Writing Inspiration: How to keep going

Ever get sidetracked while trying to finish up a writing project? Ever lose those initial enamored feelings you had when you first started writing? Ever trudge through a scene and wonder if it's really worth it?

If you're like me, and I know I am, then you've encountered at least a few of these when writing. Writer's block is not fun. If you haven't developed a routine to write at least a set amount of time each night (as I wrote in this post) then make sure you've made your dedication to writing a strong habit. However, habitual writing is always much easier said than done.

One trick I found was to read about some other authors and their inspirational quotes. Because sometimes not reaching your goals is sometimes a little heartbreaking and hearing that others have gone through similar situations sometimes makes it a little easier to bear.

A powerful focus tool for me

As part of the nightly writing read only a page from a book by Susan Shaughnessy, "Walking on Alligators." Each page is broken into three parts. The first is a quote from an author, the second is a description of this, and lastly, there is a sentence for you as the writer to walk away with.

For example:

"Be careful how quickly you give away your fire- Robert Bly"

There is a detailed paragraph explaining the quote, for example, this one says that sometimes when you have an idea, it is best not to share it with others by "talking" it away. Sometimes an author might have so much fun talking about a book they never get around to writing it...

The takeaway: "Today, I'll save my fire. I'll write, not talk."

I said earlier that I only read ONE of these pages a day. More than that and you lose focus on the meaning of the one. Each of the pages has a different message, so don't waste them! And I'm sure there are other books, perhaps you could share one you use in the comments?

And remember: A writer writes!

Listening to Albums While You Write: The lifeblood and pulse of your story

Some of the questions people ask me about writing are "How can you stay focused on one idea?" or "How can you write every night?"

The answer is routine, as it would be with any habit you are trying to pursue. One of the ways I make sure to write daily is to have a prescribed time to sit down at the computer and a set time I have to write. At least 20 minutes is what I do. Then, if I have an epiphany I can keep writing, and if I get a block I can tap out and say "at least I met my daily goal."

How do you get an idea? That's a whole other topic I covered here. 

The other thing I use is a soundtrack to write to. Here are the three albums that I used consistently in each of the books in the series.

The Soulkind Awakening:
I listened to "Divinities: 12 Dances with God" by Ian Anderson to help write this book. The length of the was my minimum amount of time I would commit to writing each day, which ended up being 47 minutes. It is a diverse album, containing different moods and tempos, and I have fond memories of it. Since I switched albums for the next two books, I hadn't listened to this one in a LONG time. When I popped the album on Amazon Music the other day, I was instantly transported to when I wrote the first book. Another house, another dog, another time.

This was the fuel for my first book!

The Shadow of the Soulkind:
I listened EXCLUSIVELY to Daft Punk's soundtrack to Tron: Legacy. I LOVE this soundtrack. Yes, it is electronic music, but also with orchestral parts to it. It is really something else. I wrote for years to this, and when I actually went and watched Tron: Legacy again, the soundtrack was so inviting and I knew the movie on another level. Some of my favorites are: "Adagio to Tron," for when I need an emotional boost, and "Fall," for when I had some action scenes I needed to hammer out. The whole soundtrack is amazing though and I could get lost in my story easily while listening.

Amazing! Synth/Orchestral/Awesomeness

The Soulkind Master:
Yes, I listened to the Tron: Legacy soundtrack again, but I also tag-teamed my writing with the soundtrack to Skyrim. This is one of my all-time favorite soundtracks. Yes, I love Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, but those are too iconic. They were almost distracting when I would write a scene. I couldn't think of my own story! But "Awake" is epic and dreamlike and paints a picture of adventure in my mind.

No, I didn't have the vinyl, but man that looks nice. Fus ro dah!

Do you have any albums you always listen to when you write? Share below!