Keeping a Set Writing Schedule

by Deborah
(Seattle, WA)

Firstly, writing is a discipline. It is important to set aside a certain amount of time every day or week and stick to it, even if that time is only half an hour in the evening when the kids have gone to bed.

Don’t make the amount of time so large that you begin to dread it, however, choose a manageable chunk of time. Also, don’t go over this time, it is easy to burn out, and stopping in the middle of an interesting article or story will make you even more excited to start writing again for your next writing period.

During your writing time, do not do anything but write. Unplug the phone if you have to. Distractions will make you lose your train of thought, and will make it difficult to get into the “zone”.

If you cannot think of anything to write, don’t give up! A good exercise is to write whatever comes to mind, even if it doesn’t make sense. Often this will bring up more interesting and exciting ideas.