The Pillars of Your Writing Journey
We all have those days, don’t we? Days when the page stays blank, and the words just won’t come. But here’s a little secret about writing: It’s less about lightning strikes of inspiration and more about the grind. The slow, steady, and sometimes agonizing commitment. And for those of us who dare to dream of making writing more than just a hobby, there are two things we need: consistency and motivation.
1. The Essence of Consistency: Why Showing Up Matters
Consistency. Sounds simple, right? But in a world where distractions are only a click away, it’s anything but. Think about this: while the occasional 5,000-word writing spree might feel like a win, if you wait for those to happen and they only come once a month, then that 5,000 words is all you’ll have at the end of that month.
But you know what? You don’t have to wait until you “feel like it.” And in fact, the feeling most often comes when you’ve cultivated the habit. It’s the day-in-day-out dedication that makes the difference, both in your emotions and in the outcome.
That’s where the “Butt in Seat” method enters the scene. Heard of it? It’s the brainchild of some old-time authors who knew a thing or two about writing. The idea? Just show up. Some days will be a struggle, and others, a joy. But showing up is half the battle.
2. The Magic in the Math: Setting Goals that Stick
Let’s get real about goal-setting. What if I told you that just 500 words a day, five days a week, for fifty weeks a year, adds up? That’s right, with holidays and well-deserved breaks in between, you’re looking at a whopping 125,000 words. That’s a novel right there. And for most writers I know, that’s a goal that takes under an hour, often as little as 20-30 minutes.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Setting a goal is about more than just numbers. It’s about confidence. Knowing how quickly you can write those 500 words, and then 1,000, and then 2,000, and then a whole book means that you’ve learned something about yourself. You’ve established habits. You know you can deliber a project. As your book-count grows, you’ll develope a great idea of how long these take you and things like what time or day work best for your creativity. And trust me, that confidence? Publishers notice it. When they ask if you can deliver on a contract, you’ll have an answer. More importantly, you’ll believe it.
3. The Art of Time Management: Carving Out Your Space
We’ve all been there. Searching for that sweet spot when the words flow like honey. Maybe for you, it’s the wee hours of the morning or the silent embrace of midnight, or maybe it’s on your lunch break at work. Find it. Protect it. That’s your golden hour.
But there’s more to writing than, well, writing. There’s research, brainstorming, those pesky edits. Ever tried batching tasks? Group similar tasks together. Maybe mornings are for pure, undiluted writing, and afternoons are for the nitty-gritty edits. Find what works for you.
And distractions? Let’s talk about those little devils. In this age of pings, dings, and everything in between, they’re the enemy. So gear up. Maybe it’s that cozy nook in your house, or perhaps it’s those noise-canceling headphones. It could be something as simple as closing our your browser and putting your phone on do-not-disturb (and warning your family that this time is sacred!). Build your fortress, and guard it fiercely.
4. Consistency, Motivation, and the Big Picture
Being consistent isn’t just about honing your craft; it’s about signaling your dedication. Every writer worth their salt knows this: finishing projects is everything. Each completed piece is a badge you wear, evidence of your grit.
In a sea of writers, what sets you apart? It’s that fire in your belly, that drive to keep going, come what may. It’s resilience. And in an industry that sees its fair share of highs and lows, bouncing back, coming up with the NEXT idea and then being able to deliver, is everything.
Conclusion
Here’s the thing about writing: it’s a journey, with all its ups and downs. And if you’re in it for the long haul, remember, it’s less about those flashes of genius and more about the grind. Consistency. Motivation. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the backbone of a writer’s journey. So, the next time you’re staring down a blank page, take a deep breath, and remember why you started. Every word, every line is a step forward. And with each step, you’re not just writing; you’re becoming a writer. So, what are you waiting for?
If you’re struggling to make room for writing and finish that book, these classes may be useful!
We all have to work HARD to balance writing with everything else in our lives. The secret to doing it all? Prioritization, discipine, and delegation. Learn how to balance YOUR life so that writing can have its part…and you can be a juggler ready to awe the crowd.
Want to get down the nitty-gritty of drafting a novel from start to finish? The class walks through Roseanna M. White’s method (which she usually completes in just a couple weeks), and also some other popular ways of getting that first draft finished.
You have a great idea. It may even feel inspired. But is it big enough? Too big? Can that idea remain unchanged as you write–will you be “selling out” if you change and adjust? Cultivating an idea from that first seed to a product on a shelf takes a lot more than just planting it.
