motivational help

[joko]

I write stories and scripts, but find it hard to get in the mood to write. I have loads of ideas, premises, characters etc, but the effort of organising the story sometimes escapes me. I often will get the urge after reading some kind of insprirational snippet about success and dreams and weaving a tale - not soppy, schmaltzy stuff - does anyone know anywhere to look on the net for a steady stream of this kind of stuff?

or anything that may help me find the 'muse'?

Thanks

[JuliaSix]

Have you tried mind mapping? A good way to 'see' and organise thoughts. Look up mind mapping on Google.

[joko]

I haven't tried that juliasix, but I have some software for it, i think I will give it a go - never thought of using it for writing, only daily life.

My problem is more something to get me going. once i get the 'muse' i can have many productive hours, where i feel 'on fire' - i just have trouble getting started.

[jno]

some fulltime writers just sit down and write. Just force themselves to write something, along the general lines of what they intend to produce. If it doesn't work out they can always bin it, but the main thing is that they get themselves into the mood by doing it, and they say that pretty soon the juices are flowing properly. I suppose this is a personal thing, so it wouldn't necessarily work for you, but you could try it.

[Drusilla]

Hi joko. We are all full of great beginnings and dramatic endings for stories, but the middle eludes most people and this is when you need discipline and a regular writing time.
It's a good idea to know the length of your novel before you start because publishers expect certain genres to be a particular length.
If your novel will be 70000 words, divide it into 56 sections of equal length. (14 for the beginning/28 for middle/14 for end) I find it easier to make a chart with 4 columns of 14.
Each section leads the story forward and links with the previous one. By the end of section 14, all major characters and plot lines should be established.
The inspirational idea is a starting point. Sadly, the rest is hard slog. Good luck!!