Inspiration Equals Motivation

In my blog hopping recently, I have come across some new (to me) blogs and thought I'd share them as I come across them. The first one, Conversion Diary, belongs to Jennifer, is mentioned in the previous post.

Another one that is fairly new to me is Rants & Ramblings - On Life as a Literary Agent. This one belongs to Rachelle Gardner.

One that I have visited today belongs to Michael Hyatt, Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Nelson, Inc. If you haven't checked it out, be sure to stop by.

I write all this to say, that after reading through posts on these blogs, following a couple of these people on Twitter, and reading or skimming blogs belonging to other writers, I have been inspired once again.

The inspiration to write has produced some motivation in me. I recently read through part of the novel I am currently working on (a scene from near the end) and have felt the inklings of the writing mojo return.

Right now, the novel seems to be all over the board. I have several portions of chapters written, and some I have decided to scrap because I don't feel they lend to this story. These chapters may turn up for another novel later on, but for the time being, they will be released from the bondage of this novel.

I guess part of my lack of writing mojo may stem from the fact that had so many ideas for situations in the novel floating around my mind and I didn't want to lose them. Therefore, I worked at those, never finishing the previous chapter or scene. Now, looking back on it all, it seems daunting to have to piece it together and work from those points. In some situations, I don't remember where I was going with a scene, so I'll have to either start over, or take it down a different path.

My questions regarding the haphazardness of my novel, is this: how do writers keep their work in order? How can a writer write continuously from chapter one until the end without veering off and working on chapter five before all of the first four are completely finished? Is it OK to write a little for each chapter, go on to another chapter, and later on write more for the previous chapter to help it flow smoothly into the next chapter?

I have a long way to go with my writing. That's why I'm perusing writing blogs - to help garner some advice and tips...and inspiration. Needless to say, I've got a long way to go with my writing. But, on a positive note, I've found some inspiration and motivation to work at my novel again!

So, if you have any thoughts, ideas, help, advice, and/or tips, please make use of the comment section. I'd love to hear from you!