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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/2117
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

I agree with most of the other posts on this topic, but I have a little bit to add:

I think the answer will be different depending on whether you're an established, experienced writer having a dry spell, or if you're an aspiring writer who can't get started.

If you're a fairly experienced writer: I find it helpful to read back over my old books. I either get caught up in the story and build my confidence and enthusiasm that way, or I find a million things I could have done better, and THAT inspires me to go on and write something new so I have a chance to fix the mistakes I made the last time. I also like to have a target publisher in mind for each book; they might not be the people I end up submitting the story to, but I can keep them in mind while writing, as inspiration. "I wonder what the cover will look like? Wouldn't it be cool to have a book for sale from the same publisher as author X?" etc.

If you're a new writer: I agree with Nick Bedford - maybe you like the IDEA of writing, but the actual writing ITSELF isn't that much fun. If that's the case, I'd ask yourself why you want to write. If you're looking for fame and fortune, I'd try something else - this isn't an easy field to break into, and it's even harder to rise to the top. And I'll bet most of the people sitting on top of the writing world didn't have a whole lot of trouble finding things to start writing about. On the other hand, if you want to write because you think you have something to say, or because you have a passion for it, and just HAVE to do it - great, just try to remember that passion when you sit down to write!

A more concrete suggestion - try to get something written and get some feedback on it, as much and as soon as possible. Yes, it's a way to improve your work, but more importantly, it feels GREAT. Writing a novel is a ridiculously long slog with no feedback, no rewards, and no guarantees. It's VERY hard for a first-time writer to stay motivated through all that. Whatever you're writing, make sure you find ways to share it early and often, to keep yourself enthusiastic about the work.

Good luck.

Original score: 5