A writer is rarely JUST a writer.
Most of us are juggling all the things: work, hobbies, households, kids, relationships, marketing, editing, querying, workshops...and all of that is on top of the actual WRITING.
It's not an easy task but here are some ways to help keep you happily productive.
1) Set your time block & stick to it.
This can be whatever works for your schedule whether that's 5 hours a week or 25. Set the writing days, the time you will begin writing, and for how long. Schedule it in your calendar. Then DO IT.
2) Make your writing space a place you want to be.
Some of us like working at our desk, others like coffee shops or libraries, and still others prefer their comfy couch. It doesn't matter where as long as you WANT to be there and make it your own. If you can, set it up with whatever you need so when it's time to write you can just get to it without any "prep" (aka stalling).
3) Set word or page goals weekly.
This is pretty self explanatory and again, it's whatever feels right for you. A good rule of thumb is to estimate the length of your work based on your genres average and then backtrack. So if you are estimating your book will be about 350 pages and you want to finish it in 9 months, then your weekly page goal would be only 10 pages! (9 months x 4 weeks =36 weeks. 350 pages divided by 36 weeks)
4) Have a book coach or writing partner (or group) to keep you accountable!
Just like any worthy endeavor, having someone by your side is key to success. Do you think I could have ever started a small press without my business partner by my side? I highly doubt it.
When trying to lose weight or stick to a certain eating plan, it's always recommended to have someone do it alongside you or be in a dedicated program. It's the same concept with writing. You need a cheerleader, a coach, and a mom (so to speak).
It's someone to bounce ideas off of and get feedback, guide you on the right path while giving you tricks and tips, but also someone who will tell you when you need to kick your butt into gear and stop making excuses. Whether you find a writing partner or writing group to keep you motivated, or hire a book coach like me to be by your side through the process, it will help you tremendously!
5) Put your mental health first.
At the end of the day, you have to give yourself grace. We are only human, and none of us are perfect. So if you wake up on Tuesday and your writing time rolls around and you feel completely awful and don't wanna write....don't. One day won't kill you. Each day that you do choose to write is another deposit towards the person you want to be. And that's what matters.
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