've accomplished to remind yourself of your progress and stay motivated.

- Set a clear outline for your story: Having a clear and detailed outline for a story makes it difficult to run out of ideas. 

- Share your achievements with others: Achievement posts are one of the posts that receive more engagement from people. I'm quite aware of Substack. The notes with the highest engagement have to do with achievements. People find those notes empowering and inspiring. Share your wins with others and let them celebrate with you. 

9. Working on Too Many Drafts

Why:

- Perfectionism leading to endless revisions.

- Difficulty deciding when a draft is "good enough."

- Fear of publishing an imperfect work.

What:

- Set a draft limit: Decide on a maximum number of drafts (e.g., three to five) before moving on to the next stage.

- Establish clear goals for each draft: Define what you want to achieve with each draft (e.g., plot consistency, character development, grammar).

- Seek external feedback: Get input from beta readers or a professional editor after a set number of drafts to gain fresh perspectives.

- Create a timeline: Set deadlines for each draft to avoid getting stuck in a cycle of endless revisions.

10. Trying to Earn with Your Writing

Why:

- Financial pressure to monetize your writing.

- Balancing creative passion with commercial viability.

- Navigating the competitive market.

What:

- Diversify income streams: Explore various ways to earn from your writing, such as freelancing, self-publishing, blogging, or offering writing services.

- Build an online presence: Use social media, a personal blog, or platforms like Tumblr, TikTok, and Instagram to showcase your work and connect with potential readers and clients.

Remember, If you don't find any that relate to you, write it in the comments and get a personalized solution from me.

- Offer exclusive content: Create special content or giveaways for your audience to increase engagement and loyalty.

- Learn marketing skills: Invest time in learning about book marketing, SEO, and social media strategies to effectively promote your work.

- Network with other writers: Join writing communities and attend workshops or conferences to learn from others and find opportunities for collaboration.

Remember, If you don't find any that relate to you, write it in the comments and get a personalized solution from me.

Reblog to save for later 😉. Once again thank you for supporting my blog!

The vampire spat out your blood. "God, what have you been eating?!"

Smile out of spite

They want you to cry

Not here, not tonight

Existence is resistance

You are here, despite all odds

Thriving in the cracks they tried to seal

You are magnificent

Your roots are strong

One day you'll reach sunlight

But for now?

You know how to do with less

Grace glowered over the laptop. "What makes you think you earned it?"

Felicity huffed. "We need to be able to work together."

"You're obsessing over this," Grace said.

"Trust is important if we want to crack this code."

"I'm helping you find your brother," Grace said. "That's the extent of this relationship."

Felicity sucked in a breath. "Oh. Fine. Yeah. I guess then, fine." She fiddled with the notepad in front of her. "So. Uh. How's your mom."

Grace slammed the laptop down. Felicity flinched.

"Stop. STOP IT, FELICITY! God, you ALWAYS do this! You always draw me back into your-- your family drama time and time again, and-- what? You think I owe you SMALL TALK?" She picked up the laptop and began stuffing it into her bag when Felicity touched her arm.

"Grace, I'm sorry, you're right," Felicity whispered. "I... You're the only one who... Helps me and I..." Her lip trembled.

Grace looked up at the sky and sighed. She released a long, low growl and placed the laptop back on the table. "Don't. Don't look at me with those eyes," Grace muttered. "I just... Stop. Stop trying to draw me back in."

"I'm not," Felicity protested. "I'm just--"

"Listen, let me do what I do best, and we can go back to never talking again," Grace said, voice hard. She tapped the keys of the laptop so aggressively it seemed they should pop off.

Felicity sat in total silence, watching Grace at work. For hours Grace worked, her anger slowly replaced with total concentration. Felicity tried to focus on her end of the research, but as the hours drew on she grew tired. She left to get two coffees, and returned to find Grace sitting back and looking very satisfied with herself.

"Come here," Grace said. "I found something."

Felicity set down the two coffee cups and stood behind her.

"The coordinates your brother sent you aren't his true coordinates," Grace explained. "They're the keys to a cipher. Look at this."

She typed the coordinates into Google Maps. "See? Every time he sends you a new coordinate, it's wildly different. This place is in the middle of the ocean. Buuut if we compare it to the letters he sent you," she reached over the stack of letters Felicity brought with her, "The letter that mentions the Atlantic Ocean? That's the key for that letter. So then, if we grab this, this, and this--"

"That's only a few hours away!" Felicity finished. She pulled Grace into an enormous hug. "Grace! Thank you thank you thank--" She froze, realizing her error.

Only, Grace looked frozen too. Felicity pulled up her arms quickly.

"Grace, look, please, I'm sorry--"

Grace closed her eyes. "I... You... Keep... Hurting me, Felicity. I can't keep doing this. I can't keep coming back to... This."

"I know. I understand. I... Thank you." Felicity moved to go.

