OK so I frickin wrote yesterday. I can't tell you what I was more motivated by, not wanting an opportunity to pass me up or needing to do it to get what I want.
I worked on a story, “Boxcar Leo,” about the time I tried to go freight train hopping. It's a short 1200 word humor piece, but one that I've tried to write several times without success. The deadline for the next TT humor book, Hyenas Laughed and Me and Now I Know Why, has already passed. But I’ve got connections and didn’t want this book to pass without me even trying.
The other reason is that I really want to do a travel humor column for a magazine. I’d take doing it for a national newspaper, but I really want a magazine. So, as I research magazines that I’m going to pitch, I also need to be readying column samples.
Some people are motivated because they want to succeed.
Some people are motivated because they don’t want to fail.
I think I am a bit of both, but what it really comes down to is that I like getting what I want. Spoiled, yet not overly bratty, I’m happy when I get my way. I know full well that it is possible to get what you want. I want this column, so low and behold look what happened… I found some extra initiative to take the next step.
What motivates you? I’m curious. Here’s what teenage writers are saying
My God, who are these kids? If they’re gonna be my competition I might just quit now!
Lol. Nancy, that was a hilarious comment. I hope you’re working on another story for the sequel to Sand. Don’t worry, you have time. And we won’t tell the teenagers!
I wouldn’t worry about a bunch of 12 and 13 year olds just yet. Wait till they start to experience, sex, drugs, and rock and roll – they will get distracted for a few years while sorting through that. If they get to ther other side and still want to write…watch out.
No way will they be your competition, Nancy. I’d say you have it made if these youngsters ever decide to write which they probably won’t.
My mother believes our personalities are set by the time we’re nine. And I’d say our personalities reflect our motivation.
No worries from:
Bekalou, aged 14
NightSong, aged 13
Morbane, aged 17
Superwriter, aged 10
Authorwannable, aged 12
EveningStar, aged 12
Elhanu’s Servant, aged 14
Cazi, aged 14
Hey, I didn’t mean to hijack this thread – those kids wowed me because at 12 or thirteen I didn’t know words like motivate, feedback, reciprocate and visualize. let alone form complete sentences. They talk like writing manuals.
To answer the original question, one thing that motivates me now is the idea that my writing might generate a reaction in someone else. I know, still juvenile after all these years.
No offense to their motivation, but I’d be more impressed by these budding writers if they learned to use grammar and proper spelling. LOL
As for my motivation, I love to write because I love the thought that I might be exposing the reader to a new idea or experience. In addition to travel, I also write about entertainment stuff and I love when I hear that someone got into a band because they read one of my reviews or articles. I guess I’m with Nancy in that generating a reaction is a great motivator. And no, it’s not juvenile, Nancy. 🙂
what?