Whether you’re a new writer or a more-seasoned scribbler, you’ve probably read a boatload of writing advice. You’ve also tried some of it and…found it doesn’t work. No snippet of writing advice is guaranteed to work for you. You need to learn habits that allow you to write your best. It will involve some trial and error, but it should pay off in the end.
Test your best time to write
You’ll probably already know if you’re a morning or evening person, and while that might not translate directly to your writing, it’s a good place to start. Of course, your best time to write may be limited by other commitments. In this case, you may have to work at less ideal times or get creative. If the morning is good, you could try getting up an hour earlier than everyone else to get your writing in. Same if you find the evening preferable with a late night writing sesh. If neither appeal, then consider ways to get some writing done at work.
It’s also worth thinking about what you write and when. I can’t write creatively in the morning, so channel the energies I do have into tasks like blog posts, research, etc until my creative writing gene kicks in at around 2pm.
Find your writing spot
As with finding the right time, you’ll probably find external factors will influence where you can write. You may be lucky enough to have a dedicated space at home, or a desk or a place at a kitchen table. But you may find the only way to get space is outside your house. A reliable go-to is a library because it’s indoors and you don’t need to buy anything. But these aren’t everywhere and not always open. You could try a park if weather permits, or a cafe. If you have the money, a co-working space could also be an option.
It might be that a specific spot isn’t important to you, or even that you work better by moving around. It all depends what works for you.
Get your stuff lined up
Before I settle in to write, I always make sure I’ve got a drink and some snacks, and that I’ve gone to the loo. Writing can involve getting very, er, involved so you want to try and minimise having to interrupt your own flow. An insulated flask can be especially handy to keep liquids hot or cold for longer.
Cut yourself off
If you have responsibilities, you’ll be highly alert to providing for everyone’s needs but your own. However, if you’re too available then you’ll never write. You’ll have to be a bit “selfish” and let the people in your life know you need the time to write. Hopefully, they’ll be supportive to whatever extent they can be.
Block. The. Internet.
And the apps. And put your phone out of reach. For me personally, this is the hardest thing, as my little brain can struggle to focus on just one thing unless I force myself to get immersed. Adding blocking features onto my browser and sticking my phone in another room both help.
Know how to start and when to finish
Even if you get everything else spot on, you could still find yourself sitting staring at a blank page. Or fall into a bit of a writing hole that leaves other aspects of your life unbalanced. To avoid these, you need to work out how to get into your writing zone and get out of it.
Writers have different ways to start their writing sessions. You may ease in with some research etc. You might like re-reading what you wrote last time to re-orient yourself. Or you could try a few writing exercises, or work on a smaller piece rather than dive straight into your WiP.
Personally, something I’ve found handy is stopping a previous session when I haven’t quite finished. Slipping back in knowing the “thinking” part is already taken care of helps me get going again. And it also helps me to stop. But something as simple as a timer can be a good marker, especially if you need to have a hard-stop.
Hopefully this advice will give you some jumping off points to find and nurture your own writing habits? What works for you? Please share in the comments.
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