It’s been hard to write lately. I begin and hesitate, unsure of where I’m going or how to get there. I keep writing because good intentions are not enough. Only action generates results. To keep myself engaged I focus on each day and not “some day”. I dream of writing for a living, but it will never become a reality if I spend my creative energies on day dreams.
Here are some tips to write even when it’s hard.
1. Make time to write everyday
Even if the words come slowly, take the time to write everyday. Consistent action will reinforce the habit of writing. Just like daily exercise, you will condition your muscles to perform with ease and grace. Eventually you will find yourself flowing along a stream of creativity towards your goal. Progress is intoxicating. You’ll be writing more intensely, more urgently, and more intelligently.
2. Take regular breaks
It’ll be difficult to pull yourself away when you’re in the groove. You’ll need to force yourself to take little breaks, even if it’s just five minutes to stretch, drink a glass of water or walk around the block. Gene Schwartz, a legendary copywriter, would set an egg timer for 33 minutes and when the buzzer went off, he would take a five minute break. He claimed the habit made him more productive and contributed to his success. I find 30 minute sessions are ideal. It’s enough time to explore an idea, write an article or set a scene. I step away for 5 minutes, but my mind keeps working so when I return to writing I have fresh ideas or a clear direction in mind.
3. Set realistic goals
If you overestimate your ability to produce you’ll be discouraged by the results. I can write 500 words an hour. If I write 2 hours a day, 5 days a week, it would take 16 weeks to write an 80000 word book. If it takes just as long to read and edit each page, that’s 32 weeks before I have the first draft of a book. One or two rewrites and a year has passed. I also write articles and short stories so I have to consider these goals as well. I can’t write a book and write 5 articles or a short story a week at this rate. If I don’t write every week or fail to write 2 hours a day, I can’t achieve these goals. My point is to be realistic. To know how much you can write in a period of time and how much time you will spend writing. You may not be able to write a book a year if you’re writing part time. Most A list authors produce only one or two books a year and they write full time, employ assistants and have had years of experience.
4. Take care of your body
You won’t be able to produce your best work if you don’t take care of your body. Get plenty of rest, exercise and good nutrition. Also make sure your work area has good lighting and a comfortable chair. Discomfort will be distracting
I hope these writing tips help when writing is hard. It seems as though everyone wants to be a writer, but few people actually do it. Reward yourself for your accomplishments. If you write every day, set goals and take care of your body, you’ll be a writer for many, many years to come.
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Fiction Writer 