Many authors hit the
proverbial wall or performance plateau: Your attention wanes, distractions
increase, you can’t seem to break any new ground in your writing, and the
finish line is further away …
No matter what: Stay on track! Don’t give up. You’ve got a goal
to meet and we can help.
Ready? Let’s do this!
5
Basic Steps to Get It Done
To increase your writing speed and fluency, practice regularly.
Use these 5 steps to develop a writing routine.
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Step One: Make
Writing a Daily Habit
Think
about your day. Your schedule may be impeccably organized and prioritized down
to the minute. Or it might be so loose that you may have a few routines (brush
teeth, shower, eat, etc.), but you allow whatever comes your way to
spontaneously take over. Most people are somewhere in between. If your day is
rigid, make sure your writing goal is high up on your priorities and adjust
your schedule accordingly. If your day is loose, make writing your first
priority before you do anything else to ensure it doesn’t get lost on other
impulses. Find balance by putting your derriere in your writing chair for at
least 20 minutes every day to make writing a daily habit. Even if you cannot
write X amount of words or an entire article, it’s better than nothing.
·
Step Two: Find
a Time and Stick to It
Pick
a time that works for your creativity level and lifestyle. Many authors choose
to write in the early hours of the morning or late into the night because they
find the time is optimal for their creative output and they’re distraction free
while everyone else is asleep. Don’t forget to rest! Adjust your sleep schedule
accordingly to ensure you’re alert while writing for optimal creativity and
productivity.
·
Step Three:
Pick the Setting
Routines
are best established when they’re simple. Once you’ve establish a time you can
commit to, pick a location with the basic tools to get the job done and stick
to it. Elaborate tools and writing in “romantic” settings won’t bring success –
you bring your own success. Making sure you have the right latte; the best
voice operating software; a chair that has just the right amount of firmness
and back support (but not too much or it’s going to be too relaxing); the right
fountain pen and paper so smooth, it’s like writing on silk; etc. – you don’t
need these things. You need something (anything) to write with, to be
relatively comfortable, and you. Keep it simple and stick to it.
·
Step Four: Let
Your Intentions Be Known
In
Friday’s post, we mentioned:
“Inform those you live with of the importance of your goal and how they can
specifically help you (even if it’s “don’t bother me” during a particular
period of time).” To expand on this further: Tell friends and family of your
writing goals and your plans to achieve it. Set
boundaries and include them in your efforts by sharing an idea, asking them
questions, and more. You’d be surprised how much your friends and family will
respect and support your writing goal if you involve them in some manner. To
ensure they don’t feel attention starved, plan one-on-one time with them.
·
Step Five: Be
Accountable to Your Goals
If
writing is really important to you, then ensure it’s a priority and be mindful
of that priority. Short of a life-threatening scenario, give yourself over to
your writing goals no matter what. Don’t let non-essentials and less important
people or things draw you away from your goal. Be accountable if you miss your
daily writing session by ensuring you make up for it and reward yourself when
you achieve milestones.