"...Wait." Grace grabbed Felicity's hand. "You're not going alone, are you?"

Felicity blinked at her. "...Yes?"

Grace closed her eyes. "...Oh, you're going to be the death of me."

She gathered her laptop and grabbed the coffee.

"Come on, I'm driving," Grace muttered.

"Wait, really?" Felicity nearly squeaked.

Grace gave her ex a long suffering look.

"But this doesn't mean we're getting back together," she said firmly.

"Do you trust me?"

"You keep asking me that."

"You keep avoiding the question."

Pacing Writing tip

Here’s the thing about pacing: it’s the heartbeat of your story. Too slow, and the reader flatlines. Too fast, and they can’t catch their breath. You need to know when to hold back and when to push forward. Slow down for the emotional beats, the quiet moments of character development. But when the tension builds, you hit the gas and don’t let up until the reader’s hanging on every word. Pacing isn’t about keeping a steady speed, it’s about the rhythm of highs and lows that keeps your reader glued to the page.

The rain is coming down hard and unrelenting. The roads are muddy and slick, unlit and miserably cold. You are aimlessly seeking shelter when none but your nemesis stops beside you.

"Come to gloat?" you shout over the rain.

"Always," they call back with a smile. "Looks like you need a ride."

Your teeth are chattering. Your head is pounding. Your clothes are sopped.

"No, thanks. I love it out here," you snap.

Their smile drops. "Get in. We need to talk."

Lively chatter and the swell of festive music warmed the cold air. The protagonist had settled into a rhythm passing out food in the soup kitchen, greeting their guests with a smile, when they locked eyes with a certain unexpected visitor.

"T-this isn't what it looks like," their rival stammered.

The protagonist stared back, because how could they not. "I thought your parents were rich," they blurted.

"T-they... They are," they said, face burning red.

"Then why are you here?"

The villain found the hero stocking cans in Big Box Store.

"Is this why I haven't seen you lately?" The villain asked disappointingly.

"Heroism doesn't pay," the hero said. "My folks want me doing something more practical with my time."

The villain leaned on a shelf. "They do if you work for the Agency."

The hero grunted and plopped a particularly enormous box down. "The Agency rejected me multiple times. I have to- ugh -earn money somehow." They sliced the box open violently. "Besides, you think those hospital visits were cheap?! Move over. You're blocking the shelf."

"Wow, someone's a little grumpy," the villain said. They shifted to block the shelves even more.

The hero slammed down a can. "I told you to MOVE OVER--"

"Hero!" Someone barked.

Hero froze. The manager.

"I am deeply sorry for their behavior," the manager hurriedly said to the villain. "Hero, you do not under any circumstances raise your voice at one of our guests. That is not Big Box Store behavior. Apologize this instant or consider this your dismissal."

"Sorry," the hero mumbled.

The manager glared expectantly.

"I'm very sorry," the hero tried again. "I should not have raised my voice. It was not a reflection of Big Box Store values, and it will not happen again."

The manager gave a satisfied nod and left.

"... You think I can get them to make you kiss my shoes?" the villain snorted.

The hero launched at them.

By the time the fight was over, half the canned foods aisle was in shambles. Needless to say, the villain had their nemesis back the next day.

However, the hero started receiving a generous stipend from an anonymous benefactor, making the job search a bit less urgent...

"Consider it done, my king," said the Right Hand, a slow smile spreading across his face.

"S-Surely you can't be serious, y-your highness," the Advisor balked. "P-please, you must--"

The King grabbed the Advisor by his collar. "When I begged for an audience with my father, when I pleaded with him to spare my mother, what is it you said?"

"T-the king's word is law," the Advisor murmured, a haunted look in his eyes.

The king's hand tightened. "And when my sister and I were banished to the Northern Wastes, what is it you said?"

"The... The's king's word--"

"And when my sister was ill, and I pleaded for my father's mercy, what is it you said?"

"P-please, sire--" The Advisor gagged and kicked as the King lifted him from the ground.

"Be thankful I pity you," he spat. "As spineless and self-serving as you are, be thankful I find you pitiful enough to spare your life." He dropped the Advisor bodily, and he scrambled away on hands and knees.

"Be thankful I'm sparing all your miserable lives," the King said, addressing the throne room of what was once the most powerful subjects in the kingdom.

"My king," said the silver-tongued Duke. "It pains me to hear of the trials you have endured, but not all of us are culpable in your treatment. Perhaps we could--"

The King rounded on him. "You? YOU of all people?"

The Duke huffed. "You intend to make enemies of us? To destroy our lives for petty scores?"

The throne room ignited in cacophony, with constituents screaming in indignation. The Rebels, donned in the armor of a royal guard, sprung to life to quell the screaming masses. The Right Hand went for his sword, but the King shook his head. Subjugated, the throne room silenced once more.

"How readily you have all forgotten," the King said, "whose blood is on my hands. Be forewarned that I do not shy away from spilling more, but I will not be like my father."

