Getting Started

As the year comes to an end, we are all eager for a new year and a new start. It’s safe to say we are all tired of this pandemic life and are hoping for a better year. If you are like me you have an idea or a journal full of ideas for writing projects.

The writing life is a never-ending process. But we all must start from scratch when creating new projects. Unfortunately, the first step is often the hardest to take, especially after trudging through the winter and holiday season. It’s like going from 0 to 60 in under a minute, getting there sounds good but in reality, it is a chore just to get going. It is even harder for someone who lives with a brain injury.

• Inability to focus
• Movement is restricted
• Lack of stamina to finish the task.

The writing life can be just as difficult to be productive as being disabled. Some writers are procrastinators by nature, they perform better under pressure. Some are self-starters, others must be nudged and guided where they need to go.

Perhaps you have more self-discipline or willpower than most writers. Either way, we all need to get started at some point; writing is a marathon, not a sprint—although they may start at the same point.

Getting Started!

A new year means new opportunities for each writer. Personally, I have quite a few projects in mind for this year: blogs, articles, and even a new screenplay. Like most writers, the problem isn’t coming up with new ideas, but just getting started and writing them.

Each writer has their own way of getting motivated to write: work out, go for a walk, overindulge in coffee/caffeine. Unfortunately, due to my brain injury, I must limit my intake of caffeine which only stimulates our nervous system to give us a buzz, not energy.

 Where do you find yourself in the quest for motivation to write? I looked online and found ways writers use to help them get started:

1. Set writing goals: Set goals that are easy to meet. Give yourself a minimum daily word count you need to reach. At the end of each writing session record your word count in a writing diary.
2. Set deadlines: There is no better motivator than a deadline. Look at a calendar and set a due date for each chapter of your book and I completed the first draft.
3. Write now, edit later: An essential part of creative writing is to just get your story down. When words are flowing don’t stop to edit. You’ll forget your thoughts and ideas and you lose momentum.
4. Find the perfect writing space: Find a spot where you do your best writing. Make sure it’s away from distractions.
5. Remember that the journey is the destination: Be in the present and enjoy the experience of writing.
6. Commit to a regular writing time: Getting into a regular writing habit is easier when you use time management skills and schedule a specific time to write every single day.
7. Change your thought processes: Remind yourself that the only way to become a better writer is to sit down and write.
8. Join a writing group: Sometimes writing for yourself, is simply not enough motivation. Join a writing group that meets regularly so you are accountable to other people to turn and what you write.
9. Take five:  If you have writer’s block, step away from your writing routine. Go for a walk or a jog. Sometimes just getting exercise helps open the creative flow of gates.
10. Switch up your setting: Changing where you work can get you out of a creative rut.
11. Switch directions: When you stall out during the middle of a writing project, change what you’re working on. Switching to a new writing style can refresh your thoughts.
12. Try writing prompts: A fun way to find motivation is to use writing prompts to ignite a story. Prompts are often a short text passage that a writer uses as fuel to launch into a bigger story.
13. Reward yourself: Use bribery for a little motivation every now and then never hurts. Promise yourself a sweet treat, a cup of coffee, or some little reward for reaching a milestone in your writing session.
14. Read a book: If you’re having a hard time finding motivation, pick up something to read. Reading will turn off your creative engine and give your mind a rest.
15. Remember why you started writing: Remember why you started writing in the first place and refocus on the story you set out to tell.

During my early years in rehabilitation I had to see a neuropsychologist to help me not only understand what was going on with my brain and body, but to keep motivated in my recovery process, it was there I learned the difference between motivation and inspiration; motivation comes from within us, whereas inspiration is an external means to inspire us.

As a disabled person, I have learned that I am responsible for how I handle my disability. When I cannot motivate myself to get going, I can always turn to someone or something for inspiration to get going.

Inspiration?

Most Christian writers hope to inspire their readers through their writing. Where do you find your inspiration? As a disabled American I found so much inspiration in the story of Joni Eareckson Tada, her success, despite her disability, has inspired millions of disabled Americans. The late Dick Hoyt is another inspiration of mine, his unconditional love and support for his special needs son have encouraged millions of men.

As a writer I have also looked to other’s for inspiration and specific areas of my creative writing process, below are a few:

• Scott Myers (professional screenwriter and writing coach)
• Jerry B. Jenkins (renowned author and writing mentor)
• DiAnn Mills (award-winning author and writing mentor)

Regardless of what you write or if you’re disabled or not, there will come a time when we all need a little help getting started!

Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at MartinThomasJonhson.com  and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.