Recently I had gone back to do some office work on a casual basis. The work was tediously dull, but the hours were flexible and my colleagues were fun to be around. Yet, lurking within the background was the ever present spectre of office politics. My motivation to be there was of-course the extra income, but at the same time, it made me question my motivation to write.
I once heard the saying ‘you don’t choose your profession, it chooses you’, and when it comes to being a writer (or anyone else of the creative persuasion), I think this saying is pretty much spot on. It’s what we choose to do with those stories we create that makes all the difference.
Here’s what motivates me to write:-
- Those tiny little voices and story plotlines inside my head would drive me insane if I didn’t write them down. Their stories need to be told – I have something to say.
- The satisfaction of earning an income from an awful lot of hard work and determination off my own back, rather than working in an office for somebody else (I’m a bit of an independent spirit).
- My husband supports me 100% in my writing – I owe to him to get published.
- I want to be a mother my children can be proud of (rather than think I just stuff around on the computer all day).
- To tell all those nay-sayers ‘I told you so’ – success after all is the best revenge.
I know that working in an office is definitely not my chosen profession; instead it has given me the incentive to keep writing.
What motivates you to write? What keeps you going through the tough times?
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The beauty of writing for me is creating something from nothing. A spark of an idea becomes a full story — that is rewarding!
When it comes to hard times focus and faith is what helps me the most. 😉
Hi Christy. Creating stories is very rewarding – it’s such a great feeling! I’m glad you’ve found something to help you through the tough times. Focusing is good. I tend to find that focusing on a new idea or trying to work through any issues with a W.I.P usually helps. Happy writing! 🙂
Motivation’s tricky for me — if it’s there, I literally can’t stop working. If it’s not, almost nothing will get me going. I mean nothing. Buuut, at those times, I find interacting in some way with the rest of society is very helpful. Gives me ideas, gives me things to think about, maybe makes me frustrated with something that I want to do either better or not at all.
When I was able to work a 9-5 job, (not that common after a while) I know that a lot of the motivation came from the stuff you were mentioning: wanna NOT have to do said for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, illness was the thing that decided it for me and not any big publishing contract (I’d have preferred the latter to a 2nd stroke, personally). So now, I’m finding I need to look for motivation in different ways than I used to.
Hi. I agree interacting with others can help with the motivation process. For me, it’s listening to snippets of conversation or just by watching people can help create great/unusual characters. I’m so sorry to hear about your illness – I hope you’re much better now and manage to find new ways to help your motivation. Take care and thanks for your comments! 🙂
Great post. I love to write, but writing to publish puts a different spin on it. I agree for all the reason we want to be published. Some are really good, others are bit selfish. Keep writing!
Hi Jolene. Writing purely for publication can certainly take the fun out of writing sometimes, as we can tend to put too much pressure upon ourselves. I tend to write what I like and hope that it will get published one day (I don’t think I’d be very good at being a freelance writer)! It’s unfortunate that sometimes we have to be a little bit selfish to make the time for ourselves, but I know I’m much happier after satisfying my creative outlet. Thanks for your comments.
Hi Debbie. I love that you took inventory of your motivations. You should post them on your desk at work. It is something to look at and inspire you when you are frustrated at the office.
Now that I am retired from my office at the school district, I find that I am driven to write by my passion for students and teachers and history. I was actually surprised that after being retired for only a month and wondering what I would do next, that I turned to writing a MG novel. I actually hadn’t planned it, but just always thought that someone should. Now it is my passion. Funny how things turn out.
Debra Collett http://www.historyquesters.com
Hi Debra. Thanks for the suggestion. I think I might have to post my motivations up as a constant reminder for why I write. Personally, I think it’s great that you managed to find your passion for writing so quickly after retiring – it proves you’re never too old to follow your dreams! Happy writing! 🙂