tahbhie

[tahbhie]

How to Stay Motivated as a Writer.

I ran a poll to celebrate reaching 50 reblogs because you guys are amazing, and this topic won the poll.

(This is a bit lengthy, but I advise you to read to the very end. These are the kind of tips you rarely find without a fee, but for your amazing support so far, you get this from me for free.)

Let's dive in!

Before I became a writing coach, lack of motivation was something I battled with. Writing started to feel like a waste of my time, but whenever I stopped, I still found my way back somehow.

After a few more months of struggling and finding a clear routine that worked for me, I became a writing coach. Believe me when I say that it was such a commitment, and you'd never know until you get your first student.

I only knew how to stay motivated as an individual. After two students, I realized that motivation was also something they struggled with, and as their coach, it became my duty to offer solutions. In fact, nine out of ten writers struggle with this same problem, so I came up with the 'why and what' technique.

What is the 'why and what' technique?

This technique is a template to figure out the main reason a writer isn't motivated at the current time, which allows for the provision of tailored and personalized solutions to solve the specific problem. In other words: Understanding the why (the main reason for the lack of motivation at the time) to figure out the what (effective solution to solve the main reason).

Lack of motivation is pretty subjective and varies widely. Giving a particular piece of advice may work for some and not for others, which is why I ensured my technique benefits all.

I'll give examples of common reasons writers lack motivation for writing using the template. If you don't find any that relate to you, write it in the comments and get a personalized solution from me.

1. Lack of Inspiration

Why:

- Feeling uninspired by current projects.

- Overwhelmed by the vastness of ideas.

- Stuck in a creative rut.

What:

- Change your environment: Sometimes a new setting can spark creativity. Try writing in a different location, like a park or a café.

- Consume creative content: Read books, watch movies, or listen to music that inspires you.

- Engage in Free Writing: Set a timer for 10 minutes and write whatever comes to mind without worrying about structure or grammar.

- Take a step back: You are no less of a writer if you decide to take a break and watch other writers from afar. Personally, it's difficult to write when I'm not inspired. I find myself editing more than usual and, at times, discarding the piece I spent hours on. So for a little while, I only engaged online and learned other ways to improve my skills with the time on my hands.

2. Fear of Failure

Why:

- Worrying that your writing isn't good enough.

- Comparing yourself to other writers.

- Fear of negative feedback.

What:

- Set small goals: Break down your writing project into manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

- Seek constructive feedback: Share your work with trusted friends or writing groups who can provide supportive and constructive criticism.

- Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Always remember that our writing styles differ from one another, and that is what makes us unique as writers. 

3. Lack of Time

Why:

- Busy schedules and other commitments.

- Difficulty prioritizing writing.

What:

- Create a writing schedule: Dedicate specific times in your day or week for writing and stick to it.

- Use writing prompts: Short prompts can help you get started quickly and make the most of limited time.

- Eliminate distractions: Find a quiet space and turn off notifications to focus solely on writing.

- Create or join writing challenges: Activities like the 3-day writing challenge, writing a novel in 6 months, the 7-day character creation challenge, the fantasy writers challenge, etc., have specific guidelines tailored to helping writers stay motivated and at the same time productive in limited times.

4. Perfectionism

Why:

- Striving for perfection in every sentence.

- Reluctance to move forward until everything is perfect.

What:

- Embrace the draft: Accept that your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. Focus on getting your ideas down first.

- Set time limits: Give yourself a set amount of time to write and then move on, even if it's not perfect.

- Practice self-compassion: Remind yourself that it's okay to make mistakes and that writing is a process.

-Listen to writing podcasts or join a valuable writing newsletter: You will learn more about the writing industry and writing processes of other established writers, their wins, struggles, difficulties, appreciations, etc., which can serve as an assurance that you are facing the processes of a typical writer. 

Here's a podcast and newsletter for writers I totally recommend—The Shit No One Tells You About Writing. You can listen to The Shit No One Tells You About Writing on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify or sign up for their newsletter.

5. Burnout

Why:

- Writing too much without breaks.

- Feeling exhausted and mentally drained.

