Writing is one of my passions. Creating a story in my mind and watching it come to life is one of the best feelings in the world. Writing can also be difficult at times, and a good story isn't produced without a struggle. I've encountered numerous road blocks while writing my novels, and through them I've learned several tips and tricks that I thought others may find useful. Some of these are simple things that might seem obvious, but can really help give your brain the extra creative boost it needs to write it's best.
So here they are, my tips to help get you get through the trials and tribulations that come with being an author:
1. Find your writing space
For some, writing can happen anywhere. Others need a more personalized and controlled environment before their minds are able to focus on the words to paper process. The key is to find your creative zone and take full advantage of your new optimal writing environment.
2. Have everything you need at an arms length
Notes, coffee, tea, pencils, paper, laptops, printers, chargers, outlets, lighting; everything you need to access while writing has to be right next to you during the process. Getting up and down to fetch things you need will only cause unnecessary interruptions which can severely prohibit the creative process in your mind and mess up the flow of your writing.
3. Create an outline
Whether you're writing a poem, a novel, a piece of work for your boss, or a scholarly thesis, outlines always help gather your thoughts and ideas in a clear form before the actual writing process even begins. This is a guaranteed time and energy saver.
4. Listen to music
Some people cannot work with music on, period. But for those who can, music can be used as a valuable tool to help set the tone for what you wish to write. Listening to a genre or style of music that reflects the tone that you're trying to produce in your writing can help keep that tone consistent, and keep you in the frame of mind that you need to be.
5. Don't be afraid to take breaks
If you feel like your mind isn't focused enough to produce the content you want, take a step back. Have a bath, make a meal, take a nap, do something that relaxes you and makes you feel refreshed. Writing on empty just means it's just going to be twice as difficult to edit afterwards.
6. Share your work
Don't hesitate to share your work with other people, although it can be terrifying. Criticism and compliments are a writers yin and yang. A writer needs both to continue to grow and learn.
7. Set goals
Word and page counts are super easy ways to track your writing progress. Set small (or large) goals and bask in the feeling of accomplishment when you reach them. It will make you more motivated to keep writing.
8. Put your phone away
I know this is a difficult one, but similar to tip number two a cellphone is a constant interruption that prevents your brain from focusing on the single task of writing.
9. Always edit
There are a variety of different methods people use for editing, but everyone should make a habit of editing their own work at least once before submitting it to an external editor. Critically assessing your own work is crucial, since we are often blind to our own mistakes the first time around. Learning from your mistakes yourself will prevent you from making them again.
10. When all else fails, write
Just let your thoughts wander. Let the ideas that hide in the deepest corners of your mind roam free. Repress nothing. You might just surprise yourself and find what you're looking for.
- Emily
