5 Ways to Make Writing a Habit

 November is almost over. I hope many of you finished the novel you pledged to write this month. Now comes the revision phase. I will write about those things in future articles. This week, I want to focus on making writing a habit. Many writers forget all about writing after the month is over. To reap benefits from your Nanowrimo experience, you need to make writing a habit. 

Winter is here. That means you’re more likely to cuddle up at home than go outside. There is no better time to write. Instead of spending all that time on Netflix or in front of the television, try using the following tips to get some writing done. 

Tap into inspiration: Strike when the iron is hot. Write when inspiration strikes. Don’t fret about planning and editing while you write. Being inspired is a magical feeling. It makes your fingers move at the speed of light across the keyboard. When a great idea strikes, simply write it down. Type as much as you can until the fever passes. I usually find that I type as much as 5000 words in one go when I’m inspired. You may decide to shelf the project or plan it out later. What’s important is getting those first few words on paper. This will help you stay on track and expand your writing. Do not judge the story at this point. Let it flow from your heart. 

The fifteen-minute sprint: I learned this method from Chris Fox, writer of 5000 words per hour. Surprisingly, it works. Write whenever you have the time. You don’t have to write a thousand words, a page or even wait to find three hours of ‘me’ time. Write between phone calls. Write for an extra fifteen minutes during lunch break. Write ten minutes before you go to sleep. Every little counts. Even if you don’t manage to finish a novel, you’ll be a better writer for it. 

Stick to a Schedule: This tip works for people who like to plan. Stick to a routine. For example, I write 10-12 pm every night. I find that I have no distractions during that time because everybody is asleep. My mind works optimally and my inhibitions are low. For some, this time may be an hour or two after you wake up. Choose whatever time slot suits you and stick to it. Write at the same time every day. It will become a habit. The other tips lead to this one. If you want to be a professional writer, it is important to set aside time for writing. 

The sneaky writer: Did an idea strike you while you’re at a dinner party? Ideas don’t always pop up at the right time and place. However, that doesn’t mean you miss it. Carry a device which you can use to type. Though smartphones are slow, it’s better than nothing. Write while you’re getting bored at lectures or dinner parties. Write down the main idea using an app like Evernote or simply the reminder. If you have more time, you can even begin to type words of your novel. If you’re thinking it’s going to lead nowhere, hold your breath. In Japan, many cell-phone novelists have written full-length novels. They too started with a few words on the phone. 

Adventure: Make writing an adventure. Try writing a genre you’ve never written before. If you’re not one to plan, try planning your next novel. Write while exercising or while on a vacation. Challenge yourself with new ideas. The adventure component makes writing something to look forward to. It keeps things exciting. Try writing the story backwards. Or write it using the vocabulary of your five-year-old child. The possibilities are endless. 

I hope these tips help you stay on track. Please comment and let me know any other tips that you use. If you liked the post, share with your friends.  Click here to read more articles like this