What can we do to sustain ourselves as writers? This is a real question right now, as we deal with outside influences such as the current pandemic and a make or break election for our country. We need to sustain ourselves as individuals, to keep a balance with all things in life, and to be our own self-support. We need to have a passion for writing, and we need to write consistently.
What can we do to keep ourselves motivated, and keep the words flowing?
- Start writing - start the words flowing. We can go back and fine-tune them, but we need to have something to fine-tune.
- Use a writing prompt. This can be something that you make up yourself, or you can find them on the Internet. If you are in a writing group, you can share prompts with each other,
- Keep a journal - any kind of journal. When you are not thinking about what words need to go next, amazing ideas pop out unannounced!
- Free-write - set a time for a specific amount of time (you get to choose how much time you want to write), set a timer, and start writing. Keep writing until the timer goes off. It doesn' have to make sense - just write!
- Don't even try to be perfect on your first (or even second) draft. You will end up with something that is perfectly spelled and punctuated - and boring as all get out!
- Write every day. Be consistent.
- Set aside time to read something that interests you.
- Set up a space that is conducive to writing. The desk in my office is angled to face the door, which faces the living room. Looking up occasionally is a good way to ground and center myself. And to keep track of whatever my cats might be doing!
- Interact with other writers - whether it is in person, or online.
- Respect your writing - treat it as your job, because it is. Yes, it is also your passion, but that passion needs to support you!
- Set small, achievable goals.
Wishing you all great success with your writing!
(c) November 2020 Bonnie Cehovet
Reproduction prohibited without written permission from the author.
