I just have to say, I love KIWI KISS. It’s so well-written and I love Mac and Ruby. As a reader, I’d definitely want to buy it and keep it on my shelf. 
Above quote received today, after first round of edits, from my excellent editor. Writing novels is a solo occupation, and I sometimes struggle with motivation to complete a book. Doubts constantly surface: Am I good enough? Will anyone want to buy my book? So, to receive warm words of encouragement, from someone who reads many manuscripts, makes my heart sing – and my fingers want to fly across the keyboard with a new project!
What do other writers find encourages or motivates them to keep on task? Sales figures? Regular feedback? Ready supply of chocolate?
Conversely, what unmotivates you:( ?
That fabulous comment above certainly helps to keep an author going. And chocolate, yes. If I went by sales figures lately, I’d curl up into a ball and weep. And have you noticed that Amazon is now giving our kindles away? Supposedly, you must purchase one before sharing it with anyone you chose but that strikes me as infinite. I can just envision the giveaway sites. The main reason I write is because it’s what I do. When a story beckons to me strongly I must get it down, and am happy when it goes well and in despair when the muse is silent.
Oh, that’s a worry about Amazon – I didn’t know they were doing that. And if I was motivated by sales figures I’d have given up long ago – frustrating, but sadly true. For now. I was heartened by attending a booksigning, last year, by popular thriller writer Lee Child, who said it wasn’t until the ninth book was out that his sales stats improved. He also said there was a time when his booksignings only attracted 2 or 3 people, and now he’s travelling around the world promoting to packed signings.
Hang in there!
Great fan comment! Feedback is always a motivator. What really motivates me is when I discover my true self – when I come to the page and let go of all the rules in my head around ‘how’ it should be written. When that happens, I discover creating in the moment–the true joy of writing–and that motivates me to come back, always looking to let go and create.
Lynn Romaine (visit http://tinyurl.com)
Keeping hold of the joy of creation – well said, Lynn.
I have to agree with Beth. If I went by money earned, I’d have quit by now. I write because it’s ingrained in me. I want to share my stories and characters, and wrote for years without a sale to a publisher, except for a few short stories in magazines where all I earned was a free copy. It’s a tough business, but if I didn’t get those stories out, I’d be a very unhappy woman.
Good for you, Susan. And very best wishes for building an appreciative and loyal readership.
I’m a soon-to-be published author. I have many stories started that I could never finish and a few finished manuscripts I should never have started. I write because I enjoy the process. What encourages me? Having others like what I write. What fears do I have? That I’ll only sell one book. That I only had one story in me; well, one good story anyhow.
Hey, welcome to the published writers’ club, Vonnie! And thanks for your comments. I think most of us can relate to your fears.
What motivates me to finish a ms is finally getting it in shape to submit somewhere. Just being able to say, “I have a contract for…” is a huge encouragement! Sales numbers aren’t a big thing with me. I’m just having fun. What unmotivates me is re-reading a first draft and realizing how bad it is–and knowing how much MORE work I’ll have to do to whip it into shape! But if I let it “simmer” a bit, then I’m ready to get back to work.
Yes, those first drafts can cause us to sigh and shove them away in a drawer for a while. Thanks for your comment, Judy. Finishing a project is, indeed, hugely satisfying.
Congrats! And yes, this sort of thing is very motivating. Sometimes I wonder if I’m making too much out of little things like positive remarks about my writing, but such words are a big reason we write in the first place. The comments mean we have been successful at connecting. Connecting with editors, readers, other writers, etc. But it’s very easy to be unmotivated more often than not. That’s why journaling and exercise are on my daily to do list. They really help keep me motivated. Be well, write well.
Joy Held
Writer Wellness, A Writer’s Path to Health and Creativity
Who Dares Wins Publishing
P.S. I’m glad to find another wordpresser. I like wp so much better than the other blog hosts.
Thanks Joy. I like your idea of keeping a journal as a way to keep motivated and on task. And it’s interesting to see that you’re with Who dares Wins Publishing as I recently completed the online Warrior Writers’ Course. I must read over the notes again – they are inspiring.
My son set up WordPress for me. I agree that it’s a very good, easy-to-use host:)
Awesome, lovely cover and spectacular comment from your editor! That would keep me going for sure. The latest thing that gave me a big boost was when the copyeditor at The Wild Rose Press read my novel and raved about it, so much that she asked my editor to notify her of the release date because she wanted to buy it for her sister! The key is holding onto those moments of joy when the down moments come! Congrats!
Fantastic motivation to ensure a sale before your book is even released – that’s great, Laura.
Thanks for stopping by:)