The Secret Weapon of Motivation: Coaching, Communities, and Writing With Others
Photo by Dylan Gillis via Unsplash
The craft of writing can be learned. What often makes the difference between a writer and a non-writer are the ways in which they deal with the challenges of actually getting to the writing itself.
Writing – good writing – is hard. Sometimes it’s harder than others. There are numerous ways to avoid writing. We get burned out, or blocked because we don’t know what comes next, or paralyzed by the fear of what others will think. We know what we want to say but not how to say it. It’s far easier to turn to social media, or now Wordle, or “research” where you dive into the internet and come up for air two hours later (after telling yourself you “never have time to write.”)
Writing relies on two things: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic is where we set our goals and dream of the rewards of success. We want to prove to ourselves we can do it. We love the challenge. But this kind of motivation is not enough for many of us. We falter as soon as we realize no one and nothing is keeping us from doing something more pleasurable in the moment (or even seemingly more necessary, like the laundry). Self-doubt begins to creep in. We lack energy and focus.
Extrinsic motivation is a way to turbocharge our progress. Deadlines and accountability force us to write whether we feel like it or not. Which sounds terrible, but it really isn’t. We rely on external motivators because it’s easy to fail in our goals when we realize nobody cares if we succeed but us.
There is no shame in needing external motivators to succeed. We think that because writing is a solitary activity, we have to completely go it alone. This is not true. Thanks to the internet, we can now find a variety of ways to get support, accountability, and deadlines to help us meet our goals. We’re human beings; we’re wired for community support. Even the most introverted of us can use a little of that.
Which of the following are you using regularly? Which might be helpful for you to explore?
Zoom meetups – This is my new jam, thanks to my Monday-Friday Zoom group. Whenever I feel like I’d rather do something else, I can see that other people are there, focused on their writing, and that alone keeps me motivated to work on mine. There are others out there, often weekly, and associated with writer’s groups or membership communities. What it’s good for: quiet support and a way to put writing time into your calendar.
Writing pal – Just you and a friend. You can exchange actual writing critiques, brainstorm ideas, or just send check-in texts that say “Hey! I did my writing today!” What it’s good for: low-key support from someone you know has your back.
Writer’s group – A peer group of writers exchanging and commenting on work. What it’s good for: community, support and encouragement; rarely is it best for helping you develop your craft since you may be at varying levels of experience plus a certain type of “groupthink” may take over. If you meet often, you may spend quite a bit of time critiquing other’s work, which can be beneficial but also takes time from your own work.
Writing class or workshop – In person or online. Pretty self-explanatory. What it’s good for: beginners who need to learn the basics. Also good for craft development, but there is usually no ongoing support after the class ends (or you keep paying for the class but after a while don’t develop any further). It also may involve more critiquing and less writing; levels of writing or critique may differ depending on the seriousness of the students.
Writing conference – Many different types available, from ones focused on craft to ones focused on pitching. Also may be genre-specific. What it’s good for: inspiration, new knowledge of craft or industry; but often any upswing in motivation is short-lived.
Facebook/social media groups, or membership programs – These can be by genre or type of writing, or focused on publication, or be gender-specific. In short, there’s probably one or more for you out there! What it’s good for: support, encouragement, short critiques of things like queries. However, it can also be a huge time suck if you spend more time there than on actual writing. If you have time to be on Facebook or interacting in a membership forum, you have time to write.
MFA program – The granddaddy of serious commitments to your writing craft. What it’s good for: high-level craft development; possibility of good connections, community of high-level writers. However, you may spend a lot of time critiquing others’ work, and the level of mentorship and teaching skill varies. It’s also very expensive unless you get scholarships.
Mentorship program – Usually by application only, and very competitive. What it’s good for: One-to-one work guided by an experienced professional writer, editor, or coach. Usually has an agent showcase or other industry “in” at the end. No guarantees of course, and often has a tight time frame so you need to be prepared to put a lot into it.
Independent Editor – Someone you hire for a specific editing purpose, such as a developmental editor for big-picture issues, a line editor for issues of grammar, flow, clarity, etc., or a proof reader who makes sure there are no spelling or other errors. What it’s good for: once you have a draft (or for line editing/proofreading, a final draft) it can be invaluable to get a seasoned pair of eyes on your work before sending it to agents or self-publishing. These people will give you specific things to work on but will not support you through the writing or do project management.
Book coach – One-to-one support, offering different types of packages depending on your needs (planning, ongoing writing/revision, pitching, etc.). May have a particular focus (type of book, genre, etc.) and may also offer editorial services. What it’s good for: Accountability, deadlines, ongoing support, project management, development of craft and knowledge of publishing and marketplace issues. Generally expensive and you need to make sure you get the right person for your needs. Personality fit is a bigger factor here than with a general editor that you just hire once.
Note that you don’t have to have just one type of support! I have my Zoom morning sessions and a writing group of long standing; I belong to a few Facebook groups; I’ve taken classes and attended conferences; I’ve done my MFA; and I am a coach (as well as having been a coachee). You may have different needs as your writing develops.
The point is, no matter how introverted or extraverted you are, or where you live, or your level of experience, or how much you can afford to spend, there is some form of support, community, and accountability out there for you. If you’re looking for some external motivation, check out some of the above and see what might work for you.
