(Without Losing Your Head)

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I have said it before, and I will say it again: writing is a long and (can be) solitary process. On this #motivationmonday post I’ll share with you the ten things I do to get through to the finish line, from idea to manuscript. I’ve written various pieces from short stories (stand-alone and part of anthologies), a novella, and a middle-grade novel, and I am currently editing a women’s fiction book. All these projects required a lot of patience and focus but there were ten specific things that I did to ensure I finished what I started. Staying motivated from the initial spark of an idea all the way to a finished manuscript it’s hard but not impossible. The journey is filled with highs and lows, but it’s one that I’ve learned to navigate with a few key strategies. Get your pen and paper out (or your ctr +c).

1. Embrace the Spark

Every great story starts with an idea—a spark that ignites your imagination and sets your creative wheels turning. Whenever I get a new idea, I embrace it fully. I let myself daydream about the possibilities, the characters, and the plot twists. I jot down everything that comes to mind, no matter how random or fragmented it might seem. This initial excitement is what fuels the journey ahead. I have a notes app on my phone that has a folder of just ideas. Sometimes, those ideas are of a title, character, plot, or what-if question after seeing or experiencing something in real life. Most of my published pieces come from those what-if questions. I find those ideas to be more concrete and more accessible for me to use as the skeleton of a great story.

2. Create a Vision Board

One of my favorite techniques to keep the inspiration flowing is creating a vision board. I gather images, quotes, and anything that resonates with my story idea. This visual representation keeps me connected to the essence of my story and serves as a constant reminder of what I’m working towards. It’s a fun and creative way to stay engaged with your project. I used Pinterest a lot for this. I have a board of childhood wounds that I used while writing Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring. I needed to be realistic regarding the character I share a lot with. Not going to lie, the Pinterest board also helped me to understand my childhood wounds a bit better.

3. Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic and achievable goals is crucial for maintaining motivation. I break down the writing process into manageable chunks, whether daily word count targets or weekly chapter completions. These small victories build momentum and keep me moving forward. Remember, it’s not about how fast you write but about consistent progress.

I talk about this in my podcast. Realistic goals helped me to stay on task while staying motivated and not demoralized.

4. Establish a Writing Routine

Consistency is key in turning an idea into a manuscript. I’ve found that establishing a writing routine helps tremendously. Whether dedicating an hour every morning or writing late at night, finding a time that works for you and sticking to it creates a habit. I’m an early bird, so I exploit the early morning hours when my brain is fresh, and my house is quiet. This works for me. Over time, this habit becomes a natural part of your daily life.

5. Find Your Writing Space

Having a dedicated writing space can make a world of difference. It doesn’t have to be fancy—a quiet corner with minimal distractions is all you need. When I sit down in my writing space, my mind knows it’s time to focus and create. Sometimes, I put some instrumental music on and reread my previously written passages to put me back into the story.

6. Celebrate Small Wins

Writing a manuscript is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s important to celebrate small wins along the way. Finished a chapter? Treat yourself! Reached your word count goal for the week? Celebrate with a little something special. These small rewards keep the journey enjoyable and remind you of the progress you’re making.

7. Stay Connected with a Writing Community

Writing can often feel like a solitary endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. I stay connected with a community of fellow writers who offer support, encouragement, and feedback. Whether through writing groups, online forums, or social media, having a network of like-minded individuals keeps me motivated and accountable. There are so many different places that it will be personality and accessibility dependent on which one you use. I tend to go towards my broadcast channel on Instagram, Discord writing groups, and, recently, Reddit.

8. Embrace the Editing Process

Once the first draft is complete, it’s time to embrace the editing process. Revising and refining your manuscript can be daunting, but it’s also where the magic happens. I break the editing process into stages and tackle one aspect at a time—whether it’s character development, plot consistency, or polishing the prose. Remember, editing is where your story truly comes to life.

9. Keep the End Goal in Mind

Throughout the entire journey from idea to manuscript, I keep the end goal in mind. Whether it’s seeing my book on a bookstore shelf, receiving feedback from readers, or simply achieving a personal milestone, visualizing the end result keeps me motivated. The light at the end of the tunnel makes every step worth it.

10. Be Kind to Yourself

Lastly, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. The journey from idea to manuscript is filled with challenges, and there will be days when the words don’t come easily. On those days, remind yourself why you started and give yourself grace. Every writer’s journey is unique, and it’s okay to take breaks, recharge, and come back stronger.

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I hope these tips inspire and motivate you on your writing journey. Remember, every great story starts with an idea, but your dedication and passion turn that idea into a manuscript. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself. You’ve got this!

Stay motivated and happy writing!

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I love to hear (read) from you. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. How do you stay motivated from idea to manuscript? Let’s continue the conversation and support each other in our creative endeavors.

#MondayMotivation #WritingCommunity #FromIdeaToManuscript