Motivation Monday 6/15

A quote from a writer with reflections to start off the week.

It can be hard not to consider what to work on as a writer when there are some trends flying through the sky like rockets. But when you finally settle on a project to tackle, go ahead and ask yourself a couple of questions first. Why do I want to write this? What do I want to say? What was the spark that inspired me?

I never paid attention to the themes in my novel, and was pleasantly surprised when others found themes that I hadn’t thought of! But themes can be important to framing your characters’ experiences. And, if you know what you want to say going into a novel, you can write a tighter novel. And we all like tighter novels.

In addition, especially if you have a story to tell, if you’ve learned something to share, if you have a passion for cultured butter and need to get your thoughts out into the world, or a deep desire to show perseverance through hardship. Your novels will be richer for it if you just lean into your passions instead of focusing on what everyone wants you to write.

So, do a little of the work in advance. Ask yourself what you want to say, and go boldly toward saying it!

What are you working on and what are you trying to say?