How to Get Internal and External Motivations for Writing?

My writing secrets.

Let me share my personal experience first as an author.

I’ve written 10 books, and there are two more on the way.

Every morning, I wake up around 3 am to 4 am and start writing on Medium. It’s become a habit over the past few weeks.

For my books, I do things a bit differently.

First, I set up pre-orders on Amazon. When people order in advance, I promise to deliver the book on time.

I make sure to keep this promise to avoid disappointing my readers.

I like to publish my books on special days like birthdays or anniversaries. For example, I recently dedicated my book “Criminal Psychology” as a birthday gift for my wife. It adds an extra layer of commitment.

To stay on track, Amazon sends reminders to upload my writings on time. There’s also a countdown timer on my Amazon Kindle dashboard, ticking away until the deadline.

I’m committed both inside and out to my writing.

Doubtful? Try telling your spouse you’re writing a book as a birthday gift. Failing to keep that promise could lead to unfavorable outcomes…

Motivation is crucial for writers to maintain a consistent and productive creative process. Both internal and external sources of motivation can contribute to a writer’s success.

Here are strategies to tap into both types of motivation:

Internal Motivation:

1. Define Your Purpose:

• Internal Motivation Tip: Clearly articulate why you write and what you hope to achieve through your writing.
• Example: J.K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter series with the purpose of bringing joy to readers and addressing themes of courage and friendship.

2. Connect with Passion:

• Internal Motivation Tip: Identify the aspects of writing that ignite your passion and make you feel fulfilled.
• Example: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is passionate about telling stories that challenge stereotypes and broaden perspectives, driving her commitment to writing.

3. Set Meaningful Goals:

• Internal Motivation Tip: Establish realistic and personally significant writing goals.
• Example: Maya Angelou set a goal to write every day, emphasizing the importance of consistency and discipline in the creative process.

4.Embrace Personal Growth:

• Internal Motivation Tip: View writing as a journey of self-discovery and personal development.
• Example: Elizabeth Gilbert, author of “Eat, Pray, Love,” believes that writing is a process of exploring and understanding oneself, making the journey as valuable as the final product.

5. Cultivate Intrinsic Rewards:

• Internal Motivation Tip: Find joy in the process of writing itself, independent of external validation.
• Example: Ray Bradbury once said, “You have to enjoy it. It’s got to be fun. It’s got to be an adventure.” Embrace the joy of creating without being solely focused on the end result.

External Motivation:

1. Seek Feedback:

• External Motivation Tip: Share your work with others to receive constructive feedback and encouragement.
• Example: J.R.R. Tolkien shared drafts of “The Hobbit” with friends, relying on their feedback to refine his work and boost his motivation.

2. Participate in Writing Communities:

• External Motivation Tip: Join writing groups or communities to connect with fellow writers and gain inspiration.
• Example: Online platforms like Wattpad or local writing groups provide external support and motivation through shared experiences.

3. Set External Deadlines:

• External Motivation Tip: Commit to deadlines, whether they’re self-imposed or tied to external opportunities.
• Example: Writing competitions, submission deadlines, or collaborative projects can provide external pressure to stay focused and motivated.

4. Share Success Stories:

• External Motivation Tip: Surround yourself with stories of successful writers who faced challenges and triumphed.
• Example: Learning about authors who overcame obstacles, such as Stephen King’s rejection letters, can inspire you to persevere through tough times.

5. Celebrate Achievements:

• External Motivation Tip: Acknowledge and celebrate milestones in your writing journey.
• Example: Nobel laureate Toni Morrison advised writers to celebrate small victories, recognizing that each step forward is an accomplishment worth acknowledging.

Internal motivation provides the foundation, while external sources offer support, validation, and a sense of connection within the writing community.

Happy writing…

Let’s see us tomorrow with another topic.