Wattmag Issue #13

Keeping On Track

You know, I really was not sure what I was planning on writing for this month's Wattmag. I pondered over a few different ideas that were muddling around in my head. Then it came to me because as a writer myself, I was struggling with this issue as well.

Summer.

How can a writer maintain their goals while all the summer fun is going around them outside?

Not to mention all the plot bunnies are in full bloom.

Travel on the trip of a lifetime and it is surely going to bring you a plot bunny that'll pop out from the inside of your head, right?

So how to keep track on writing those Wattpad books...

I mean, you don't want a bunch of readers/followers to come hunt you down with pitchforks while they are waiting for you to update, do you? I think not.

Sometimes it is good to take a little break from writing. Freshest that mind up. But other days when it is so hot out your popsicles melt all the way from the car to the house, it is just too hot to sit at a computer or hold a laptop in those hands and write.

The answer is simply this.

Stay motivated.

It is really easy to fall into a winter slump. Or a summertime slump. Or an any time slump. Then we have those Wattpad novellas sitting there mocking us that they will never ever get finished. Then you just want to click that delete button. 

It is hard to write when your friend invites you to a party. Or a movie. Being distracted from writing just makes those novellas grow dust, waiting to be updated.

The plot bunnies might multiply during the wait (we all know how easily bunnies make babies.... lol).

Anywhooo...

I like to take a little break here and there. Maybe a day. A weekend. Something that's not too long, but not too short. I think it's important to keep writing - even if it's not on Wattpad. Just keep on writing whenever you can! Travel diaries are genuine fun for summer. It's also helpful to keep a notebook on hand for when the plot bunnies stop for a visit while you are in a hotel room or somewhere else on the go. Write ideas down for later so you don't forget them.

Still feeling unmotivated?

Read a book!

If you're currently in school, check out that summer reading list! Otherwise, you can check out Goodreads for millions and millions of awesome suggestions. 

Just keep motivated to keep on writing. It can be challenging any time to find time to write but if you really want it bad enough, you will make the time to write. Like right now for example....(this article is due pretty soon, don't tell Dorothy but I am addicted to Animal Crossing tee hee) And if the distractions attack, try try again.

Those plot bunnies will refuse to leave you alone until you write down those story ideas and make some magic. 

You can do it!

Believe in yourself.

Another enjoyable way to keep motivated, (I know it is cheesy) is to read your older work that is already finished. Then read your work that you have going on now. You will see how far you have come as a writer. Doing this may also give you helpful ideas to encourage you to keep going. 

I believe writing and reading often get overlooked as a boring activity nowadays. Newer generations who are hooked on things like video games, or audio books, can sometimes lose sight of the good stuff. I love seeing so many young new writers here on Wattpad using their imaginations to write the stories they dream of. I find that to be motivating. I have a hard enough time getting my kids let alone my husband into reading a delightful book series.

My hubby always tells me, I will wait for the movie to come out (sigh).

Writing is a craft.

Writing is a gift.

If you have it, keep going with it. It is something we need to keep around for centuries to come.