Writers are always full of new ideas to write about. However, to be most successful, we need to create a successful writing routine. Finding enough free time and the discipline to turn a writing process into a regular habit can be especially hard for aspiring writers with a full-time job.
However, it is possible to create a writing schedule that fits the free time we have left as writers. More importantly, we must make time for writing when we know we’ll be successful.
Here are ten tips to create a proactive writing schedule that we can stick to and that will save us time and help us be successful writers.
*1. Find a time of day that works best for you.
For most writers who work, early mornings, lunch hours, before or after dinner, or in the evening when the family is watching TV could be good times to write. We just need to set a time to write and how long we plan on writing and allow the rest of the process to take shape on its own as we show up daily to write.
*2. Create your own writing calendar.
Put writing on your to do list. Write it in your planner. This will make it much more official and you are more likely the stick to it.
*3. Prioritize your writing projects.
Most writers have more than one project idea in their heads. Choose one to work on. Then, once you complete one project, move on to the next one.
*4. Have a plan for writer’s block, should it happen.
Most writers get writer’s block every once in a while. There are many things you can do when you feel like you can’t write on a particular project because you have either run out of what to write or you’re just no longer inspired by the project. (See my next blog post about this next week, if you struggle with writer’s block.)
*5. Set a minimum daily word count.
This is one way to set realistic writing goals. You may want to set a goal that’s small, like 200 to 500 words a day. Or, if you have been writing for years and know that you can write a lot in a relatively short period of time, set a larger writing goal such as 1,000 words a day, five days a week.
*6. Create a conducive and inviting writing space.
Many writers write in the living room while their families are watching TV or on the corner of the dining room table. These spaces are not conducive to doing your best work. You may waste your time because a family member wants to ask you a question, or the noise pollution can affect your overall productivity. Instead, try to create a space that is inviting and your own, where you can leave your papers and files as well as laptop or computer. Make sure it’s uncluttered, and that everything is in the right place.
*7. Keep your writing files organized.
It’s important for you to organize your files and writing project. You may want to devote an accordion file folder for each writing project so that you can keep everything together and not lose anything. The more you look for things that are supposed to be in the right place, the more time you waste. This is the time that you can be writing.
*8. Start blogging.
Many writers don’t have blogs of their own. Or if they have a blog, they don’t write content on a regular basis. It’s very important for you to create an author’s website and contribute to it regularly.
*9. Don’t procrastinate.
It’s easy to say that I will write tomorrow when I’m feeling more rested or less stressed. But the truth is that life can take a lot out of our creative energy. Therefore, it’s important for us to honor and protect our creative energies. Because of this, it’s important for us to honor our writing time.so when we procrastinate, we dishonor our creativity by saying that it can wait until tomorrow. Please don’t wait until tomorrow. Just make sure that you write your allotted work count today, even if it’s less than perfect. It’s better than no words at all.
*10. Join a writing community.
Writing can be a very lonely pursuit. Therefore, it’s best to ensure that you join others with similar aims and goals. Who knows, you may even inspire each other to write regularly and be your best. There are many online writing communities. Just google writing communities, and you’ll have quite a bit of choice.
By taking these steps, you’ll be not wasting time and you will become a very successful writer who guards her writing time with her life. It’s not an exaggeration to do that because if you’re a writer, writing is your life. So, please make sure you write regularly to honor your creative time and energy. This is the essence of who you are. So, please honor it!
Try it!
Irene Roth