- Stressed out from other engagements 

What:

- Take regular breaks: Schedule breaks during your writing sessions to rest and recharge.

- Engage in other hobbies: Spend time on activities you enjoy outside of writing to refresh your mind.

- Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve focus.

- Listen to music: It's an amazing mind therapy. 

6. Lack of Support

Why:

- Feeling isolated in your writing journey.

- Lack of encouragement from others.

What:

- Join writing communities: Connect with other writers through online forums, local writing groups, or social media.

- Find a writing buddy: Partner with another writer to share progress, provide feedback, and offer mutual support.

- Attend workshops and events: Participate in writing workshops, conferences, or webinars to learn and network with others.

- Get a writing coach: Find a coach that will dedicate their time assisting you through your writing processes. 

7. Working on Too Many Drafts Simultaneously

Why:

- Overwhelmed by multiple projects.

- Difficulty prioritizing which story to focus on.

- Constantly switching between drafts, leading to a lack of progress.

What:

- Prioritize projects: Choose one or two main projects to focus on and set the others aside temporarily. This helps you concentrate your efforts and make significant progress.

- Create a project schedule: Allocate specific times or days for each project. For example, work on one story in the mornings and another in the afternoons.

- Set clear milestones: Break each project into bit-sized, manageable tasks with deadlines. Celebrate when you reach these milestones to stay motivated.

- Limit new ideas: Keep a notebook or digital file for new ideas, but resist the urge to start new projects until you complete your current ones.

- Use a timer: Work on one project for a set amount of time (e.g., 25 minutes using the Pomodoro Technique) before taking a break or switching to another task.

8. Frustration of Not Completing Any Stories

Why:

- Feeling stuck or losing interest in projects.

- Perfectionism preventing you from finishing.

- Lack of a clear plan or direction.

What:

- Set realistic goals: Define what "completion" means for each project (e.g., finishing a first draft, reaching a certain word count) and work towards that.

- Embrace imperfection: Accept that your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. Focus on getting the story down, and you can revise it later.

- Find accountability: Share your goals with a writing buddy or group who can help keep you on track and provide encouragement.

- Reward yourself: Plan small rewards for completing sections of your work. This can be anything from a favorite snack to a relaxing activity.

- Reflect on your progress: Regularly review what you've accomplished to remind yourself of your progress and stay motivated.

- Set a clear outline for your story: Having a clear and detailed outline for a story makes it difficult to run out of ideas. 

- Share your achievements with others: Achievement posts are one of the posts that receive more engagement from people. I'm quite aware of Substack. The notes with the highest engagement have to do with achievements. People find those notes empowering and inspiring. Share your wins with others and let them celebrate with you. 

9. Working on Too Many Drafts

Why:

- Perfectionism leading to endless revisions.

- Difficulty deciding when a draft is "good enough."

- Fear of publishing an imperfect work.

What:

- Set a draft limit: Decide on a maximum number of drafts (e.g., three to five) before moving on to the next stage.

- Establish clear goals for each draft: Define what you want to achieve with each draft (e.g., plot consistency, character development, grammar).

- Seek external feedback: Get input from beta readers or a professional editor after a set number of drafts to gain fresh perspectives.

- Create a timeline: Set deadlines for each draft to avoid getting stuck in a cycle of endless revisions.

10. Trying to Earn with Your Writing

Why:

- Financial pressure to monetize your writing.

- Balancing creative passion with commercial viability.

- Navigating the competitive market.

What:

- Diversify income streams: Explore various ways to earn from your writing, such as freelancing, self-publishing, blogging, or offering writing services.

- Build an online presence: Use social media, a personal blog, or platforms like Tumblr, TikTok, and Instagram to showcase your work and connect with potential readers and clients.

Remember, If you don't find any that relate to you, write it in the comments and get a personalized solution from me.

- Offer exclusive content: Create special content or giveaways for your audience to increase engagement and loyalty.

- Learn marketing skills: Invest time in learning about book marketing, SEO, and social media strategies to effectively promote your work.

- Network with other writers: Join writing communities and attend workshops or conferences to learn from others and find opportunities for collaboration.

Remember, If you don't find any that relate to you, write it in the comments and get a personalized solution from me.

