Writing Tips

Take what helps and skip what doesn't; everyone has a unique relationship with writing and not all advice applies to everyone (and the best way to learn is to do it, anyway).

Regardless, I hope my experience helps you in yours!

A Commitment to Write

Instead of squashing down that desire to write whenever it raises its troublesome head, commit to yourself that you'll do it. Then schedule specific writing appointments throughout your week it to make it happen.

You don't find writing time, you make it.

Writing every day is the best way to see your story progress--even if it is only for twenty minutes. The habit strengthens your commitment and before you know it you're improving as a writer as well. The process of your writing life is what will turn you from a daydreamer to an author (though daydreaming is always a part of the process 😉 ).

An Environment to Write

Go wherever you have the certainty of several consecutive minutes without distractions (family and friends included--you may need to lock the door).

A home or work office can be great, so long as you avoid your other notifications and tasks. Otherwise, a spare room, a closet, your bathroom, the library, or the local coffeeshop all can work, depending on what ambience suits your work the best.

The physical location is less important than the mental space, but the one influences the other.

Once you've found a place that works, try to stick with it--your brain will come to associate that space as where writing happens and your words will flow easier.

A Support Team

Books contain acknowledgements for a reason; it takes a village to raise a child, and word babies often take as much support as human babies--especially if you have human babies you're caring for simultaneously. So don't be shy about sharing your desire and commitment to write. Ask for help from your loved ones. If you include them in accomplishing your dreams, what could stop you?

(Thank you, Aubrey!).

Finally, find the people that LOVE what you write, but aren't afraid to offer you poignant and intelligent comments. The best beta readers notify you when something isn't working for them and trust you to fix it. I've found their questions and comments invaluable!

For Big Idea Activities

When I have an hour or two to really dig into the nitty gritty of a 2nd or 3rd (or 4th… 5th…) draft and/or when I'm trying to get the big picture–I use a bigger screened device to see more of my story at once. I might even hook up my extra screen!

For Notes, Quick Lines, and Research
Phones are usually a form of distraction from writing, but I've found a few ways that I prefer my phone.
When I'm lying in bed in the morning on a Saturday, I can write a quick draft of a short story, read a couple Wiki articles or interact with writers and followers on my social media.
Phones help fit author activities into your everyday.

Take Your Stories Everywhere
I love writing on Google Docs because it makes working from anywhere SO easy!

How many times have you found a moment to write but didn't have the right notebook or computer with you?

Also sharing privileges makes it easier to work with beta readers without having to make a million different copies of your work in progress.

Gotta Prime the Pump
There are more and more writers and less and less readers. If you want to be a good writer, don't give up on reading to do it. I fell into that trap for a long time and what a sad time it was!

Take the time to read–treat it as research if you don't want to just enjoy it. If you aren't reading for enjoyment anymore, how can you expect your readers to do it?

Sometimes...
I used to prefer hand-writing (I felt more connected with the words I wrote vs. the ones I typed). I switched to typing to save on future editing time. Transcribing a story was an extra stp between creating, polishing and presenting a story so I learned to jump right to digital. Even still, if I'm writing songs or poetry I still prefer it.

Just Write

There's a reason (or many) that writing is separate from editing. Just try things; put your fingers to the keys or your pen to the page. It takes time to develop your voice and it's inevitable that some of your projects won't shine like others. Just keep moving ahead, then go back and do it again.”

Remember to Read
I said it before. If you stop reading for pleasure you miss out! What better way to know how to engage with readers than to be one yourself! Interact with people in the genre you read (and write if they're different). You will find kindred spirits and maybe even future fans.

Market Yourself
Being an author is a disposition, not just an activity. Let people know about your work, go where readers are and post/discuss your work there. Have a website if you can (there are free options) and social media. Take down interested people's emails and/or give them a business card. Marketing is about trying things and seeing what happens.