Developing A Good Writing Routine

Writing is hard work. Even if you are an artist writing is still hard work. If you truly aspire to become an author though it had better be something you’re passionate about. However, even then writing is hard work. Improving your writing makes it even harder, but ultimately more satisfying when you reach your goal. So what do you need to do?

Write Often

More important than anything else you need to write every chance you get. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something “serious”, but whenever you can immerse yourself in your writing you should do so. I’m not talking about 5 or 10 minutes though, you need to really immerse yourself in your writing. I like to get some writing done in the evening, that’s when I have some time for myself to really immerse myself and get some writing done.

Set Specific Goals For Your Writing

This is another part of my routine. Whether I’m writing for my blog, writing an article or writing a new report I set some daily goals. My daily goal is 1000 words. Considering that I still hold down a day job and need to spend some quality time with the family that may sound like a bit much. The truth is I don’t always reach that goal, but I’m not going to let that keep me down. As long as I get some writing done I know I’m one step closer to my goals.

On Finishing Your Projects

So should you stick to one project or work on multiple different projects? Well, there’s a lot to be said for both approaches. Personally I have made a compromise. I can only work on one project of a specific type. That means only one blog, one article or one report. That way I get to write whatever I’m inspired to write about, but I’m also going to finish my projects.

Finding The Time To Write

Actually that can be very difficult. Between the day job, the family and other obligations finding the time to write can be a bit of a challenge. I’m not going to let that stop me though. I want to write, I need to write and I’m not going to let something like mediocre time management skills get in my way. Setting a specific goal like we talked about earlier can help, but that still doesn’t magically conjure up more time. So 5 days a week my girlfriend will have to live with me being less than social in the evening. I say 5 days a week because anymore wouldn’t be efficient anyway. You have to reload your batteries once in a while.

What Makes A Writer

I frankly don’t remember who said it, but there is a saying that goes along these lines: “If you wake up in the morning and have to write then you’re a writer”. That’s probably not an accurate quotation, but the underlying point is very accurate indeed. Writing is not something you have to spend years studying. Studying can be helpful, but at the end of the day writing is for anyone who cares to pick up a pen or pound a keyboard.

As always, happy writing!