Inspiration. Motivation. Dedication.

I hear time-management issues from my authors all the time. It is absolutely vital to make the time to write. When I would attend RWA discussions in my former life, I would always hear that an author MUST treat writing as a job, scheduling time and planning that career.

These three words can make your best laid plans a challenge at best.

Inspiration

Writing is a creative exercise but you have to find a way to move through your muse's whims. If you can't write, try plotting another book, or working on promo. Puzzle out why you've stalled and consider ways to write through. Write short character studies or play with a potential sequel. Brainstorm with critique partners or your editor. Just keep working toward that end and the words will come. You may have to revise them significantly, but the 'two step forward, one step back' approach still does mean progress.

Motivation

Nobody is as invested in your career as you are. Nobody understands just how it feels to channel words from brain to paper. You are your own best advocate and must motivate yourself. Set a writing time and stick with it. Spend your spare minutes of inspiration jotting down notes for books or characters. Always take a notebook or PDA along. Gently push family responsibilities aside in your prescheduled writing time and make sure that your family understands that you are working and not playing with the computer. Keep focusing on your long-term goals and set short-term rewards for yourself.

Dedication

It may sound trite, but the only way to become a published author is to write. Dedicate time and energy to the writing process. Channel that inspiration and motivation into energy and results. Don't allow anything short of a family emergency to distract you. Don't allow a bad day to derail you.

Keep working toward the goal of finishing a book and starting the next!