One of my resolutions for 2012 is to write consistently on a daily basis.
Sean and I are currently working on our manuscript submission for Hay House which is due in the next week or so. This process has been so enjoyable, we're writing thousands of words daily with absolute ease. However, I quite often so through a writing slump after publisher submission because I lose momentum. The thrill of a deadline is often the force that keeps me focussed and after it's all over I'm not as consistent with my writing as I'd like to be.
My goal is to have a daily writing ritual and become a super-productive writer!
When I saw Deepak Chopra speak at a writer's workshop last year, I felt so inspired. He said that he wrote an entire book on a flight from Melbourne to Singapore! He makes time to write every day, which is why he's one of the most super-prolific authors in the self-help industry. It's so inspiring!
I love writing so much, it's the fuel that makes my heart sparkle. But with a new puppy in our house, two children on school holidays, and a busy business to run, it's quite a task to make to time blog, journal and also write new material. My internal dialogue is quite funny sometimes. It's almost like I get called out on my bullshit by my higher self which says: 'Sarah, if you want to be a super-productive writer then make time each day to write! It's simple! Just write!'
Creativity is a funny creature. I've never been through what people refer to as 'writer's block'. I guess I never run out of things to talk about, so it stands to reason I wouldn't run out of things to write about either. So here's my plan that I want to share with you. I want to make the committment to write each and every day.
5 Ways to Write More and Become a Super-Productive Writer....
1. Schedule time to write. Perhaps you could wake up an hour earlier? Find a time of day that you feel your most mentally alert and write during this time. Are you an early bird or a night owl? If coffee helps to make you alert, then drink up baby! Sean makes the best vanilla soy lattés in the world. One teaspoon of brown sugar and I'm good to go! *Also, don't beat yourself up if you miss a day. Guilt never made anything wonderful happen.
2. Clear your space. I was inspired by the lovely Lisa of The Sassy Minx when she reminded me that every writer-girl should have a writing room of her own. Beautify your desk area and ensure it's clutter free.This will give your mind a clear environment to work effectively. Surround yourself with objects, books and other trinkets that inspire you to stay on track.
3. Use an online writing service like 750Words.com - I have used this for two months now and think it's amazing. It tracks the themes of your writing and lets you know when you've reached the 750 word mark. You'll be so surprised at how easy it is to get to 750 words. This is such an awesome little tool to stay focussed and consistent. They'll also send you a mild kick in the pants reminder to your inbox when you 'should' be writing that day.
4. Write and don't overly analyse. I think that editing as you're going along can sometimes halt the flow of creativity. Writing is a process of writing and then re-writing. Get it down and then clean up your sparkle with some grammatical spring cleaning after you've left it to incubate for a while.
5. Enjoy the process. Look forward to writing, whether it's writing for yourself or writing with the intention of entertaining or uplifting others. Here at Älska Publishing we empower our writers to share their stories in an authentic voice. If you're a non-fiction writer, I believe this is the most effective way that you can communicate with your audience. Be you, you're beautiful. Enjoying the process of writing is something that will ensure you're in the process of creating something that others will enjoy too.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any other tips for being a super-productive writer.
Love, love, love and typewriter smooches,
Sarah xx
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 1:18PM Tweet
Artwork by Esther Jane