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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