Reblog to save for later 😉. Once again thank you for supporting my blog!

[tahbhie]

Exactly! I think this needs some clarification.

The original advice apply to us differently because we are 'different' when it comes to writing or being creative in general. But your first draft 'DOESN'T HAVE TO SUCK'. Don't approach your writing with that mindset, it brings out the least of your ability.

This advice changed its initial purpose after being passed down from several people who might have misinterpreted the intent and even structure. Don't approach your writing with the intention that first draft 'should suck'. Just write your first draft the way you can.

just saw someone say, in reference to their first draft, “i know they have to suck” just in case people thought i was being dramatic about the shitty phrasing of that “advice”

your first drafts don’t have to suck. and telling people that they should/are supposed to isn’t very helpful

[tahbhie]

Hello lm hamdi ,I humbly ask for your support by reblogging this post on your account to help me and my family. As newcomers to Tumblr and GoFundMe, we are in desperate need of your kindness and support. 🙏🇵🇸🍉😔Please donate 🙏🏼Let's reach the goal as soon as possible .

💜

[tahbhie]

How to Stop Hating Everything You Write

1. Don't be afraid of making mistakes.

Quit judging yourself for every mistake you make along the way. Whether you're writing fiction, fanfiction, or nonfiction, just write. If you can't correct your errors as you go, that's okay. When I don't have the brainpower to multitask, I focus on the writing stage one step at a time. Just write!

2. Don't aim for perfection.

"It's not ready if it's not perfect." That's a lie. When you're in the process of writing, it's best to concentrate on getting your thoughts on paper.

3. Seek feedback and learn to receive it.

Join lively communities with active writers or forums that host events inviting writers to share their work for critique. Not every critique is constructive; learn to discern which feedback to take on board and which to ignore.

4. Read, read, read.

You can't give what you don't have. You learn a lot from reading similar pieces in your chosen genre. Reading is also a source of inspiration that fuels your writing process.

5. Cut yourself some slack.

Writing is no small feat. It takes talent to formulate a story with your mind and skill to visualize it for others to see. Do you love writing? Then keep doing it because it takes practice.

Looking for a supportive community dedicated to helping you grow as a writer? Join the Writers Universe server and thrive!

[tahbhie]

Thank you so much guys!! Let's celebrate ❤️

I checked my activities on Tumblr earlier and was met with, “OMG tahbhie! You’ve reached 50 reblogs.” As small as this achievement may seem, I am incredibly grateful.

You know what this means? People actually read my stuff and find it helpful, and that warms my heart. Writers and artists are truly one of the most supportive communities out there. Respect, guys! 🫡

Next milestone—50 followers, and I’ll probably host a giveaway to celebrate.

To celebrate this milestone, I’m going to let you decide what my next post should be. You know what they say, “Every small win becomes a significant one.” And here’s the thing, I want to celebrate every single one with you.

Cheers! 🥂

[tahbhie]

This just sparked an idea for a story or roleplay. Just imagine it people, even if we only fantasize about it, just imagine it 🫡

um. guys. not to ruin anyone’s christmas or anything but a goblin army is approaching from the west

[tahbhie]

💜

Character Building

Some things to think about when building/describing a character:

Physical traits

Hair: color and length. Maybe it's natural, maybe it's dyed

Build: height, weight, muscle

Face: maybe they have a longer nose or forehead. Think about specific features like freckles, gapped teeth, jaw shape, acne scars, lip shape

Eyes: eye color, shape, 

Backstory

Where is your character from?

Do they have family? How has that affected their personality?

What are their goals?

What are their likes/dislikes?

Strengths and weaknesses

Age

Personality

Voice: is their voice deep? Lilted? Strained?

How do they react to stressful situations? 

What do they wear?

Are they kind? Meaner? Restrained? 

How do they move? If they're older maybe they're a bit slower. Maybe your character is clumsy or move awkwardly

Body language/face: is your character normally more serious? Do they have RBF? Maybe they smile more or their face is more relaxed at rest. Maybe they leave their hands on their hips a lot, or prefer them crossed or in their pockets.

