Written by Everyone finds staying motivated while writing their memoirs is a challenging. Especially as telling the story usually involves delving into personal and sometimes emotional territory. Here are various proven strategies, to help maintain your motivation and progress:
Set Clear Goals and Deadlines: Break down the writing process into smaller, manageable goals with specific deadlines. Having a clear roadmap can help maintain focus and a sense of progress.
Subscription Accountability Services: Join a subscription-based writing or coaching service like This is My Life where you pay more overall if you don’t meet your monthly goals. The financial commitment can serve as a strong motivator to keep on track.
Writing Schedule: Establish a regular writing schedule. Consistency is key in making progress, and having a set time each day or week for writing can help form a productive habit.
Writing Groups and Workshops: Join a writing group or workshop. Being part of a community provides support, feedback, and a sense of accountability. Sharing your progress and challenges with others can be incredibly motivating.
Milestone Rewards: Set up rewards for yourself for reaching certain milestones. For example, treat yourself to something special after completing a chapter.
Track Your Progress: Use a visual progress tracker, like a calendar or a progress bar, to mark each writing session or milestone. Seeing your progress visually can be a great motivator.
Journaling: Keep a journal about your writing process. Reflecting on your journey, challenges, and successes can be a source of motivation and a way to work through any writing blocks.
Professional Editor or Writing Coach: Hire a professional editor or writing coach like This is My Life. Their expertise can guide you through the process and their ongoing involvement can serve as a motivator to keep moving forward.
Public Commitment: Share your writing goal publicly, whether on social media, a blog, or with friends and family. Public commitment can increase your accountability.
Read Inspirational Writing Books: Read books about writing and memoirs by authors you admire. This can provide inspiration and useful techniques to keep you motivated.
Attend Literary Events: Engage with the writing community by attending readings, book launches, and literary discussions. Surrounding yourself with literature and authors can be inspiring.
Mindfulness and Self-Care: Writing a memoir can be emotionally taxing. Incorporate mindfulness practices and ensure you’re taking care of your mental health.
Change of Scenery: Sometimes a change of environment can boost your motivation. Try writing in a different location, like a café, library, or park.
Limit Distractions: Create a writing environment that is free from distractions. This might mean turning off your phone, using apps that block social media, or choosing a quiet time of day to write.
Reflect on the Purpose: Regularly remind yourself why you are writing your memoir. Whether it’s for personal fulfillment, to leave a legacy, or to share your experiences with others, remembering your core motivation can be a powerful driver.
Remember, writing a memoir is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s normal to have periods of lower motivation, but with the right strategies and support, you can maintain momentum and ultimately reach your goal.