(Approximately) 100 Ways to Write More

Like most of us aspiring writers, I have struggled to find the time and the energy to write.  I’m sure you agree that writing is an intensive and time-consuming process.  It’s not something that can be done sitting in front of the TV, or on a cell phone, or during that 20 minutes between classes (or jobs). 

In compliment, I’ve been told that writing is a necessary step to be a writer.  I tend to agree.  In the same way that taking a class in civics does not make you a lawyer, writing one story that one summer a while ago does not make you a writer.  It is a constant process, a constant calling.   

So, let me pass on some good advice that I have received throughout my life. 

1.  Wake up early 

This one cannot be stressed enough.  Often, the early morning is the only quiet and composed time that we will get in the day.  That goes double for those of us with families.  Toughen up, set that alarm 90 minutes earlier, fire up that coffee pot, and embrace the dawn. 

Ideally, this would be a 7-days-a-week process.  I actually find that my best time is early mornings on the weekend, while the world sleeps off the presumptive hangover.  This isn’t always possible, but to be effective, it should be at least 3 days a week. 

2.  Schedule time to write 

Almost as important as number 1.  We all fall into the trap that goes something like, “I’ll write when I have more time.”  Of course, we either never get that time, or find a far less productive way to fill that time.  The only way to make sure you actually take the time is to set it in stone.  Put it on your calendar.  Tell your friends.  Prepare yourself for the event (ie, coffee & snacks).  

And be as specific as possible: 

“On Wednesday, from 7:30 until bed, I am writing.  Nothing else will happen except writing.  No one may contact me during that time – any requests will be ignored.  Good day.” 

I find that people generally respect your desire to commit time to your passion.  And certain people (ie, the ladies) may admire that commitment (wink wink). 

3.  Make it regular 

In tandem with the first two.  In order to get into the “habit” of writing, there needs to be some normalcy about it.  Writing should not be a special event, but a typical event.  It should be part of your life in some way, everyday. 

Being more of a mathematics/logic thinker, I find that weekly scheduling is the best way to do this.  I’ll look at what I have planned for that week, determine what can be done to accommodate my personal and family obligations, and then block off time for writing.  That way, I make sure that I have set aside the time, for each and every week. 

4.  Set goals continuously

Maybe you want ten pages this week.  Or 2,000 words.  Whatever metric you choose to use, make it ambitious.  But not too ambitious.  And, set those goals early and often. 

If we set a huge goal, like “Finish this book by the end of the year,” it’s very discouraging when we continually see that goal being proved too much to achieve.  Instead, set a weekly or monthly goal.  That way, if you don’t quite make it to that goal, you can try to “make up for it” during the next phase.  It’s a good and easy way to motivate yourself. 

5.  Make a hive

There should be a place that is quiet and comfortable for writing.  Hopefully, you have an office or a bedroom with a desk where you can shut the door and politely tell others “do not disturb.”   

But if you don’t, strongly consider finding a “hive.”  This could be at a local library, a coffee shop, or even a bar.  Whatever place is most comfortable for you, and whatever has the fewest distractions.  Simply being at home, on the couch, with the TV and the cell phone and whatever other gadgets you have, all make it harder to write.  Distractions distract.  That’s what they do. 

But when you go somewhere different with the specific purpose of writing, it only helps get into the necessary mindset. 

8.  What happened to 6 and 7? 

12.  Get rid of resistance 

If you have somebody in your life that, for whatever reason, is resentful or resistant regarding your writing time, then you should strongly consider remedying that situation.  I’m not saying that you should break up with your bf/gf - but instead have a serious conversation about your desire and dedication to writing.  Insist on your desire to write.  Be aggressive, if need be.  This goes for friends and family members, as well. 

You will most likely have to deal with disappointment when you turn down social events or casual hang outs in favor of writing time.  That’s part of it.  But if it is a constant resistance from a particular source, you need to be proactive.  Or else that other person will win the fight, and you will be writing less and less over time. 

47.  Read 

My personal opinion on reading is somewhat different from most actual authors, so take it with a big ol’ grain of salt.  While I agree that reading before you begin a project is extremely important, and revisiting sources of inspiration is also extremely important, I believe that reading while you are actively writing is of less importance. 

Nonetheless, it is indeed beneficial to keep your head in the game, so to speak.  Revisit the works and authors that inspire you.  Read articles about writing and publishing.  This will rejuvenate you, give you new ideas, and therefore aid your writing.  Most importantly, this is something that can be done in 15-20 minutes (unlike writing itself). 

72.  Celebrate 

We all achieve certain milestones as we go through a project.  Perhaps it is the first 10,000 words, or completing the rough draft, or successfully rehabilitating that abysmal fourth chapter.  Whatever your milestones may be, be sure to reward yourself for the hard work – because it’s almost certain that nobody else will be near as happy as you. 

Typically, I’ll find a way to buy a good bottle of booze, or maybe indulge in a trip to a favorite restaurant.  These little celebrations feed into my energy to write, and give me something to look forward to. 

That said, don’t get carried away.  Don’t throw a party every time you finish a chapter.  Or else you’ll be doing more celebrating than writing, and it loses its effect. 

100.  Be Assertive

If you haven’t learned by now: you don’t get much by being nice to everyone.  In order to make the time for writing and get the project written, you will need to be assertive; which is a polite way for saying jerkish.  You may have to occasionally piss off people you love in order to achieve your writing goals.  If you aren’t prepared to do that, then you should reconsider your passion for writing in the first place.