Rediscover Your Motivation for the Writing Journey

If you’ve been trudging along the writing path long enough, you’ve probably already discovered that it isn’t for the faint of heart. I have worked on a fiction manuscript for the past two years, and I’ve devoted hours into brainstorming, plotting, researching, writing, and editing … despite the fact that it is not yet a contracted project. I have earned zero amount of dollars for this book up to this point, and frankly, there is no guarantee that it even will be published.

Non-writers—more specifically, non-artists—don’t understand this. Why spend hours alone, working on a project that may or may not see the light of day?

Because us artists understand that the fruit of our labor is not necessarily found in the end result.

It is found in the artistic process itself.

True writers don’t write simply for the money, the exposure, the attention, the publication. The writers who do have this as their initial motivation never seem to last long in this industry.

So what is it that keeps true writers persevering, even when the finish line seems out of reach?

Their motivation rests in their passion for the craft. The joy that is found as they breathe a new story into existence. The adrenaline rush they discover as they type, trying to string the perfect words together to paint their imagination. That motivation is found in the feeling of accomplishment when a word count goal has been reached, or when a new plot twist has been uncovered.

So if you have found yourself discouraged along the writing journey—wondering if you will receive a return of investment—let me remind you that the greatest return of your investment is your passion. If you’re searching for a career that will grant you a fair return of investment, then perhaps this isn’t the career for you.  

If passion isn’t your sole motivation behind this writing journey, then perhaps you don’t have the right fuel to keep you persevering for the long haul.

But if it is the reason you continue to write, even when the rejections roll in—if passion is to blame for the tireless work, the dollars you’ve invested into purchasing writing courses and conferences and books—then, rest assured: The journey will be worth it.

Why?

Because it’s that passion that will cause readers to resonate with your work.

It’s passion that will bring meaning to your work.

Without it, our writing would come across as dry. Our stories would be shallow. And our journey would be even more taxing.

I challenge you to rediscover your motivation for this writing journey. Don’t allow rejections to allow you to lose sight of the bigger picture. Don’t allow the state of the publishing industry to zap your joy for the writing process.

And if your creative well has been running dry—if you have found yourself exhausted from the ups and downs of this path—then remind yourself of why you fell in love with writing in the first place.

It’s only then, after rediscovering the joy of writing, that you will have the fuel you need to keep trekking along this crazy journey toward publication.

How do you rediscover your motivation along your writing journey? Let me know in the comments!

Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who writes inspirational yet authentic books for teens to remind them they’re not alone. She writes both fiction and devotionals for teens, including her upcoming release, LOVE YOUR SELFIE (October 2020, Ellie Claire). Her latest devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, encourages teens to pursue a personal relationship with Christ. Tessa’s passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as a Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, decorating art journals, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is through connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: tessaemilyhall.com.