Sunday, January 16, 2011

To write or not to write-that is the question

A friend of mine sent me a message with some topics that she wants to see me cover on this blog.  Now, this particular topic wasn't exactly on her list, but I thought it would be a good first topic to cover...WHEN, WHERE, and HOW OFTEN should you write?  This seems like a simple answer, right?  Well, no, it's really not.

Everyone writes at a different pace and at different times of the day.  Some people are morning people, and some are night owls like myself.  The one place that you should never, EVER write in is your office if you have another job.  Your bosses won't like that, and you'll run the risk of getting fired.  (I know this from experience.)  If you get an idea thats nagging at you while you are at work, try to wait until lunch time or your next break time to write it down. My theory & motto is this: If it's a REALLY good idea, you will remember it a few hours later. Sometimes you just have to make your muse wait.  Remember to thank your muse for the idea, and ask them to help you remember it when you can have a pen and piece of paper handy.

How often should you write?  I always try to write something everyday.  It's hard, I know, and I don't always get to write, but it's a good habit that you should try to do.  Even if you just blog, or write in your journal or diary...it doesn't have to be fiction writing if you can't think of anything to write about in your stories.  I always try to aim to write between 500 & 1,000 words a day.  If I can meet that goal, then I am a happy person.  If I don't make that goal, then I usually feel like crap, and make myself concentrate harder the next day.

Either way, whatever your word goal is, reward yourself with some chocolate or a cookie if you meet it.  Also always remember to stretch and take a break if you feel your fingers cramping up after a while. (I will blog about a healthy diet and writing at a later time.)

So, grab a pen and paper (or open up your writing software on your laptop), and start writing, but, make sure you aren't in the "office" first ;)

2 comments:

  1. This is a great way to kick off the blog. And you're right, writing every day even only 500 words is something any serious author should be in the habit of. I know it's something I need to do. Need to find some paper!

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  2. I am glad you agree :) its great practice, and it keeps the creative juices flowing :)

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