How to Stay Motivated During the Writing Process

Writer’s block is real — but beatable. Explore practical ways to stay focused and inspired throughout your writing and publishing journey, from early drafts to final book editing.

For authors, ghostwriters & book editors engaging in book publishing, ebook publishing, children’s stories and more

Writing a book—whether it’s a non-fiction guide, a children’s eBook, or a fictional novel—can be thrilling. But it can also be lonely, draining, and demotivating. If you’re wondering, “How do I stay motivated until the end?” this post is for you.

1. Reconnect with Your Purpose

Before diving into word counts and edits, pause and ask: Why am I doing this? Whether you want to publish a children’s eBook, create a powerful non-fictional book, or launch a career in ghostwriting & book editing, your “why” fuels your process when the going gets tough.

According to the research in writing motivation, a strong belief in your own capacity (self-efficacy) and clear goals (self regulation) are closely tied to persistence Krieger School of Arts & Sciences+1

So:

• Write a short mission statement for your book (e.g., "I want to empower young readers through a children's stories eBook)
• Keep that statement visible (stick it on your desk, your screen, your notebook)
• whenever motivation dips, rveisit it.

2. Set Realistic, Visible Goals & Track Your Progress

Big projects can feel overwhelming. Break your book publishing process into manageable chunks. For example::

• "Write 500 words daily"
• "Outline one chapter per week"
• "Finish first draft by a specific date"

Writing experts emphasize the power of manageable, consistent goals over ambitious but unrealistic ones. Sophie Writes+1

Tracking your progress brings psychological wins. According to one blog:

Quick tip: Use a simple spreadsheet or notebook. Every session note date, time, word count, how you felt. Watch your totals rise. Celebrate the mini-wins.

3. Build a Consistent Writing Routine

Motivation often follows action—not the other way around. One writer explained:

Here’s how to build the habit:

• Block a dedicated time slot each day (or certain days) for writing
• Create a "writing environment" (quite desk, favourite music, minimal distractions) as recommended by authors. The Novelry+1
• Treat writing as non-negotiable: it’s part of your publishing process.

Even if you write a little—say 150 words—it matters. The key is showing up.

4. Mix Things Up & Avoid Burnout

Monotony kills motivation. To keep your mind engaged:

• Vary your tools (switch between laptop, notebook, voice-to-text).
• Change the environment (coffee shop, park, desk). One writer increased output dramatically by simply moving location. jillianleighjacobs.com
• Use writing sprints (e.g., 20 minutes writing, 5 minutes break) to maintain momentum. Paper Fury

Also remember: good physical and mental wellbeing fuels creativity. Sleep, move, eat well. jillianleighjacobs.com+1

5. Use Accountability & Community

Don’t go it alone. Publishing a book is part craft, part persistence. Leverage external support:

• Announce to friends/followers that you're working on your book. It raises commitment and invites encouragement. Scribe Media
• Hire a coach or editor early, even if just for a session—knowing someone expects to see your work can boost momentum. goinswriter.com

6. Embrace Imperfection & Edit Later

When working on your first draft, aim for output, not perfection. Many authors stall because they fix every sentence before proceeding. But writing and editing are two different phases. Jerry Jenkins | Proven Writing Tips

By separating writing mode (get words on the page) from editing mode (refine later), you protect your motivation.

7. Celebrate Small Wins & Reflect

Finished a chapter? Celebrate it. Reflection is also key—ask yourself what worked, what didn’t, and what to improve next week. As the Krieger School notes, reflection strengthens your confidence and persistence.

Also reflect: What went well this week? What stalled you? What can you change next week? Reflection builds your self-regulation muscle and strengthens belief in your process. Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

8. Re-energise When You Hit a Slump

Slumps are inevitable. When you feel stuck

• Switch activities (outline a new scene, sketch children’s eBook illustrations, brainstorm non-fiction case studies).
• Revisit your purpose (see section 1).
• Ask for help or talk with a fellow author. goinswriter.com
• Reduce the goal: “I’ll write for 15 minutes.” Often once you start, momentum builds.

9. Tie Motivation to Your Publishing Vision

Motivation won’t always be present. That’s okay. The habit of writing, the system you build, the community you lean on—these will carry you through.

“One writer every day gets published” they say. Why not you? Jerry Jenkins | Proven Writing Tips+1

If you maintain your system—your purpose, your goals, your routine, and your community—you’ll reach that first draft, move into editing and onto publishing.

Ready for your next move?

If you’ve enjoyed these tips and want to dig deeper into how to turn your ideas into a profitable book, check out our next blog: How to Turn Your Ideas into a Profitable Book.

Keep writing. You've got this.

10. Final Word: Keep Showing Up

Motivation won’t always be there—but discipline will. The systems you build (purpose, goals, habits, and community) will carry you forward. As Jerry Jenkins says, “One writer every day gets published—why not you?”

Keep writing. Keep showing up. You’ve got this.

Ready for your next move? Read our next blog: How to Turn Your Ideas into a Profitable Book.