Guest Post: How to Motivate Yourself to Finish That Book

{Guest post by: Jessica Kristie}

Each hand behind the pen is different in flow, technique, and ability. The spectrum covers a massive space and the outcome is always different. With all the many walls thrown up and doors slammed, still the greatest hurdle to overcome is often our own inability to continue. We ignore our unique voice and fall prey to the weight of the world’s negative intervention.

I have been writing for well over twenty years and it has been only the last five to seven that I have been fully dedicated, and giving the attention my pen had asked for. I have often made the choice to let stress or frustrations make huge spaces between the times that I wrote. For some this is only a hobby, but for me, it is a need. My life is much more understood, along with those around me, when I can void myself of my intense emotions. Writing helps me make sense, while bringing peace when it is welcomed the most.

Realizing the importance of penning my thoughts and dispelling my emotions has kept me going. I have found techniques for my own personal brand of inspirations and maintaining a healthy joyous life. Weaving my writing life into my reality full-time was an often difficult road, but one that was captained by the drive to share with others and that urge to write.

“What motivates each person individually is different, but there are many tools that can aide in your attempts to keep going.”

Find your purpose and hold on to that. Don’t ever allow yourself to forget why you began in the first place. When dust starts to accumulate on your one-third finished novel, come back to the basics and feel once again why you began that journey, why it was important. Not only do you need to be in touch with your unique voice, but also your unique purpose. Be honest with your intentions and your inspiration will find its way through.

Create for yourself an arsenal of motivators and activities that work for you. If something does not help, move on to the next thing. Don’t box yourself into one way, because there are many ways to maintain inspiration and keep the joy of writing alive. Writing prompts, reading, environment, and positive thinking have all played a part in my ability to push through the tough moments.

Take time to find what works for you and finish that book!

Jessica Kristie is the author of several poetry books, and the co-creator for the ArtPlatform book Inspiration Speaks Volume 1 which is now available in print and eBook through all major retailers, and benefits ColaLife.org. She is also the founder of the Woodland, CA, poetry series, Inspiring Words—Poetry in Woodland.

Dreaming in Darkness is Jessica’s first volume of poetry; the winner of the 2011 Sharp Writ Award and nominated for a 2011 Pushcart Prize. Jessica’s second book, Threads of Life, is available through Winter Goose Publishing along with her eBook offering to writers, Weekly Inspirations for Writers & Creators.

Jessica has been published in several online and print magazines such as Zouch, Muse, A Writer’s Point of View and TwitArt Magazine.  You can find all of Jessica’s appearances under her Press Page at JessicaKristie.com.

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jessica Kristie discovered her passion for writing as a child. Her inspiration comes in many forms, often inspired by just a word or quickly fleeting emotion. Through years of writing she has been able to capitalize on her experiences, whether they are painful or joyous. She hopes to draw you close to her world through shared emotion while inspiring you to forgive, remember, and heal. Follow Jessica on Facebook and Twitter @jesskristie.