There is a kind of intention that suffers continually from practical set-backs. A full heart and determined jaw is no match for a crying baby, or worse yet, a lazy mind.
As a writer, I need the following two things (at least) to help keep me on track:
1. Good Friends who are also Writing
I have found this to be a prime source of motivation and encouragement as I attempt to promote consistency in my writing. For, as a good friend has pointed out, "[I am] probably not that great right now". The key, in my mind, is to face this fact directly; to acknowledge my general lack of skill relative to the genius of others and recognize that writing is like anything else - to get good you must do it.
This is why close writer-friends are an essential part of a writer's life. They can tell you two things: how terrible your writing is, and when they expect to see the next chapter.
2. Lean Forward
As much as a desire to become a 'good writer' is a healthy motivation, it is not significant enough to bring lasting joy. There are deeper reasons to want to write.
One deeper (but not yet the deepest) is love for the craft. It is more than a feeling, but it is not less. I have begun to think of it as more of a stance towards writing. It is the idea of leaning forward - a resolve to write regardless of feeling or mood, but never despite it. To write sadness and pain and boredom and elation each in its season. But not to miss any season.
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