What Motivates Us To Write

As we go through each day doing all the regular chores required of us, how do we use this time to our benefit as writers? Do we use the things we see, the changing shadows, the leaves falling as fall hints of arriving soon? Do we hear a melody and think of how we could use a line in a poem? Does the sight of a man or a woman remind us of someone from our past and how that person's life might provide an impetus for a story?

As writers we are writing all the time, either on paper, computer or in our mind. We imagine a story, create characters, and hear them speak often before we put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

A friend recently said she can't force herself to write. She has to be inspired to write.
But we know successful writers must learn to motivate themselves to write and often. I used to say "I can't think of anything when I sit down to write." Now I find it hard to decide which project of mine I'll work on today. No problem with a subject, just which one. Is it a mind set? Do we have to accept ourselves as writers and poets before we make writing a priority in our lives?

Do you force yourself to write at times? Do you keep a list of subjects or projects on hand? If you are working on a memoir or novel, do you make time in your schedule to write on a regular basis?
How do you motivate yourself to write?

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