How are they perceived by others? How do they view the people around them? 

Should I dive deeper on some of these?

[tahbhie]

Reasons Why 80% of Romantic Plots Fall Through.

Haven't you wondered why a romantic story you have so much hope for suddenly flops? Whether it's yours or not, let's see what could be the problem.

• Relying Too Much on the Outcome

Unfortunately, no romance is complete without an arc. In other words, it is more than just the intimacy. When writers don't allow the relationship to develop naturally, it feels forced. Rushing to the final romance without building a solid foundation will make the story feel shallow and unconvincing. Take your time, flesh out the idea, and follow the plot gradually.

• Creating Unnecessary Victimization

I often see writers make the mistake of portraying one character as too weak or pitiful only for the sake of it. This unnecessary victimization can undermine the character's depth and make the story less compelling. Your readers won't cry along with a female character whose decisions are pretty sour compared to a five-year-old. It's just simply annoying.

Instead, both characters should have strengths and weaknesses, make realistic decisions, making them more relatable and balanced.

• Cringy Conflict.

Realistic conflict is essential for a compelling romance. Over-the-top or contrived conflicts can make the story feel forced and cringy. Conflict should come naturally and blend perfectly into the plot. It's not advisable to pop a challenge that's definitely not necessary in the name of 'keeping the stakes high.'

Rather, focus on creating believable challenges that the characters must overcome, adding depth and authenticity to the plot.

• Neglecting Other Emotions Outside Romance.

It's not only about love, or roses, or dinner nights, or lucky dates with the billionaire. Show the other emotions fighting for dominance: the hurts, pains, joy, frustration, desperation, anger, sadness, jealousy, anxiety, or even moments when a character falls out of love with the other and can't understand their feelings.

Focusing solely on love can lead to a one-dimensional story. For a well-rounded narrative, explore these emotions to create a richer and more immersive experience for the readers.

• Underdeveloped Characters.

What's a story without a fully-fledged character, especially if they are the main character in a story?

You might have heard people talk about the importance of backstories and others saying too much of it tires them out, but here's the thing—balance. It's what people fail to incorporate. I'll try to cover this in any of my upcoming blog posts. Follow to keep up.

To better understand why we should cry for, laugh with, pity, admire, adore, scold, yell at, advocate for, and smile with your character, we need to know why they are what they are, who they are, and why they make the choices they make.

It's important to create characters with distinct personalities, backgrounds, and motivations. When readers care about the characters, they become more invested in the story and its outcome.

And that's my Christmas gift from me to you 🎁. Merry Christmas 🎄

[tahbhie]

If you do warm-ups, share it with others in the comments. ✨

Would you like to talk about your book, problems you're having as a writer, and get solutions? Join the Writers Universe Server today for the free writing event that has so much to offer. Hurry up and don't miss it!

[tahbhie]

Emerging writers, stop asking a community of foreign audiences what they would love to read with the intent of writing based on their responses.

By being too curious, you’ll end up with a variety of answers from a vast audience and still write your story the way YOU want. In the worst cases, you might lose track of a feasible plot, lose focus, and end up with NO story.

Established writers with a dedicated audience can definitely benefit from understanding their readers’ preferences. However, developing your own style and experimenting with different tropes will help you build a distinct voice that attracts readers naturally.

[tahbhie]

As a 40-year-old writing a book spanning different ages, will my adulthood affect the portrayal of my younger characters?

I can turn this question around and ask, "Should my adulthood affect my younger characters?"

Answer to the first question: It will if you let it.

Answer to the second question: No, it shouldn't unless that's the intention.

Now, let me explain.

Your age does not determine who your characters should be. Believe it or not, your characters are their own people. If your aim isn't to communicate your life through a character, there's no reason why that character should be influenced by your personal life.

To write characters of ages different from your own, consider these three guiding concepts:

Experience

As fictional as our characters might be, they still need to be relatable. What can your experience do for you here? It's simple! You have the experiences of the ages you've lived through.

For instance, as a 40-year-old, you were once a tween, teenager, and young adult, and in your daily life, you interact with people of those ages.

When writing, let these experiences come into play, reducing the possibility of your current age influencing your characters.