He gave the Right Hand a long and weary look. "I... choose to not be like my father."

"You are to be banished to the Northern Wastes," the King continued, voice hard. "You will be given a forenight to collect your valuables, and then will be escorted to the border by my men. Your families will be given the option to join you or to remain here, stripped of their titles."

"How do you expect us to survive?" The General snapped. "Winter is almost upon us!"

"Perhaps it is unkind of me to leave you without options," said the King. "So, you may choose. Execution, or exile? I can promise you a swift and painless death."

"If you think you've heard the last of us, mark my words--" The General began, but the Right Hand removed his blade, and the General silenced with a whimper.

From the scabbard of the blade came a thick, impenetrable mist that permeated the room. The Advisor scrambled to the King's boots on hands and knees, shaking and pleading, "Oh God, spare me, spare me! I'll go to the Wastes! Just no! Please, I have a family! I'll do anything, please!"

The King pulled his boot back and looked away, a mixture of discomfort and disgust. "Right Hand, stop. This wasn't our agreement," he said firmly. Too long, the Right Hand glared back. Though the Right Hand was shorter and of a smaller build, in that moment he was much more imposing than the King.

"It isn't?" He said, a hint of a threat in his voice. "After everything?"

"No. They have families." The King said, voice distant. "I won't be like my father."

The Right Hand laughed mirthlessly, but nevertheless he drew back the mists and put away the scabbard.

"You will all be escorted to your homes to prepare for the long journey," said the King. "If you attempt to flee, you will forfeit your lives."

Most who had seen the mists in battle left quickly, and any who attempted to linger were forced out by the Rebels. Alone with the Right Hand, the King slumped in his throne.

"It's time for me to collect on our bargain," said the Right Hand, breaking the silence.

The King froze, then turned. "After everything?" He breathed. "And-- now? I thought that--"

"I made you king," said the Right Hand, gripping his chin. "I upheld my end of the bargain rather marvelously. Your enemies are in gone, and you bathed in the blood of your father. You have everything you ever asked for."

The King shuddered. Though he hated the man, and did not regret ending his life, the memory of the slick, metallic blood coating his mouth made him sick. His father's blood. The former King.

The Right Hand narrowed his eyes, which began to faintly glow. "I upheld my end of the bargain. Do you intend to keep yours?"

The King grimaced and closed his eyes. "One year."

"One year?" The Right Hand glowered.

"One year. I..." The King struggled for words. "Consider this a revised contract. One year. And I will pay interest."

"I'm not interested in gold," said the Right Hand. "You know that. What else could you possibly offer me?"

The King could not meet his eyes.

"Why are you stalling?" The Right Hand pressed.

The King handed him a slip of paper, then hung his head.

The Right Hand sucked in a breath. Then, slowly, he smiled.

"One year then," he said. He clapped the King on the back. "With interest. It's a deal."

The King covered his eyes with his hands.

"What is your first decree as king?" "My generals and advisors are all banished to the Northern Wastes." "Wh-What?" "My father's empire was a ruthless, evil rule that destroyed the lives of his subjects. All those in leadership are banished. If you return, you will be killed."

Prompt #82(pt. 2)

(Y'all begged for a part 2, so here it is! Enjoy ;)

Part 1

By @writingpromptsworld

The villain huffed, their cheeks tinting a shade of red. They hoped it wasn’t noticeable to the hero. They were already feeling so embarrassed. “What do you know about being a villain.” They tried to sound annoyed.

The hero didn’t stop, though. They snorted, taking another step forward. “I was one, a long time ago.” The villain looked into their eyes; all they could see was honesty. 

“Right, sure. I believe that.” They babbled. How could the number one hero ever have been a villain? From what they could recall, the hero had endangered their life more than multiple times to save the civilians. 

The hero’s lips widened again, their eyes crinkling at the corners. It was hard not to stare at the hero. The villain licked their lips nervously. 

“You’re rather cute, you know that?” The hero teased further. 

The villain swallowed. “You–...what?” Their eyes widened, caught off guard. They were about to lose their cool and fall to their knees. It wasn’t fair– what the hero was doing. Using the villain’s inexperience to their advantage. 

“What? You are. First of all, you come in here, again,  sniffing my coat rather confidently. And lying about it–you’re not hard to read even in the dark. Then you ogle me shamelessly. I mean, how cute can you get, you know?” 

The villain let out an involuntary whine. 

The hero brought up a hand to the villain’s cheek, and the villain immediately nuzzled into it. “You should leave.” 

The villain didn’t move. 

“So desperate, it’s almost pathetic.” The hero mused, their thumb gently caressing the villain’s cheekbone. The villain sighed in response. 

The villain opened their eyes; their faces were a breath away. They stared at the hero's lips. The hero smirked, before closing the gap and kissing them.

The villain, in fact, stayed there the whole night.