Thursday, April 23, 2009

The Motivator

My electric bill motivates me. It was hot in Florida last night. When I went to bed after watching my picks booted off AI, my thermostat read eighty degrees. I turned the air down to seventy two. That’s the lowest I will go. I’m motivated because of the high costs of electricity.

Finding a motivator for writing a book can be like finding the perfect haircut. It isn’t that easy.

But I think I’ve finally found something that helps. Take a look to the right. You’ve seen them before.

The word counter gadget.

There is a deep satisfaction about punching in your word count and watching the calculation take place. Sort of like stepping on the scales in the morning after skipping your favorite dessert the night before. A sweet feeling happens when that meter says you’ve written another 2%.

So this gadget is working for me. But it's not the only motivator I need to write. I need a purpose; I need support from others and I need the desire to complete what I started.

But it helps. What little thing is motivating you to write today?

23 comments:

Eileen Astels Watson said...

Jody checking up on me at the end of the week, and so massively behind right now so I better get to work!

You're right, we all need motivation and some of us even need accountability to do the work.

Janna Leadbetter said...

You and your progress are motivation, for starters. Go you!

For me, it's the revamping of my novel that has me going. It feels different to me this time, like I can taste the possible reward better, and it has me living and breathing the ms.

Stonefox said...

Not sure I've found my motivator yet, but maybe that little gadget would help!

Cheryl Wright said...

For my weekly column - the faithful readers are my motivation.

For assigments - the editors' expectations,generous rates and deadlines are my motivation.

For other writing - the sheer joy and freedom to play with my passion is my motivation.

Greg C said...

Today I am motivated because I had such a great day yesterday. I have a lot of momentum and I want to keep it going. The only thing holding me back at the moment is that I have a ton of paperwork to get done first.(no one picked up the slack yesterday when I was gone) I am going to minimize my latest project today instead of closing it so that I can add a little bit from time to time.

Jody Hedlund said...

I'm with Eileen! Having to report back to all my blogging friends is great motivation! (And I'm behind for the week too, so I need to get to work!)

Having the blogging accountability totally helps! But my own personal goals for each day help me too. I HATE not meeting my daily word counts!

Kathleen said...

The very thought of a "result" gets me moving. Be it a clean house or a day of shopping, I'm all about the finale. Long has been my joy to sit back, observe & reflect, and nestle in the satisfaction of the "it is finished!" feeling.

I must say, though ... as I've gotten older, I have less of this stuff. Quietness & contentedness has erupted where once flurry & over-commitment resided. I'm liking it! Balance & intentionality were never my "normal", but have certainly become so. What great motivators!

Be blessed,
Kathleen

Great Grandma Lin said...

being on vacation, having time and ideas flowing motivates me. also some deadlines-i write a weekly column called looking back...no pay but it keeps me going and i'm building a readership in my local area. blogging helps too to have a place to report to and friends that care also a support writer's group to share your successes and failures.

Tracy said...

Yep, we've had the a/c on several times by now. (Phx area) But we never go as low as 72! It terrifies me to think of what our bill would be if we actually did that. I don't currently have a WIP to be motivated for, but as for blogging my biggest motivation is the many awesome people I've met while doing it. Like you! Blessings!

Jessica Nelson said...

Oh yes, the word counter totally motivates me. It's that visual of progression, I think.
Congrats on your speed writing! So awesome. :-)

Jan Cline said...

Reading other's blogs is a great help. Just to know there are authors out there, just ordinary people, making progress toward their dream is motivating. Where can we get one of those gadgets?

Pat's Place said...

I really admire your dedication to writing. I seem to be way too scattered to settle down and complete a project. I need to follow your example. You might just be the motivator that I need!!

Cindy R. Wilson said...

There are so many things that motivate me, particularly support and accountability from you all in the blogging world. I am motivated by progress without a doubt and when I get stalled, I am motivated by wanting to see my characters through to the end of the conflict in their lives and potentially using it to reach real people in the real world.

Yolanda said...

For me, Terri, it's often allowing the pen to the paper or my finger tips to the keys and allowing what God has for me to be shared with others and the peace that comes from within.

Lovingly,
Yolanda

Melissa Amateis said...

I love those little word counters, too. I couldn't wait to update mine when I was writing the last novel!

Motivating me now is the chance of a publishing contract. :-)

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

An end in sight...that's the motivator. But here's the strange thing, Terri. The closer I get to the finish, the more scared I become. Not because I don't believe in the final product, but rather because I've walked down this road before and am unsure as how to proceed at this point. My proposal is nearly written, and the "hoop jumping" is about to begin.

Honestly, I don't know if I have the heart for it. I want to have the heart for it, but today, I'm stuck with my wondering. I'll let you know when it's done. Won't be long. Thanks for all of your encouragement along the way.

peace~elaine

BeckyJoie said...

I am motivated by the writing of others today and by the factor that life is so short. I don't want to be lying on my deathbed some day wishing I had pursued all my writing dreams.

Jill Kemerer said...

I always set a completion date goal for my book. Seeing that date creep closer and closer motivates me!

LauraLee Shaw said...

I find motivation in everyday stuff. As a relational observer, it just comes. But like you, others spur me on too. You go, sister.

Jennifer Shirk said...

I love the word gadget thingy! It makes me smile more to see it move left and not right. LOL!

Tana said...

I need to add this gadget. I'm afraid of this gadget lol! I'm proud of you, and your WIP looks like it's moving along nicely! Congrats!!!

Carmen said...

Hi Terri! You are certainly an inspiration and a dedicated writer! My E-Circle, with their stories and their critique motivate me as well. When I've finished something I'm proud of, I feel like maybe I can do something serious with it...that's a motivator too. Have a good weekend! Congratulations on your progress!

Angie Ledbetter said...

So happy for you, Terri! Great to watch the words mount up, hunh? :)