5 Steps to Staying on the Writing Wagon

We writers have a tendency sometimes to talk about writing, read about writing, and listen to lectures about writing more than we are actively writing. It’s a slump we all fall into. But fear not!

Here FIVE ways that you can create some accountability to make sure you keep writing.

1. Create a Schedule - and stick to it come hell or high water. Make sure when you are creating the schedule that it allows for high-mileage, low-mileage and rest days. Burning yourself out is one of the fastest ways to fall off the writing wagon.
2. Tell Others - Humans are social, curious creatures and love knowing juicy tidbits about their fellow humans’ lives. Sharing with a coworker, neighbor, or your favorite barista that you’re writing a book will lead them to ask you, “Hey, how’s the writing going?” Make sure you have a good answer!
3. Join a Writing Group - With so many diverse writing groups available online, there is no excuse not to join a group. Writing groups keep you accountable by expecting to read your work on a semi regular basis—you better have some material ready!     
4. Self-bribery -  Want to go to that concert this week? Make sure you get your outline done. How about that awesome little restaurant that just opened down the street? Complete your first chapter and then treat yourself.  Self-bribery can be a powerful thing.
5. Post, Tweet, Share on Social Media -  Nothing like telling hordes of strangers that your book is coming along swimmingly! Author communities on social media sites are extremely supportive and inspiring during dire moments in the writing process. Sharing with others who understand a writer’s work keeps you on your toes and reminds you that you’re not entirely crazy for being a writer! 

There you have it! FIVE ways to make sure you stay on the writing wagon.

Motivation - Wake Up Your Writing Brain

We all do it.  You sit down in your usual spot, give your neck one last crack, hands poised over the keyboard, you’re ready to roll and – POOF – nothing. No words. No images to describe. No dialogue flowing in your mind. Nothing.

“Well, clean slate might be useful to try a new angle. Maybe introduce a new character!” you think.

Still nothing comes. It’s like your writing brain is frozen and instead the part of your brain that loves terrible television, snack foods, and new indie rock is soaring.

So, what to do? Write a list. 

A professor in college suggested writing lists when stuck and I have never looked back. Now to clarify, I’m not talking about a grocery list or a to-do list. This will only distract you more and goodness knows you probably have plenty of those already.  Instead pick a topic, anything at all, and begin making a list of items, images, sounds, and feelings associated with your chosen topic. It’s a process of unlocking your writing brain.

Write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable. – Francis Bacon 

For example, in honor of the change of season, let’s practice with Fall.  Get out a pen and paper, write FALL at the top and immediately write the first ten things that pop into your brain.

As you create the list, pay attention to any scenes or distinct images that pop up. Finish your list and then revisit those scenes or images and expand on it. Write it out. It doesn’t have to be great or even half-decent.  Just keep writing and keep moving forward.

What other list topics have you tried?