by Amber Hilton

Created on: December 01, 2009

Every writer experiences days when the words just won't seem to flow. No matter how passionate you are about writing, there are going to be times when it is the last thing you feel like doing. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help motivate yourself to write.

#1. Establish a routine. Creative types often try to fight routines, but the truth is that bringing some structure to your day will help your work flow. It's okay to enjoy the freedom of working from home and setting your own hours, but don't let it get carried away to the point where you have no schedule at all. A time card won't be necessary, but having some sort of normalcy to your writing routine will increase your productivity and help you stay motivated.

#2. Create an inspirational environment. Find a workspace that is free from distractions, set it up in a way that is comfortable and convenient and then fill it with things that inspire you. This might be a piece of artwork, a book of famous quotes or pictures of your travels. This way, when you are feeling stuck, all you need to do is glance around and you will be reminded of what mankind is capable of when they work hard. Instant inspiration is likely to follow.

#3. Give in. There are times when you are feeling stuck because you've been working yourself too hard or when you're so stuck that no attempt at self-motivation is going to help ease you over the hump. In such cases, it's sometimes best to just give in and walk away. Do something that brings you joy or take a much-needed nap. Once you've had some rest and cleared your head, you are likely to be much more productive when you get back to work.

#4. Create a system of rewards. When you're working on a substantial writing project, it is often difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. There is very little instant gratification in the world of a writer and waiting months or years to see the rewards of all your hard work can diminish any writer's motivation. Therefore, take the time to celebrate even small successes along the way and reward yourself for your accomplishments.

#5. Have an alternative. Often times, your lack of motivation to write may have more to do with your current assignment than an actual moment of aversion to the craft. If you are able to balance several writing assignments simultaneously, you can move on to another project when you become bored or frustrated with the first one. If you only have one project, try working on a different aspect that will still provide a sense of productivity. Proofreading, researching and catching up on correspondence with your editor or publisher are all valid alternatives to writing that will keep you in a routine while still providing you with a much-needed break.

These are just a few ideas to motivate yourself to write when you find that you're in a rut. There are nearly as many motivational tools are there are writing styles, so don't be afraid to find your own way and experiment with different options.

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