Here are 5 tips you need to know to help you stay inspired while you write:

1. Exercise, meditate, and listen to music to refresh your mind. If you worked in a labour intensive job you’d come home from a days work and rest to rejuvenate your body and allow it to repair so you could work again the following day. You’re mind is like a muscle too, and when you spend hours writing, day after day, it also needs a rest. Things like exercise, meditation, and listening to music can help give your brain a time out and allow it to take a break from it’s labour intensive job… writing and using your imagination. If you rest your mind you’ll find your writing flows better, feels like less of a chore, and it will fuel your imagination.
2. Be open to constructive criticism. The keyword here is constructive. There are lots of people willing to give you their two cents on what they do and don’t like about your story, but you want people who will tell you why, and even better, suggest ways to improve it. I’m not saying you have to take on all the advice you receive, but be open to it, and decide if their feedback could in fact enhance your story. This will help you learn and grow as a writer, which is one thing we should always be open to doing.
3. Network. I don’t mean go and join a hundred Facebook groups, post pictures of your upcoming release, and ask them to help you with reviews and sharing. I mean join a few groups you think suit what you’re looking for and see how you can help other authors. Can you share their upcoming release and maybe in turn they’ll share yours? Inbox someone and let them know you loved their books cover and tell them you write in a similar genre. As long as you are genuine in your approach, you are bound to start meeting other writers who love the same things you do, and you’ll be surprised by the amazing friends you’ll make in the process.
4. Surround yourself with people who inspire you. This ties into #3. Don’t be discouraged by seeing other authors success while you are still struggling to finish writing that first book. Be inspired by their success, and find groups and people who will encourage you to be the best you can be.
5. Find a passion outside of writing. So it doesn’t become ‘work’. It’s easy to get so wrapped up in writing your next novel that you forget what it was you loved about writing in the first place. It begins to feel more like a job than something you enjoy. Having hobbies other than writing can give you time to step away and remember why it is you write. Your hobbies can also inspire you by helping clear your mind (see #1) and seeing things from another point of view. Some of my passions outside of writing are; reading, dancing, playing with my kids, drawing and painting.

Do you do any of the above tips already? Do you have tips of your own? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!