Research

If you haven't crossed those age bars or have forgotten what it felt like, turn to research. Don't hesitate to conduct proper research; you might discover how teenagers partied in the seventeenth century, for example.

Experiment

Conduct little tests on the ages you plan to write about if you have no firsthand experience. It can be challenging for older people to understand younger generations, especially with the Gen Z trends. This also applies to younger individuals trying to understand adults.

Conduct subtle surveys to better understand the emotions, characteristics, personality differences, decision-making, thinking, and reasoning capacities of these age groups.

Actions to consider while using this method: observation, communication, asking relevant questions, seeking understanding through enquiry, keeping record, asking for feedback.

In conclusion, when writing about ages other than your own, rely on experience, research, experimentation, or all three.

Looking for a supportive community dedicated to helping you grow as a writer? Join the Writers Universe server and thrive!

[tahbhie]

How do you develop your opening lines?

I LOVE this question and have been waiting for it. I won't get overdramatic, but I understand how crucial opening lines are—they can either ignite or extinguish our inspiration for a project.

Before diving into how to develop opening lines, let's consider the qualities we're aiming for. Opening lines should pack a punch, set a promising tone, and hook readers beyond the first page.

Now that we've established that, let's look at the different forms opening lines can take:

Emotional

Practical

Straight to the point

Dramatic

Action lines

Dialogue technique

I can't exhaustively cover each form in a single blog post, but understand that each works better for certain genres and can be interchangeable in exceptional cases.

If you wish to learn more, consider joining my group. I'll be running events soon where I'll discuss topics like this with interested writers. You'll find the link below.

One last thing: no one, absolutely no one, can or should determine what your opening lines should be. You have to figure that out yourself after understanding the forms you can use to your advantage. Remember how I said it can shut down our inspiration? Well, opening lines come from inspiration.

"If the opening line doesn't set the tone for you when you write, it can't set the tone for your readers when they read."

Looking for a supportive community dedicated to helping you grow as a writer? Join the Writers Universe server and thrive!

[tahbhie]

💯

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ONE! Don’t ignore this in your writing!

[tahbhie]

💜 INTRO POST 💜

Hi there! I’m Tabitha, but you can call me Dream. Nice meeting you 🥂

✧✧ ABOUT ME ✧✧

I'm a passionate writer with a love for all things creative and innovative. You'll often find me brainstorming new ideas, especially to fuel my plans of supporting artists and writers.

✧✧ INTEREST ✧✧

Outside of writing, I dance, sing, and have a flair for making genuine connections. I'm always willing to listen and see how I can help, even if it's just making new friends.

I enjoy all forms of writing, though I rarely write fanfiction. However, I do read the ones that fascinate me.

✧✧ ABOUT BLOG ✧✧

I plan to share my experiences and expertise in the writing industry, offering writing tips, advice, games, prompts, and invaluable resources for writers' success.

✧✧ ACTIVITIES ✧✧

What you could possibly do while you’re here:

♥ Follow my blog and never miss a creative post. ➕

♥ Engage with my posts and be a recognized supporter. ✅

♥ Send me a DM for coaching services if you want to improve your writing skills, or get tailored writing tips. 📝

♥ Join my growing server for all writers, gaining access to free writing events, making great connections, and sharing your work. ❤️

♥ Become a member of The Lost Library, gaining access to story chapters, weekly prompts, exclusive writing tips that are rare to find, and audiobooks.

♥ And lastly, you can gift me a rose to support me.

I HOPE TO SEE YOU OFTEN 😉

I’m thrilled to share this journey with you and can’t wait to see how we can grow together. Stay tuned for tips, tricks, and plenty of inspiration on this blog and in the community.

[tahbhie]

Look into my eyes whenever I speak

I say many things I do not mean

I lose control and hope you understand

I close my eyes to lose you forever

[tahbhie]

For real.

Especially when days roll by and no one engages with the post.

It's like I scared everyone away, sigh

I feel bad whenever I plug my stuff lol. I know marketing yourself and finding your audience takes some level of advertising but I feel annoying!!

Haha anyways read Socks on the Beach on Wattpad, link pinned <3