Four writers share their motivation tips

Staying consistently motivated with your writing is absolutely key when it comes to finishing a novel. Finding ways to show up and write even when life gets in the way (or we just don’t feel like it!) is all part of making writing a priority and growing as an author, but it’s not always easy to focus.

WRITING FICTION, ALL WRITINGRosie O'NeillMarch 23, 2020writing inspiration, novel writing, motivation, author advice, writing focus, finishing your work, how write a book, author tips, writing basics, author routinesComment

Five writing prompts to help get you unstuck

It takes most of us a fair amount of time to finish writing a book. When you're writing alongside a job or other commitments, it isn't a project you can sprint through in a weekend, fuelled by that initial buzz of 'new idea' energy.

WRITING FICTION, ALL WRITINGRosie O'NeillMarch 10, 2020writing inspiration, novel writing, motivation, flash fiction, writing prompts, writing tips, author tips Comment

Four simple things to do before you start writing a book

Writing a book is a pretty big undertaking, and as a project it brings up all sorts of worries, doubts and questions before we even type that first line. Do we have a good enough idea?

ALL WRITING, WRITING FICTIONRosie O'NeillNovember 1, 2019preparation, planning, goal setting, overwhelm, organisation, accountability, motivation, novel writingComment

What is national novel writing month?

National Novel Writing Month (often shortened to the catchy 'NaNoWriMo') is a month long virtual writing event and 30 day challenge, which takes place every year in November (and there are also sessions in April and July).

The aim is to write 50,000 words over the course of 30 days (around 1,666 per day), which is practically enough for a finished first draft (depending on what genre you write).

ALL WRITING, WRITING FICTIONRosie O'NeillOctober 16, 2019national novel writing month, nanowrimo, NaNoWriMo, writing challenge, habit building, writing habits, novel writing, motivation, accountability, communityComment

EIGHT THINGS TO READ, WATCH OR LISTEN TO FOR CREATIVE ENERGY.

A steady, flowing creative output needs plenty of input in order to keep running smoothly. We can top up that creative well with lots of different things, including time with friends, regular walks and fresh air - and of course, by consuming the art of others.

ALL WRITING, CREATIVE LIFESTYLE, FREELANCINGRosie O'NeillJuly 19, 2019creative energy, inspiration, motivation, books, recommendations, creative flow, rest, intentional livingComment

HOW SIMPLE, DAILY ACTION BOOSTED MY PINTEREST VIEWS.

Growing anything is a long game - a new creative skill, a business, a social media account - it takes patience and consistency and a certain amount of stamina when it comes to simply showing up and doing the work, even when it feels like you're not getting anywhere.

It’s so natural to feel frustrated by what feels like an unbearably slow rate of growth, and this frustration is often a major stumbling block for lots of us.

FREELANCINGRosie O'NeillMay 1, 2019pinterest, social media, small business, creative growth, progress, daily, habit building, motivation, consistency, sustainabilityComment

HOW TO WORK WITH YOUR CREATIVE ENERGY

Creative energy is something that can have quite dramatic highs and lows. Our drive to create can veer frequently from super-charged, high productivity, to apathy and creative block and back again.

GROW AS A WRITERRosie O'NeillOctober 17, 2018Productivity, motivation, creative fuel, creative projects, creative lifestyle, finding inspiration, progress, goal setting, AchievementsComment

WHY YOU SHOULD START WRITING YOUR IDEAS DOWN.

Ideas are the very essence of creativity. They are the seed that something beautiful can bloom from, the soul with which something can be sustained and nurtured.

So it's no surprise that we can fall into the trap of treating them with a specially held reverence, as though they are delicate, fragile creatures that might float away on the breeze if we look at them too long.

GROW AS A WRITERRosie O'NeillOctober 3, 2018ideas, finding inspiration, focus, finishing your work, motivationComment

HOW TO FUEL YOUR CREATIVITY.

Creating takes a huge amount of energy. Learning how to fuel up appropriately can make all the difference when it comes to making art on a regular basis. Small habits and lifestyle changes can even help creativity become a more natural part of your everyday.

PLANT THE SEEDS OF YOUR WRITING JOURNEYRosie O'NeillJune 14, 2018self care, motivation, Wellness, wellbeing, creative fuel, finding inspiration, energy, momentumComment

SIX WAYS TO CHALLENGE YOURSELF CREATIVELY.

Six ways to challenge yourself creatively - learn to break free from a creative rut, work on staying inspired, and improve motivation.

GROW AS A WRITERRosie O'NeillJune 7, 2018challenge creativity, develop skills, comfort zone, the muse, finding inspiration, motivationComment

HOW TO MAKE TIME FOR A BIG CREATIVE PROJECT.

By taking a tiny proactive step each day, a creative project can slowly but steadily grow into reality. Assess your average daily routine and make time for small but productive steps towards towards your goal each day.