Disciplining Yourself to Write on a Regular Basis
Procrastination is a writer’s worst enemy. Here’s an article to help you stay focused on your writing goals.
Self-discipline in a writer is not easy, for there are always siren voices calling, attractive social engagements, inviting books to read, and even self-deluding reasons why you can’t write now. Writers become masters at inventing excuses for procrastination.
The reluctance to write is a peculiar phenomenon of the professional author as well as the beginner. What causes it? Perhaps it is the overwhelming knowledge that there are so many ways in which to tell your story, and the disquieting thought that you may start or continue on the wrong track. We aim to correct our mistakes. You are not working in marble but on paper. Words can easily be changed. So get busy!
The one thing a writer must be is a self-starter. In the final analysis there is no one who can make you write but you. Writers are self-made.
Make it a rule to spend at least two hours a day dedicated to writing. It is difficult to be productive in less time because it actually takes about half an hour to warm up to your subject each time you come back to it. Try to establish regular working hours in your daily schedule, but if this is not possible, don’t despair. You can train yourself to write even in the limited time available to you, and under almost any circumstances.
You don’t need a book-lined, air-conditioned study either. Anyplace where you can get a little time to yourself with some peace and quiet. I found that the bathroom is a good place to write. There was always a minimum amount of distraction, and as long as the door was closed, there is little chance of someone walking in on you.
One of the best times to write is late at night before going to bed. I always keep a journal by my bedside and write in it before going to sleep. There is no limit to where you can write, as long as you’re writing.
There is no such thing as “no place to write” just as there is no such thing as “no time to write.”
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Tags: discipline, focus, set schedule, Writing
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March 18th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Ha, this is one of my worst enemies. I go on my computer to write an article, I may forget it. Since it’s forgotten, I decide to play runescape. A bit into runescape the idea comes back, but im already playing runescape so i just put it off.
March 18th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
Great tips.
March 18th, 2011 at 5:54 pm
Very good article. Great advice. Thanks.
March 18th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Good advice. I’ve found myself a lot of times thinking that I have nothing to write, but just making myself focus on a topic and start writing. I find that way even if I get halfway through something and realise I want to write about a different topic at least I found something to write about!
March 18th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
Nice advice here!
March 18th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
This is really a great article. I agree, writing late at night is wonderful, it’s so peaceful, and my thoughts just go down on the screen. It’s hard to start writing, I think, but once you do start on something, it’s hard to stop until you finish it!
March 18th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
I’ve read about this in many writing books. Lol. It holds true though. And it is always a person’s preference on what time they want to write.
March 18th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
After dark is the best time to write. I seem to focus better and stop looking out the window.
March 19th, 2011 at 12:31 am
Nice share.
March 19th, 2011 at 1:58 am
Yes, It happens with me. I sometimes feel Lazy to get started.. You’ve mentioned some Nice Tips..
March 19th, 2011 at 4:05 am
Well advised
March 19th, 2011 at 5:21 am
Thanks for the guidance
March 19th, 2011 at 7:23 am
great advice
March 19th, 2011 at 9:21 am
I keep nagging myself to line out those two hours a day.
March 22nd, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Thank you for sharing Allison. My problem exactly, I tend to put off writing though I want to write due to other engagements.