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| Photo Courtesy of Evgeni Dinev |
Often I hear writers saying that they write because they have to, that they're "born writers." Other writers say that they write because they want to be published. Some writers say they want to make a career out of writing. Some writers say they write for themselves. (On a total side note, I personally don't understand how you can write something and not want other people to see and enjoy it. But, I digress.) My point is that the motivation for a writer to write is unique to that person.
What comes after motivation, though? Motivation gets us started, and gets us to put our "dreams into work clothes" but what carries us through to the end? What makes us "a lifetime writer." (To give credit, I can't be sure if it was Nina Amir or Christina Katz who used the term this weekend. My tweet deciphering is still weak, but it was one of them.)
Since I began writing seriously I have heard, and maybe even used, quotes such as "writing a novel isn't a sprint but a marathon." I have heard over and over how only a small percentage of people who want to be writers actually finish a novel. Sadly, I hear of writers who give up, who stop trying to find a home or an audience for their work. The very work that they spent hours, and days and years to perfect.
At some point, we have to move from motivation to determination. We have to decide that we are writers, and that we will succeed. We have to become determined to see the journey through to the end. We have to not look at the present as it is, but keep in mind what we dream for our future.
I love the quote from Ray Bradbury to "Stay drunk on writing so reality can't bite you in the (back parts)" Reality changes with each choice we make. We get to have a say in our reality. We just need to write.
This is so true. Eventually our motivation for writing isn't all we need. Because, writing is hard, no matter what your motivation is. Eventually determination has to get in the mix to help prove that our motivation is attainable.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like a cycle. First we have to be motivated, then we have to be willing to see it through, but then we have to have that passion reignite so we're motivated to see it through, and on, and on, and on... It all works together.
DeleteI love this post my dear! My motivation sometimes gets lost, but my determination somehow survives it all because I sit my butt in the chair and keep writing. Not because I have to... because I WANT to. I'm gonna make it after all (Yeah, I sung that)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cassie! The "butt in chair" was all I kept thinking about as I was writing the post! That's the Mary Tyler Moore theme song, right? I loved that show.
DeleteI think that my motivation is that I love writing, but what keeps me going is that I want to have a finished product that, eventually, I can show off to other people. :) I do write for myself, in that I don't pick an idea I think other people will want to read - I pick one that I personally want to write about. But yes, I do want others to be able to read my work and, hopefully, enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI am similar to you. I feel grateful enough to get a story idea that I'm not going to try to make sure other people approve, but I do want others to get to see the end product some day, and I hope they like it and enjoy reading it.
DeleteI like that expression "lifetime writer." With my four little ones, I've accepted that it's short stories and blog posts for now. I wrote two (terrible) novels when I had two kids, and I can't seem to do it again. But I WILL again sooner or later. Certainly in this lifetime! :)
ReplyDeleteYou know, I was extremely stressed out about everything writing until I finally accepted that my timeline wasn't necessarily the way it would all happen. Once I decided I was in it for the long-haul, I began to enjoy "it" (writing, blogging, submitting :)) all so much more. It is hard with little ones (especially when they're as little as your little ones) to do any writing, so you're doing great (imho) to be writing short stories and blogs!
DeleteLove this Lara. So true. I feel like I've hit the part where the sprint is over and I'm working on the marathon training. It's hard and does take determination, but luckily I have enough motivation to see it through! I needed this today. Thanks for the inspiration! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leigh! I'm glad that it was hopeful and helpful. The marathon is work, but isn't there a saying about anything worth doing is worth the work to do it? I think that applies to writing!
DeleteWriting motivates me to write more. ;) I get addicted to it.
ReplyDeleteI so agree! There was a time where I might have gotten away unscathed from writing, but now it's something I enjoy doing so much that I can't imagine not doing it!
DeleteAwesome post, Lara!
ReplyDeleteI write for pretty much all the reason you mentioned. Yes. I even write for myself. Most of it I hope and intend on sharing with anyone who wants to read. :)
It seems to me that we all have a mixture of why we write. Nothing is ever an absolute! And thanks!
DeleteMotivation definitely seems to come and go but the choice to keep writing sees us through.
ReplyDeleteThat pretty much sums it up, Sonia! :)
DeleteI love this post! It is about determination. Determination is the only thing that sees you through when the motivation wanes. Keep writing and don't give up. Thank you, Lara!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather! That not giving up is tricky, but so worth it, I think!
DeleteHey Lara,
ReplyDelete*Great* post, and yeah, we all need a shift swipe at the back of our pants every now and then... otherwise it wouldn't be real.
PS, thanks for the comments and Friday's reveal will be revealing... or not :)
Thanks so much, Mark! I'm trying to figure out exactly what Friday's reveal is going to bring. Hmmmm....
DeleteExcellent post.
ReplyDeleteMotivation, determination, talent, perseverance - I think it all goes together.
For me, my motivation at first was, in fact, to write for myself. It helped me work though my father's death, to try to understand what he must have felt and thought. And in the process, I discovered that I truly love to write and would love to do it full-time. But now I am getting ahead of myself...
I have to admit, I have always enjoyed entertaining people. I play the drums and initially was a drama major in college (so very long ago!) I like connecting with an audience, and so for me, it is only natural to want to have people enjoy what I write. Eventually I have gotten to appreciate what writing brings to my life, just for me. There's definitely lots of reasons to write, and I'm with Kelly Hashway - writing is addictive! :)
ReplyDeleteHey Lara, there's an award waiting for you at my blog, here:
ReplyDeletehttp://thefarseas.blogspot.com/2012/01/awards-round-1.html
Thanks, Trisha - I'll stop over! You know how I love those blog awards!
Deleteoh my gosh I love that quote!
ReplyDeleteIf I lived on motivation alone, I'd have quit writing years ago.
Welcome to MfC, Lynda! Jane Friedman wrote a nice post about passion, and kind of said the same thing. She came up with an equation of passion + commitment = success. Here is the link if anyone wants to read it - it's a really good post! http://janefriedman.com/2012/01/24/too-much-importance-on-passion/
DeleteWell said Lara! Love the way you think! I actually found myself doing that for the first time this past year. I have come to accept that I am a writer, an author, and it's okay to share that part of me with others.
ReplyDeleteI think when we are in it for the long-haul, we have to share that part with those we care about and who care about us. I know some people have had not much support, but at the very least those closest to us need to know what's going on, so if they can't support us, they can at least get out of the way!
DeleteIt was nice chatting on twitter - good luck with your goals!