Conquer Writer's Block: My Uncoventional Tips for Staying Motivated to Writer's (Even Fantasy!)

Ever feel like writing is a constant uphill battle? You're not alone. I've spent years in writing communities, from NaNoWriMo to Shut Up and Write groups, and I've seen firsthand how many writers struggle. In fact, I sometimes even downplay my own writing output just to avoid discouraging others. Because let's be honest, when someone tells you it took them a month to write 1,000 words, they probably don't need to hear how much you wrote.

So, how do you break through those writing barriers and stay motivated, especially when tackling a complex genre like fantasy? Here are my unconventional tips, the very same ones I use to fuel my own fantasy writing:

The Mindset Matters Most:

1. Cultivate a Positive Attitude: This might seem obvious, but it's crucial. Your brain isn't designed for productive work in a bad mood. While negativity might creep in occasionally, it shouldn't be the norm. A positive mindset opens neural pathways, sparking creativity, problem-solving, and helping you silence that pesky inner critic.

2. Keep Your Big Picture in Sight: I have a running list of over 100 potential novels rattling around in my brain. That's my ultimate goal – to bring as many of those stories to life as possible before I kick the bucket. It's a long-term vision, a personal lifetime achievement. While your goal might not be as grand, having a clear "why" will fuel your motivation and keep you going, even when the words aren't flowing easily.

   
   

Practical Strategies (with a Twist):

3. Choose Your Weapon (Pen or Keyboard) and Stick to It: This might be controversial, but it works for me. Avoid switching between mediums mid-process. It's a recipe for confusion and lost momentum. While some writers might juggle both effectively, I can't even imagine the editing nightmare.

4. Schedule Time to Write (Or Don't!): Okay, I'm going to be real here. I'm terrible at scheduling. Life as a father, husband, and full-time employee makes rigid schedules nearly impossible. I write when I can, even if it's standing in line at a fast-food restaurant. If I waited for the "perfect" time, I'd never get anything done. The point is, find what works for YOU, even if it's unconventional.

5. Prioritize Sleep (Seriously): Tell me you don't need sleep to focus, and I'll... well, I'll refrain from colorful language. But seriously, sleep is essential for optimal brain function. Even though I'm a chronic early riser (thanks, Army!), I know that sleep dramatically improves my writing.

6. Focus on the Product, Not the Process: Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Don't get bogged down in creating the "ideal" writing environment. Nobody cares if you wrote 50,000 words at a mahogany desk with a quill pen while listening to Mozart. They care about the finished book. My unorthodox process might raise eyebrows, but my books will sit on the shelf right next to yours. The important thing is finishing.

7. Keep it Simple (Don't Overcomplicate): Simplicity is key to maintaining momentum. My writing setup is minimal: the notepad on my phone. I've seen writers spend 20 minutes just preparing to write. Don't let the process become an ordeal. I write first, edit later. No fancy software, no elaborate rituals. Just writing.

   
   

Final Thoughts:

So, there you have it – my unconventional tips for staying motivated to write. They might not be traditional, but they work for me. The most important thing is to find what fuels your creativity and keeps you writing.

What are your biggest writing struggles? Share your tips in the comments below!

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