Chapter 1: Finding Your Motivation

Consider the image before you. It’s a view of Nellie’s Glen, located near Katoomba. This piece serves as a guide for writers aiming to complete their next work, whether it be an article, story, poem, or a long-held dream.

Just observe that picture; doesn’t it seem as though those steps emerged naturally from the earth? Doesn’t it spark a desire to explore where they might lead? Honestly, I feel an urge to dash up those steps myself!

And the name? Katoomba.

I’ve got a day’s worth of work ahead of me, but I can’t help but wonder about Katoomba’s true essence. The name itself is delightful, almost comical, like an elephant making a humorous sound in mud.

Excuse my lightheartedness… (Wikimedia Commons) And yes, I did find a comical image fitting that description, didn't I?

Katoomba, I apologize to the residents who may be reading this; I’m sure it’s a beautiful place.

What I want to touch upon briefly is how to complete your next piece on Medium, whether it’s an article, a story, or your upcoming book.

I want to discuss reaching that finish line and completing the task that you’ve been procrastinating about for the past year and a half, caught in that frustrating inertia that affects all creative individuals—be it artists, writers, or anyone else.

I’m referring to that overwhelming sensation of “I’ll never finish this” that many of us experience.

Let me share my experience from this morning. I approached my writing desk feeling as if I were trudging through a swamp of discouragement. I hadn’t been able to write an article in days, and sometimes that’s all it takes to bring a writer down.

(Does that make sense? Forget grammar for now; let’s just focus on getting the ideas out, shall we?)

It began when I stumbled upon an article titled “How To Finish That Piece of Writing” by the esteemed Medium writer, Susan Orlean.

You really should check it out after finishing this piece.

Why? Because progress is made in small increments. You eat a meal one bite at a time, walk a mile one step at a time, and construct a wall one brick at a time—unless you’re… never mind. You didn’t come here for political humor, did you?

So, when you find yourself stuck, spinning your wheels, remind yourself that all you need to do is write one hundred more words. Just one more paragraph. Heck, just a single word, and see how that propels you forward.

Keep writing.

Don’t waste time worrying about writer’s block.

Remember—writing is just speaking on paper—and you can keep talking until the cows come home, dreaming of the delightful combination of mustard, ketchup, and cheese.

I have to wrap up now.

Greetings! I’m Ginger Bangs, new to Medium. Please consider following me—I promise I won’t bite. At least, not unless you ask nicely.

If you appreciate my writing, how about treating me to a cup of coffee? I enjoy mine tall, dark, and strong!

You’d better read another one of my stories before I start passing around the donation jar.