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A writer actually has only one challenge. Motivation is the only roadblock to the written word. Oh, sure, training, skill, time, and facility play a big part in the makeup of a writer. But, motivation stands alone as the wall between producer and product.
For many years the schools of every nation used a prescriptive method of motivation. “Johnny, write this sentence with a subject, a verb, a modifier, and a complement. Take out a sheet of (lined) paper and begin.” Failure to do so would have been punitive. In later life, on the job, writing was not so different. “Marge, take a memo.”
However, the person who would sit and write trivial nonsense, inane prose, soupy poetry, and torrid theatre; is entirely a different matter. The writer has to “want to.”
Few writers benefit from a drill sergeant in their home. Most writers pull up a blank screen and simply begin. Some may have a character sketch to copy, some may have an outline, or some may have a contrived device to quick start their efforts. Many will simply have a thought while sitting in church, standing in the shower, or driving down the road, and have to get it on paper (screen) as quickly as possible. A huge hurdle in the writing process will be crossed as a result. The challenge is put off, perhaps for good. If the motivation to write continues the writer can celebrate. However, if the germinal idea hangs on the screen then the motivation to finish it becomes moot.
Doctoral dissertations sit in musty closets, unfinished. Novels stop at 20 thousand words. Poems linger and fail. And scripts become tired. Motivation killed them all.
Writers go to conferences, workshops, schools, and seminars – not so much for additional training as to get motivated with new ideas. Unfortunately, the annual writer tune up does little more than propel the process forward. After the dust settles, the writer still has to pull up the screen and type the words, one word at a time.
Well, I’m not motivated to write more … so, this is it.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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