How can you get more words per
writing session? I’ll list a few tips from other professional writers, they are
great tips but not every tio works for everyone. Hearing these ideas, though,
will help you find techniques that can work for you.
One writer has two laptops, one is
connected to the internet, the second is not; she says that she is less likely
to be distracted, check email, or post on FaceBook while she is writing.
Another writer uses a stopwatch to help limit time spent online and increase
actual writing time. Still another uses a specific timetable similar to a
school class schedule and changes it up each time the timer goes off.
Positioning your work station is
important as well. Many writers feel you should be comfortable BUT NOT TOO
COMFORTABLE at your desk. Your desk shouldn’t be overly cluttered to cut down
on distractions, at the same time make sure it is personal so you can feel easy
to let loose and just write. If you are too comfortable you may find yourself
drifting off to sleep, filing your nails, reading a book (not for work) or any
one of several time sucks.
I like having a few songs (actually
loaded onto my computer) playing in the background while I write fiction. Songs
that get my blood pumping, tell stories, and even get me singing along are
great. And I obviously don’t care how off-key I am while I sing. This just puts
me into a creative mood. On the other hand some authors like complete silence
while they write. This is something you have to check out for yourself to see
which way works best for you. Oh and do not answer your phone during your work
day, let voicemail take messages, turn off the ringer, use caller ID if you are
worried about missing important calls, or use a totally different phone number
(cell phone?) with a limited amount of folks who might call it in urgent
situations.
Don’t write too long, especially not
if it has to be forced — there are times you feel the words just flowing and
you don’t want to leave your keyboard. Generally though break up your writing
time, put in a few hours and then just get up and take a walk, do some
exercise, wash your face with cool water, etc. Then go back to your desk
feeling refreshed and revitalized… and write. By the way, sitting too long in
one place is not good for your health so think about standing desks or putting
a treadmill in your office.
One of my friends handwrites her
first drafts and then edits the work before she types it into her computer. I
like to type everything. The key issue though is DO NOT edit while you are
writing the first draft, don’t chance breaking up the flow of your story. When
you do edit do several passes through concentrating on something different each
time: chronology, spelling, consistency, grammar, etc. When you do your final
edit, before passing it off to a potential publisher or a professional editor,
do it backwards — by editing backwards you will not anticipate what you MEANT
to say and will see more errors.
Finally if you find you are having a
case of writer’s block, take a break, write something random, read (words in,
words out), flex, run some errands, or sing some songs. Don’t forget to eat regularly,
get decent sleep, and actually dress for work (comfortable clothes). Remember
that writer’s block happens most when you are trying too hard, so relax.
Writing Exercise: Set your timer for 20-minutes and free write,
write ANYTHING, it doesn’t even have to flow in one cohesive story. Make a
shopping list, write a diary entry, pen a letter to a friend, or actually write
a short, short story. Just write and STOP when the timer goes off.
Writing Prompt: Make a list of songs that make you want to
dance and/or sing along.
Challenge Assignment: Write a detailed description of your ideal
writing spot. Is it a favorite chair, a full office, a writing shed? What kind
of furnishings and equipment do you want in it?
