If writing isn’t your day job, you have special challenges with maintaining momentum. You may schedule your writing sessions several days apart. You’ve got a whole life to live besides your writing. You’ve got family obligations and a full social calendar, and then there’s work.
If that sounds like you, read on. Here are eight things you can do that will help keep the momentum going.
Build great writing habits that tell your brain, “OK, now it’s time to write!”
Write on the same day(s), at the same time, and with the same equipment every time.
Shut out distractions. Turn your phone off. Put it in another room if possible. Close the door.
Develop a prestart ritual to follow in every session. It may include meditation or exercise. You might have a special “music for writing” playlist.
Always know what’s next. Decide what you’re going to write in your next session before you wrap up the current one. That way, you can start writing without losing time wondering what to write.
Be honest with yourself. Keep records of your performance in every session. Review those records regularly.
Get an accountability partner. You can use a friend or hire someone like me.
Track what you change and the results that follow. That way, you’ll improve over time.
Those are three ways I know to keep the good work going. What’s worked for you?
~
I’m Wally Bock. I’m the author’s player-coach. I use a mix of coaching, developmental editing, and writing to help you create a book you’re proud of that accomplishes your goals. Please contact me if you want to craft a great business book or if you have a burning question that you think I might be able to answer.