What motivates me and other updates

Song in head: Uptown Funk



I've been pondering this past week about motivation. Different people are motivated by different things. When it comes to writing, I think I'm motivated by a couple sources:

1. Guilt of not writing

2. My need for creativity

3. Reading a book about writing 

Guilt only works for a little but, as I feel more pressured by not being good enough to write everyday. Its like a teacher who keeps telling you, you aren't up to snuff. I think we need to be honest with ourselves for sure, but not so much that we feel, down.

My need for creativity seems to exist earlier in the day, it's like a force that pulls me to create. It's part of what makes me, me. Unfortunately I'm usually at work most of the day, and by the time I can write at night, my excitement for writing usually wanes. It happens all the time, I’m on way to work, and I talk to myself about how I’m going to do this and that when I get home, and when my kids are asleep. But when it actually gets to the end of the day, I’m kind of done, and just want to go to bed. Sometimes I can force myself to do some creative acts, but, ask anyone who works late after a full day of being awake, things start to slow down.

I've noticed whenever I read a book about something I'm interested in, I get really motivated to do that thing. For example, I might be reading a comic strip that I love, and then I get an idea of a comic of my own, an overwhelming feeling of creativity springs up in my mind, and I want to start drawing! I don't know if that's how it is for others. But to get the motivation to write, reading about writing, really helps me. I have already bought a couple books to help me with story construction, I seem to get ideas while reading on how to progress my own story. 

What motivates your creativity? Here's a questionnaire I've made for you to let me know (results will be shared in a future newsletter, you will remain anonymous): https://forms.gle/m7JRkRSyndtuZ8qm8

Beyond thoughts on motivation, I'm about to experience a new writing goal of mine, having a writing group! I wanted to form one after reading Anne Lamott's book, Bird by Bird. The book itself is essential for any writer, as it gives tips about the reality of writing commercially, and for one's self. The author herself is a writing teacher (or was, I'm not sure of her current situation). At a certain point in the book she mentions how some of her students formed writing groups.

The idea is that a small group of authors can talk about how they're are doing, discuss the stories they are making, and get some help and support. It keeps authors accountable for the weekly writing work they are doing, and provides a sort of check in with others that are rooting for them. We should be having our first in person meeting this week, I'll let you all know how it goes.

One of my group members had an interesting and great idea for getting book groups to read our books, this is what he said:

"Kurt, I don't know if you'd be interested in this, but I've been floating around a marketing idea where I put twenty or so copies of my book aside as loaner copies for book clubs in the area. Basically, any local book club could borrow enough copies for their group on the condition that they return them or pay for any copies that are lost or destroyed (insanity happens). I figure people who read and discuss books are the most likely group to buy any books that they especially like after the fact or, at the very least, recommend them to their friends.

Anyway, if it sounds like something you might be interested in for Rye's Rite, I added a page to my website where I can list local authors' books and emails as a central database for book club members to find good local reads. Fair warning, I'm planning on doing a review with each book listing. I've liked what I've read of Rye's Rite from the Amazon preview, but that's all I have read, so all I can guarantee for the review is that it will be honest. I will always be absolutely honest in any book review that I do for my website (or anywhere else, but especially there), but I will also not post a negative review without authorization from the author. Also, fairer warning, I have the page set up, but this is the first time I've ventured to test the waters on the author side, so it will still be a while to get it going...if it ever gets going at all."

I agreed to this marketing endeavor. I like the thought of lending copies of my book for others to read. More people reading my book is never a bad thing. To those who have bought a copy of my book again, thank you. Please leave a honest review once you have finished it. I know I may not have the elegance or poise of a best selling author, and my rhythm and pacing could be a little off. But for someone who is learning as I go, I feel it an accomplishment to have written a book that has a cohesive storyline with character growth, set in an era that I'm interested in. 

Remember you can always send me an email at kurtless64@gmail.com if you have any thoughts, questions, or just wanna talk. 

Sincerely,

Kurt Jensen