Inspired? Would you like to see your name on this website and your book up on those bookshop shelves? This is where we bring you a round up of writing tips, ideas and hints. | Ten Ways to Get in The Habit of Writing |
| by Paula Gardner Writing is a bit like exercise or meditation - it's easy to put it off, but getting yourself into a regular routine is the first step along the long and lonely path of becoming a writer. Here are some ideas and tricks to help you along your way.. 1. No distractions! I have a lap top which I reserve for my writing. It's not connected to the internet - deliberately. This means that as well as being able to write in cafes or other locations I don't get distracted by checking my emails or logging onto Amazon to see if my favourite authors' new books are out yet. 2. A Set Place Talking of cafes, just like J.K Rowling did, choosing the same place, maybe even the same time, and associating that with working will help develop the habit. It doesn't have to be a cafe. It could be a library or just a special place in your home. 3. Ritual Some writers start themselves off on their writing session with a little routine like sharpening pencils. I always play a game of spider solitaire - and then one again at the end of my session. 4. Goals Decide what you are going to. It is going to be a certain number of words - say 4000 and sort out the good from the bad later? Or are you going to work by time and just see what you produce? Having a goal means that you know what you are working towards and can chart your progress along the way. 5. Don't Forget to Read Challenge youreslf and pick up authors and magazines that you normally wouldn't choose. Read both for fun but also to see how they concoct a plot, introduce characters etc. 6. Find a Buddy. Finding a writing buddy (use our forums!) will give you chance to show someone else your work - someone who doesn't necessarily know you. You can inspire and motivate each other and moan together when you're finding it tough. 7. Rewards. We all need these, whether they are a copy of our favourite magazine or a cup of tea in the back garden for reaching a certian word count. 8. Revise Sometimes it's easier to start off by looking through what you've done already. It helps get you in the mood and you may be able to spot where you add twists etc to keep things exciting. After all if you find it boring, everyone else will. 9. Move on! Do be careful, though, that you don't fall into the trap of spending all your time on your fisrt chapter..over and over again! 10. Keep The End in Mind Keep reminding yourself of how your book will look on the shelf when it's finished, the feeling you'll have when you see it up on Amazon (or chicklit.co.uk!) and what a fantastic way you'll be able to earn your living! Keep the dream alive by meditating on it regularly, visualising your writing life in great detail and mixing with other people who share your dreams and creative tendencies! |
| Posted: 21/01/2007 12:17:12 Last Updated: 21/01/2007 12:29:42 |
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