What do you guys do for motivation? Last time I wrote was 2 years ago and I find it impossible to start even a short story. I want to know what you all do to find motivation/inspiration to start writing your stories or even get in the mindset to develop your character(s).

Is there a particular aspect of writing that you're stuck on? Like for example, is it having the characters but not a plot (or vice versa), anxiety about it being good, not knowing where to take a story, etc.?

I usually have an idea for characters but don't know how to start. Starting is probably the hardest part for me in a story. Just in general wanting to start is hard for me. The idea is there, but the will to do it isn't. Does that make sense?

tbh what motivates me is that i just really enjoy writing! like i just find it rewarding by itself and don't care about finishing things (though it is very satisfying) or taking super long breaks from writing

i also find that i need the right like, environment? for as cheesy as it sounds i really love writing in cafes or on train rides asdfghjkl

I put an effort into making time to write. Nowadays I usually have random music playing in the background (which can be a bad idea when a song I love to sing to comes on XD) but I used to listen to podcasts.

So just force yourself to write everyday. It doesn't have to be a lot or even good. Editing exists to smooth out all of the rough edges.

I've been sick for around a month now so my writing has really taken a toll.

That makes complete sense to me, and I've been there before too! I usually have the same issue with having the characters, but not the story. Sometimes when I'm struggling to put something to paper, I think about a couple things to get the spark going.

First, what are some events that helped the character become who they presently are? Most characters have some sort of experience that shaped them, so I like to write down those key points in their lives. Like maybe a character who's a hermit used to love company was struck by disaster, so he doesn't keep anyone close anymore. Or maybe a character who's claustrophobic was buried alive somehow. Fleshing out those key moments can lead to a longer story.

I also like to think about what my characters want--whether it's money, freedom, power, etc.--and refuse that thing to them. What would that character do to get what they want? Would a character who wants to fall in love go out of his comfort zone? How would he react? What if a character wants to survive? Would she kill someone to stay alive, or would she stay a pacifist and not abandon her morals?

Another thing that I do is not start at the beginning. In my experience, beginnings and endings are the hardest to get on paper/typed up. It can help to start in some other scene, just so you have somewhere to begin. I always remind myself that I can always go back and edit it to make it flow better with the story as I continue working.

These are just some of the things I keep in mind while I'm writing--I hope they're somewhat helpful to you!

I also agree with about certain spaces feeling better for writing. If you spend enough time writing (or thinking about writing) at the same desk or the same room, chances are, you'll habitually start writing there. One of my writing professors told the class that step one is to get your butt in the chair and put distractions away, and don't let yourself do anything except write for a set amount of time each day. You might not always write something in the time you put aside, but eventually, chances are you'll get bored and pick up the pen.

I apologize for the reply taking so long. In actuality for a while I thought it didn't need a reply because I just agreed with you and couldn't add on to it. I've taken a writing class in the past and what said is what I learned in the class as well. I guess the hardest part for me will always be for me to not be lazy. Even if I have the idea and exactly what I want a character to go through, there's actually writing it down and that's where I struggle most. It's more of a personal problem.

Thank you for the wonderful advice though! Don't think it has gone ignored! It's very appreciated! :)

Battling my laziness is also the hardest part of writing for me.

First, as soon as you feel like writing, write. If you think to yourself "this would be a good story idea" and you have the tools, write it down, elaborate, etc. As soon as you let the feeling get away from you, you won't be able to regain it until the next time it strikes.

Also, try and eliminate all distractions. When you want to write, close everything that could take you off track, don't even start playing music if you think you could take more than a few minutes picking a playlist. Just open an empty document and start writing. Just having some words down is a good start.

You don't need to have a plot or an idea, if you have the characters, just start writing until something forms. You can always go back and edit it later.

i write scenes for stories out of order and piece them together later. it sounds very backwards and counter-productive but that helps me stay motivated/fight writer's block. i can't write in chronological order. sometimes i end up going back to an earlier scene and changing it. idk if that is something you've tried or done, or if that would even be helpful for you but i find that's really the only thing that could work for me lol just practice writing small scenes instead of trying to take on a short story. we underestimate the difficulty of writing short stories - how do you decide when it ends? how do you get to the point, short and sweet, without skipping too much or not providing enough background?