Inspired to Write: How to Keep the Juices Flowing

Writing Strategies for Staying Inspired

While preparing to teach Inspired to Write tomorrow, I’ve been thinking about the importance of support in keeping our writing juices flowing. It seems to me a challenge all writers struggle with.

I thought I’d share some of the writing strategies I use myself and those I use with my private clients and in my book writing classes.

1. Find a Buddy: About 98% of the population needs some accountability to get their book (or other writing project) done. Buddies can support each other to overcome any challenges, make suggestions and offers solutions that you may not be able to see yourself and inspire you to do the writing you committed to each week. You can even meet at a cafe and write simultaneously. And a buddy is free!

2. Engage a Collaborator. Granted, this strategy is not for the faint of heart. Collaborating takes good judgement in choosing a collaborator, a commitment to clear communication and working out the often-inevitable human challenges that can come up when working closely with someone. However, it can also be incredibly rewarding. My first book was written with two collaborators. My course materials were originally written with a collaborator and the book I am currently working on is being written with a collaborator.

Why? Three reasons:

• Often, you can write a stronger book when you have people with varying expertise and perspectives.
• Having that level of being accountable to someone moves me to action.
• It’s more fun and co-creative!

3. Join a Writing Program or Take a Writing Class:  Here’s another strategy with multiple benefits:

• A supportive community uplifts and inspires.
• The feedback of a writing course provides multiple perspectives, increased creativity and new ideas, resulting in a better book (or article or blog post, etc.).
• When you fall down, there are people to make sure you get back up. If you have a week where you don’t write, you have built in support to get back in the game.
• Your classmates and teachers offer a refreshing challenge to any voices in your head that say, “I can’t” or “I’m not good  enough.” Your colleagues can help you see your strengths.
• A gifted and knowledgeable teacher will help you hone your writing skills and ability.

4. Find a Mentor, Coach or Editor: This person can provide support, accountability and technical skills. They can also help you problem solve to overcome any challenges.

5. Connect with Your Muse: We all have that creative part of us and inner knowing that can support us through any creative challenges. If you find yourself losing touch with that part of you, sit quietly, close your eyes and take an inner journey to connect. If this exercise sounds fun, try this free guided visualization for writers.

If the idea of a writing class or book writing program inspires you, consider my Bring Your Book to Life Program.