The most challenging part of writing a novel is the actual fingers-meet-keyboard act of writing. If that sentence made you think, “Yes, someone finally gets it,” keep reading. To those the first line didn’t immediately resonate with, you’ll want to stick around anyway. Since humans are too complex to be summed up by any one persona and instead share characteristics from several, chances are you have a dash of today’s.

Last week, we introduced you to Learning Logan in our first blog of the persona series. To recap, Logans are driven by a desire to improve their craft. Feedback is gold in their world, because they know it's essential to becoming a stronger writer. This time, we’re here to introduce persona number two: Motivation Max.

At first glance, you might think this persona describes a writer who possesses endless motivation. Don’t scroll away if you can’t relate—for writers who struggle to move their ideas from brain to paper, this persona may feel familiar.

Max is someone with an intense desire to write—the deep urge to create—but there’s a catch: getting the story onto the page. Whereas Learning Logans are best defined by their goals, Motivation Max is defined by challenges. Max's reach exceeds their grasp. While none of us want to admit to struggling, accepting areas that challenge us is the first step toward mastering them. Keeping that in mind, ask yourself these questions, and remember, you’ll find no judgment here. Most of us have a little bit of Motivational Max in us.

An honest Max would answer yes to all three. What can make this persona challenging is that not writing can lead to doubt, shame, and feelings of worthlessness, a dangerous downward spiral that all too often ends in defeat. The paradox is that writers with the strongest creative urges (or highest highs) tend to have the lowest lows. Very few writers are immune to these difficulties on occasion; it's only natural. So, if Max's biggest obstacle is putting words on the page, the solution is to become a more disciplined writer, read: develop a consistent practice.

Does this sound like you? If so, you’re not alone. We’ve come across innumerable writers like Max. In fact, in our study, Motivation Max was the second most common persona type after Learning Logan. One member, for example, put it this way: “I need to work on discipline and focus right now.”

The good news is, writers like Max are not doomed to stare at the blank page for all of eternity. If you can recognize a lack of motivation, that’s a solid first step. You can’t get around a block if you don’t even know what it is. Once you figure out that you’re this type of persona, we can, well, help you take your motivation to the max.

The starting point is obvious. You must have written something in your life, or you wouldn't be here, which means that your practice, such as it is, has been guided by at least some discipline. The trick is to take that dash of discipline and amplify it, turning what may be a trickle into a flood.

We’ve found that connecting with fellow writers is precisely the catalyst Max needs to rev up a writing practice. Educational psychologists, among others, call this social accountability, and it's been proven to propel people toward their goals in a variety of settings. The common sense nature of this approach is clear. Knowing that someone is by your side and will check in regularly is the push you need to get going. And, as Sir Isaac of the Apple said, "Objects in motion stay in motion ..." Motivation is also contagious (and the same goes for a lack of motivation, so be careful about the company you keep). It can also be tricky to maintain on your own. When you’re surrounded by others who are putting in the effort, you’re more inclined to do the same.

All that said, finding a supportive writing community can be difficult. That’s one of the reasons why Bardsy members benefit so much from our directed writing groups. In addition to the valuable feedback they receive from the group leader and the other members, knowing they’ll be expected to share their work twice a month at meetings offers social accountability. That’s one surefire way to maximize your motivation!

As we wrap up this week’s persona, remember this: a single persona won't capture your totality as a writer. We all have many facets. To understand yourself, you need to explore each persona for a big-picture understanding of major and minor influences.

Can’t relate to Logan or Max? Don't worry, more personas are on the way. And, Motivation Max tendencies or not, if you'd like to attend a trial directed writing group, we'd love to help you find the perfect fit; email joinus@bardsy.com.