After four decades of writing and more than 90 published books, here’s one truth I’ve learned: books don’t write themselves. As much as we might wish for a lightning bolt of inspiration to strike us every day, writing requires consistent energy—and that energy is fueled by motivation.

But let’s be honest: staying motivated isn’t always easy. Every writer hits a wall. Whether it’s the dreaded writer’s block, a lack of clarity about your message, or the simple challenge of just sitting down to write—you’re not alone. It happens to everyone.

The key is to treat writing as both an art and a discipline. Like any profession, it requires the right tools to succeed. That’s why I created a 6-Step Book Planning Worksheet—to help writers like you map out your journey and stay on track.

Let’s dive into the techniques I’ve relied on to stay motivated and finish books year after year—even when it felt impossible.

1. Make Writing a Daily Ritual

Motivation thrives on momentum. One of the best ways to build that momentum is to write every single day. Even if all you manage is 150–300 words, the habit of showing up consistently has a compound effect. Tiny steps each day lead to big results over time.

Don’t wait for inspiration to strike. Instead, train your brain to expect a writing session just like it expects coffee in the morning. Keep it manageable—set a timer for 20 minutes or aim for one page. When you write often, your brain begins to associate writing with routine, not resistance.

Pro tip: Choose a fixed time and place to write. That way, your mind automatically shifts into “creative mode” when you sit down.

2. Silence Your Inner Editor (At Least for Now)

One of the fastest ways to kill your motivation is by judging your work as you create it. Editing during the drafting stage interrupts the flow of thought, pulling you out of the creative zone and into a critical mindset.

Instead, give yourself permission to write freely and imperfectly. The goal of your first draft is to get the ideas out of your head—not to polish them. There’s a time for editing—but that time is after you’ve finished the manuscript.

Think of it this way: you can’t edit a blank page. So focus on filling the page first.

3. Create a Distraction-Free Writing Zone

Writing requires focus—and that means creating an environment where your attention isn’t constantly being hijacked. Whether it’s social media notifications, emails, or just the hum of everyday life, distractions are motivation-killers.

Try this:

• Put your phone in another room or on airplane mode.

• Use noise-canceling headphones or ambient background music.

• Let others in your household know you’re “off-limits” for an hour.

• Clear your workspace of clutter.

Your goal is to make your writing space a sanctuary—a place where your ideas can come to life undisturbed.

4. Step Away to Recharge (But with Intention)

Sometimes the best way to move forward is to pause. If you find yourself stuck, drained, or uninspired, don’t be afraid to take a short break from your manuscript. Step outside, go for a walk, read something unrelated, or journal your thoughts.

But—and this is crucial—set a deadline for your return. A break without a return date turns into procrastination. When you resume writing, start small. Often, just writing a single paragraph is enough to reignite your momentum.

Changing your environment also helps. Try writing in a café, a park, or a different room. New surroundings often spark fresh ideas.

5. Draw Inspiration from the Greats

Whenever I feel creatively depleted, I look to those who have walked the path before me. Reading passages from authors I admire or studying how successful writers structure their ideas helps me reconnect with the craft.

If you’ve read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, you’ll know how powerful analogies and real-life examples can be. Use that same principle in your writing: look to thought leaders, authors, entrepreneurs—anyone whose story resonates with your theme.

But be cautious: don’t fall into the trap of comparison. Your voice is your own, and the goal here is inspiration, not imitation.

6. Talk Before You Type

Some of the best writing starts as conversation. If you’re having trouble articulating your ideas, try speaking them out loud. Record yourself explaining the concept to a friend or even just ramble into your phone’s voice notes. You’ll be amazed how naturally the ideas begin to flow.

Once you have a clearer sense of what you want to say, transcribe your notes. The raw energy of spoken words often translates into a more authentic, conversational writing style.

Think of your reader as a friend you’re chatting with over coffee. That connection can break through even the toughest blocks.

7. Use Writing Prompts to Spark Creativity

When the creative well runs dry, writing prompts are like matches that reignite the flame. They give your mind a new path to explore and get you writing again—even if the prompt has nothing to do with your current project.

Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Describe the last memory that made you smile.

• Rewrite a famous scene from your favorite movie from a different point of view.

• Use a random word (grab a dictionary or word generator) and build a paragraph around it.

Even a few minutes of writing outside your book can rejuvenate your creative muscles.

You Don’t Need to Feel Motivated All the Time

Let me leave you with this: you don’t need to feel motivated to write—you just need to start writing.

Motivation follows action, not the other way around. Some of my most productive writing days came when I least felt like showing up.

So here’s your call to action:

• Make writing a daily habit

• Silence your inner critic

• Clear your space of distractions

• Take breaks wisely

• Learn from other creators

• Talk through your ideas

• Try prompts when stuck

And above all—keep showing up.

Your book is worth finishing. Your story matters. And if you keep going, one word at a time, you’ll get there.