Time for writing is one of the most precious things. It can be very hard to carve out time during a day to dedicate just to writing, so of course the aim is to make that writing time as productive as possible. However, this isn’t always easy, and sometimes the act of putting words down on the page can be the hardest thing ever. There is no surefire way to make sure that writing comes easily every time you sit down, but I do have a few suggestions that might help.
Get More Sleep, If You Can
Writing requires a lot of mental energy, and this can be especially hard to find at the end of a long and busy day of work or study. Getting a good night’s sleep beforehand can help combat some of that fatigue. A fresh mind is a mind far more ready to do some writing. Plus, your brain often keeps working on problems while you’re sleeping, so you might find that more sleep helps you fix up some plot holes! Of course, it’s not always possible to get as much sleep as you’d like, or to write when you feel fresh, but trying to rest more is always a good plan.
Plan When You’ll Write
In order to get that writing time we desperately need, we sometimes have to fight for it. There are always so many other things ready to take up that precious time slot, like appointments, laundry, or school assignments. Is possible, try booking in your writing session like you would a dentist appointment or a coffee date. Your writing is every bit as important as either of those. Once it’s in the diary, treat it as you would any other appointment and actually show up. Of course, life happens sometimes and occasionally writing has to give way, but treating it as if it’s every bit as important as your other obligations, which is it, may help you fight for your writing time more.
Gather Ideas Ahead Of Time
It can be hard to get started writing when you have exactly no idea where to begin, or what to write. There’s nothing worse than facing the blank page and having nothing to write. Try gathering ideas in the time when you’re not writing. After all, ideas always come just when you can’t write. Even one sentence noting down what could happen in the next scene can be helpful. Write down every idea while you’re not writing. Jot it in a notebook, or on your phone. NEVER rely just on your memory. That way, when you come to write, you’ll have a whole stash of ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
Set Achievable Goals
Setting some kind of goal for your writing session can be a great way to motivate yourself to write a little more, or to hit a certain word count, even if you don’t initially feel like it. There are so many different kinds of goals you could set, anything from writing a certain amount of words, to completing a certain number of word sprints, or even challenging yourself to finish off the scene or chapter you’re working on. However, be realistic when setting these goals and take into account your writing speed and the amount of time you actually have. Small, achievable goals are far more motivating than large, unattainable ones, no matter how much more exciting they feel.
Reward Yourself When You’re Done
Not every writing session is going to be easy, or even fun, but they can be a lot more fun if you have a reward waiting at the end of it. Having something positive waiting for you at the end of a tough writing session can sometimes help you power through the difficulty of getting those words down when you really don’t feel like. I like to use five minute reading break, chocolate, or time watching YouTube as my rewards, yours can be anything that gets you excited.
There are just some suggestions that might make your writing sessions a little easier, and a little more productive on those difficult days. And remember, even if you’re having a slow writing day, or really struggling to get into it, you are sitting down and putting your best effort into your writing, whether you felt like it or not. You’re building your writing discipline, which will make sitting down next time that little bit easier, and, no matter how little you end up writing, you’ll have more than when you started. Progress is progress. Be proud of yourself.
