Ann's Writing Tips: Getting organised

The difference between a writer and someone who just wants to be a writer, is that one procrastinates, coming up with excuses for not doing any writing, and the other simply gets on with it, and writes.

We all lead such busy lives that it's easy to feel guilty about wanting to sit down and indulge in our passion for writing. There’s so much that we should be doing, that writing ends up being bottom of our list of priorities. So, now is the time to get organised.

Get organised

Analyse your days, take note of what spare time you actually have free, even if it's just a few minutes. For example, do you find yourself sitting waiting for other family members at dancing/swimming/football practice/school? If so, have a notebook and pen with you. 

Go to bed an hour later or an hour earlier than usual and use that time to write.

If you travel to work by bus or train, spend the journey writing. Don’t miss your stop though, as time flies when you are writing.

Get into the habit of free writing – anything, your thoughts, the weather, what you’re going to have for dinner. The simple practice of writing will get your creative juices flowing. These bits of writing are throwaway pieces, for your eyes only.

Never be without a notebook

Don't sit waiting for inspiration. Plan what you intend to write as you’re going about other everyday tasks, so when you sit down to write you’re off to a flying start.

Organise your family so they know you need time to write.

Organise your writing times and stick to them. Write every day, even if only for a short while.

Place pens and notebooks around the house, car, greenhouse, handbag, pocket etc., so you can jot ideas down as they occur. If you don't, they will certainly disappear.

Don't sit staring at a blank PC screen or page, write random throwaway sentences and gradually you’ll be writing words that are worth keeping. Free write – you can perfect and revise later.

Find time to read – not just for enjoyment, but to study how other writers achieve results. Also read as many writing ‘how to’ books and magazines as possible. Writing is a craft where you never stop learning.

Stock up on ‘tools of the trade’. Notebooks and pens – always have these to hand. Keep an ideas book, an ideas box, a log book, scrap book, dictionary, folders and stationery. Invest in a copy of The Writers & Artists’ Yearbook.

My current log book

Do your market research. Know what opportunities are out there. Analyse the magazines and publishers you’d like to try for. Know what they want, understand their readership. Read their submission guidelines.

Keep your eyes peeled for writing competitions.

Join a local writing group or class.

Remember - There's only one way to become a writer – and that's to write! Don't procrastinate!

My book, Become a Writer is currently being updated and will be available soon.