What To Do When You're Lacking Motivation Or Inspiration To Write Your Book

The Hard Truth About Writing a Book

Writing a book is hard—there’s no sugarcoating it. Crafting a complete manuscript, especially a novel, requires immense effort, focus, and determination. It’s no wonder that not everyone takes on this challenge.

Consider running a marathon. At the start, you’re filled with motivation and enthusiasm. As you progress, you may encounter the dreaded “wall,” where self-doubt creeps in, making you question your ability to finish. By the end, exhaustion takes over, and reaching the finish line feels almost impossible.

Writing a book mirrors this journey. You begin brimming with ideas and excitement, but as you dive into the middle chapters, resistance builds, and it becomes increasingly difficult to push through.

So, what happens when your motivation wanes? How can you keep going when the project feels overwhelming? Here are some strategies to help you stay on track and finish your book.

1. Revisit Your Purpose

Understanding why you’re writing is crucial. When faced with resistance, reflect on your motivations:

• Is it for fun? If so, rediscover that joy. Explore different aspects of your story that excite you.

• Are you aiming for sales? Consider whether you want to generate a full-time income or simply supplement your earnings.

Keeping your goal at the forefront of your mind can rekindle your motivation. Take a moment to visualize what success will feel like once your book is completed and out in the world.

2. Clarify Your Message

Sometimes, a lack of motivation stems from confusion rather than desire. You might have a compelling idea but find yourself stuck due to vague plot points. Instead of forcing your way through, step back, review your outline, and clarify any gray areas. Resolving these uncertainties may reignite your enthusiasm to write.

3. Shift Your Focus

There’s no rule that says you must write your book in order. If you’re feeling bogged down in the middle, consider skipping ahead to a section you’re excited about. Writing those scenes may provide clarity and direction, making it easier to tackle the challenging parts later on.

4. Set Attainable Goals

Unrealistic expectations can lead to burnout. If you’re struggling to make progress, reassess your goals. Instead of aiming for 10,000 words a day, why not start with a more manageable target, like 500 words?

This approach reduces pressure and helps build momentum. On days when you feel inspired, you might exceed your goal, but even on less productive days, you’ll still make forward progress.

5. Silence Your Inner Perfectionist

One of the best pieces of advice for writers is to write first and edit later. Prolific writers know how to quickly draft their ideas without letting the editor in their heads take over. Focus on getting words on the page—quality comes during the editing process.

Consider tactics to turn off your inner critic: switch to dictation, write without looking, or use apps that limit editing. Remember, you can’t revise what isn’t written. Prioritize output over perfection to regain your motivation.

Conclusion

Writing is a deeply personal journey, and finding what works for you is essential. Experiment with different structures, processes, and environments to discover what keeps you motivated. The more you tailor your approach to your unique style, the better your chances of finishing the book you set out to write.