The
Write Habit: How to Strengthen Your Writing Muscle
by: Katey
Coffing, Ph.D.
Writing is a muscle that needs exercise
to stay in shape.
I realized how true that saying is
when I took what I called "a well-earned break" after I
finished my first novel. The last few days of writing that
novel felt as sweet as whipped cream--I was in a writing
groove, humming along. I figured I'd take a little hiatus
for a few days, then start my second book. No problem.
Those few days stretched into a week.
Soon two more weeks wandered by and thumbed their noses
at me. I felt guilty every time I passed my PowerBook. Then
I began to avoid the computer altogether, a beautifully
self-defeating habit.
Finally, twitching with dread after
more than a month away, I sat down at the screen and began
my next novel. Trying to write after that time away was
torture. My neglected writing muscle had become flabby and
whiny. It protested my sudden demands and resented being
drafted to work.
For many people, the key to productivity
is making writing a habit. Consistent writing breeds easier
writing. If that's true for you, create a new habit.
Make a commitment to a certain amount
of writing every day--a length of time or a number of words
or pages to reach before you lift your butt off your chair.
Each day when you've reached your goal, do something nice
for yourself.
One of my published clients who loves
email has chosen to write five pages each weekday before
she can log in. She made getting her email a reward for
completing her writing goals, and every time she slows down
with her writing she remembers how much she wants to read
her newsgroups and see her friends' replies. That spurs
her to complete her pages, and she feels doubly triumphant
when she hears "you've got mail!"
Is email not a good enough carrot
for you? Find one that is, then earn it. Setting goals and
rewards that make you want to keep writing create a great
habit that's win/win.
Write away!
About The Author
Katey Coffing, Ph.D. is a novelist and book coach who helps
women delight in writing (and finishing!) their books. Visit
her at http://www.Women-Ink.com/.
To receive additional articles and tips for women writers,
subscribe to Katey's ezine, The Write Calling, at http://www.Women-Ink.com/the-write-calling.htm.
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