While I was writing this week, I came across a list of writing tips on my computer that I’d given out in a Write On! Workshop that my friend Jenny and I taught years ago. We had put the workshop together to inspire other writers. We shared what we knew about the process, ways to stay accountable to writing goals, and enjoyed an evening where writers gathered to learn and create. Magical.
The fact that I found the list, was a sign for me. A reminder of what I need to do to get my stories on the page. I haven’t written much lately, but after taking in my own advice, I’m eager to get to work. I even added to the list. PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE! Then I printed it and hung it by my desk. So, I figured that I would repost it (with the addition), for anyone looking for inspiration to get back to work.
1. Make plans to go to “The Office”
Is it difficult for you to work at home? Are there dishes to wash and laundry to clean? Does life always seem to get in the way? Then make plans to go to “your office.” Designate a space in your house as your office, and if possible go in and close the door. If you can’t find a quiet space in your house where you can focus, find a café, a coffee shop, a nearby park, an open seat in your car, or any space that takes you away from your daily chores and allows you the freedom to write. A new space may even spark creativity and enhance your writing. Bottom line is, find a place to write. Find your “Office”.
2. Put down your phone!
Phones have changed significantly. Emails, texts, social media. All of it sucks away writing time and creative energy. Turn it off, put it away, do whatever you need to do to disconnect from your phone and create time for you and your writing.
3. Find small bites of time to write
When my kids were young I would write while sitting in my car waiting for them to finish soccer practice or piano lessons. I would write for twenty minutes in the locker room when they went to Kids Gym at the YMCA. I would stay up late a few nights, or wake up early to take advantage of every spare minute. These small bites of time add up. Where can you sneak in a few extra minutes of writing time?
4. Do other creative activities
Writing is a creative process and doing other creative activities is a good way to get your creative juices flowing. Try painting or dancing. Play the piano. Do whatever it is that inspires you.
5. Find a friend
Writing is a solitary process. Find other writers who support you and if possible meet with them on a regular basis. Together you can keep one another accountable, and help one anther set and reach writing goals.
6. If you can’t think of the perfect word, keep writing
When you are on a roll, writing away, don’t stop to find the perfect word. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to find the exact word that you want, but sometimes your story will get lost in the process. Leave a blank space (held with parenthesis) to mark the spot where the “right” word won’t come to mind. Keep your momentum going with your story and then later come back and fill in that ideal word.
7. Believe in yourself
It’s so easy to wonder why you are doing this crazy writing thing, to want to just give it all up, but don’t let that inner critique win. If you love to write, never give up on the process. Believe in your heart that you can do it and keep writing!
