“How do I get motivated to write?” It’s the number one question I get asked from new authors and other creatives. I’m not surprised when I’m asked this because I too struggled with this same issue for many years. And after writing and publishing two books, I still can’t claim complete victory. However, I can share a few tips which I’ve learned along the way that help get me over the hump each and every time I get #writersblock.
Tip 1 - Turn up the music.
It’s said that music gives the soul to universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything. I find this to be so true. Especially since I believe that music holds memories. When I’m creatively void and can barely get a sentence or two written, I turn to my playlist. Listening to my favorite song and belting out the lyrics to a catchy hook gets the emotions going and the ideas flowing. Extra Tip : Curate a playlist for each one of your projects.
Tip 2 - Watch your favorite movie.
Nothing generates the warm and fuzzies like an old classic! It brings back the nostalgia of the good days when we were young and free. We all have a movie in the vault that we watch on repeat where we cry and or laugh at the same exact unforgettable moments. For me, it helps me bring my characters to life. What do they look like? What do they sound like? How do they react to conflict? How do they interact with each other? Shameless plug: I can’t wait until SIDELINED becomes a movie or mini series. Extra Tip : Start each project with dialogue and build around it. That way you can hear and feel the conversation and then visualize what is happening to and around your characters.
Tip 3 - Read a book by your favorite author.
After much comparison and then berating yourself for not being born with their natural talents or have the creative genius that they’ve been blessed with (and you realize that you will never be able to write like them), you begin to find your own voice. Remember, no one can write like you. And as the great poet Maya Angelou said, “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” So dry your tears and just write! Extra Tip : Read books in your genre. Research how they navigate their characters when they get in a sticky situation. You may get inspired.
Tip 4 - Brainstorm with your bestie.
Writing is very personal and the scariest thing ever is to share with your friends simply due to the fear of being judged. No one wants to feel like they’re not good enough or feel like they’re being talked about in a negative light. But if you’ve been blessed with a true friend, you should share your ideas and or projects with them. They know you best and can sometimes make suggestions that can grease the skids to get you writing. Extra Tip: Create an outline for your work and run it by them (especially if your book is inspired by true events). LOL
Tip 5 - Write drunk, edit sober.
Best advice I’ve ever received. You’ll thank me later.
P.S. You can reach me @bwillbooks on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. :)
Happy Writing!
Bianca Williams is an award-winning author. She was born and raised in Baltimore County, MD. She discovered her love for creative writing at college while pursuing a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Management. After graduating at the top of her class, achieving a 15+-year career in finance, and co-founding an event planning company, Bianca began penning her autofiction series. When she isn’t writing, Bianca is using her platform to empower women in life, business, and relationships. Know the Plays, or get Sidelined is her signature slogan.
SIDELINED: The Contract, the third and final installment of the SIDELINED Series, is coming to a book store near you. #2020 #shareblackstories