Writing isn't who you are, it's what you do

I once was a writer who let weeks go by between writing sessions. I'd let life get in the way along with the many miscellaneous tasks involved with "being a writer."

But as I said on twitter recently: The key to being a successful writer: actually writing. Not just saying you're writing.

I see this far too much in my writing friends these days. They'll come up with any excuse under the sun as to why their fanny isn't in the chair, their fingers aren't on the keyboard and they aren't writing. The sad truth is while so many people want to be a "writer" they never get around to the part about "being a writer." IE, the writing.

I know all this sounds harsh. And yeah, I have plenty of days where I don't get any writing done at all. And it's on those days that I think I should hand in my writer card.

Here are three things that have helped me write more, rather than just say "I'm going to get around to it":

1. Write first thing in the morning before doing anything else (aside from bathroom breaks, clothes, and coffee.)

2. Set a timer. Race against the clock.

3. Challenge your writing friends to a writing dual. See who can write the most in 10 minutes.

There you have it. Three quick and easy tips to get more writing done each day. Now the important question is, are you going to make the time to write? Or slack off like you did yesterday?

Tags: writing