Being a writer can be a hard career. A writer needs to write. A lot. Sometimes, more often than not, even when you’re not inspired or motivated to do so and a deadline is drawing near. Here are a few tips to tackle your project with a bit more ease.
Ways to Write a Lot #1: Use Writing Sprints
A great way to write more is to try out writing sprints. That is, set a timer for 10-15 minutes (or more, if you prefer) and focus solely on writing during this time. When the timer chimes, you can stop and take a break. Then set another timer and… you get the idea. It is a very useful tool to focus on your task at hand and get some writing done. If you’re interested to know why working in sprints works, check out this interesting article.
Ways to Write a Lot #2: Keep a Writing Journal
Another fun way to keep yourself on track and write a lot is to keep a Writing Journal or Notebook. In it, you can write anything and everything about your current (or future) projects: from brainstorming to chapter-by-chapter outlines to character profiles. Even a grocery list or two might sneak in there as well if that helps you keep organized and make time for writing.
Ways to Write a Lot #3: Have an accountability partner
A great tip many writers use is to have someone they are accountable to. That person can be a friend, family member, or even a coach if you’re up for the financial investment. Whatever you decide on, make sure to set a timeline for your partner to follow and ask them to check in regularly with you. This will help motivate you as the date for your check-in approaches, you’ll most definitely want to show up with some progress. It really works, read more about it here.
Ways to Write a Lot #4: Plan Writing Sessions in Advance
If you’re always short on time dedicated to writing your project, planning in advance might be just the right tip for you. It can be done both digitally and in your favorite notebook, do what fits your needs and interests best. Make sure you plan your writing time and protect it from distractions. It is not optional to write, it’s a must since you put it in your plan and want to finish your project, right? So make a plan and follow it.
Ways to Write a Lot #5: Have a Writing Routine
Having a set plan is great, but what’s even better is to have a routine to follow. What you can do is sit down to write with a cup of coffee in the morning right after waking up if you get too distracted by all the other obligations during the day. If that doesn’t work and you’re a night owl, you can include writing in your night routine and do some work before going to sleep. Pick the best time for you to write and try your best to stick with it so it becomes a routine.
Ways to Write a Lot #6: Read in a Variety of Genres
In order to be a good writer, reading is a great asset. By studying what other writers have done, you can learn new ways to express yourself, find new vocabulary, or simply get inspired. There are many many books out there in the vast world, and you can choose to read only in one genre that you prefer, but a good idea would be to give a variety of books a chance once in a while, at the very least.
A good idea is to have a list of books that peaked your interest that you can come back to once you’re done with your current read. In this way, you will never run out of reading material and with that, inspiration.
This is the end of the list of tips on how to write a lot. But it is definitely not the end of your writing journey. Hope these tips were helpful to you and that at least one of them piqued your interest to try and use in your writing career. Let me know which tip is the most useful in your journey so far. Happy writing!
Did you find this post interesting? Check out our guide to help you get better at writing.
