Writing Habits

Discussion in 'General Writing' started by BillyxRansom, Aug 9, 2008.

  1. Selbbin

    Selbbin The Moderating Cat Staff Contributor Contest Winner 2023

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2012
    Messages:
    5,160
    Likes Received:
    4,243
    Location:
    Australia
    I thought it was a prerequisite!
     
  2. allonsybadwolf

    allonsybadwolf New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2014
    Messages:
    21
    Likes Received:
    17
    Location:
    Oregon, USA
    The muttering, and the hair gets pretty out of hand from all the distressed fidgety hand-running through it.
     
    minstrel likes this.
  3. Carthonn

    Carthonn Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2008
    Messages:
    395
    Likes Received:
    36
    Location:
    New York
    I've experienced something so significant I feel I must put it into words.
     
  4. Amanda_Geisler

    Amanda_Geisler Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2014
    Messages:
    320
    Likes Received:
    105
    Location:
    Australia
    @Selbbin I do the same thing, except it is usually my characters I'm talking to. Word of advice, don't tell a non-writer about it, I told my mum and she asked if I was going crazy.
     
  5. JetBlackGT

    JetBlackGT Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2013
    Messages:
    462
    Likes Received:
    158
    Location:
    Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, United States
    After I've been at the wheel for hours and hours and thinking of nothing but where I left off and where I am going, in the story. When I get to the computer, I have a night's sleep between me and all that thinking I did. 5,000 words in a flash!
     
  6. Chad Lutzke

    Chad Lutzke Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2014
    Messages:
    64
    Likes Received:
    34
    Location:
    Battle Creek, MI.
    At the beginning and at the end of any story.

    ~Chad Lutzke
     
    peachalulu likes this.
  7. SLR436

    SLR436 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2014
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    I'm curious if you used any tricks to hack motivation before you managed to 'just sit down and write', it's for my post on how to write an ebook.

    So far I've heard modifications of Seinfeld's productivity trick he used for writing jokes, where every day that you complete your writing task, you get to put a big red X over that day on your calendar. The red X is sometimes replaced with golden star or even word count for that day. The problem with that is continuing to add to the chain once a new month starts, as it feels as you're starting all over every month.

    Little hacks like "stop writing mid-sentence", set a specific time to write and turn off Internet (some went as specific as "make sure you can't get access to porn").

    I'm asking this as an advice to someone who is not a writer and is likely not looking to become a writer in the long-term, but is interested in producing a single piece nonetheless.

    Finally, is writing every day a goal for you or not?
     
  8. Berber

    Berber Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2011
    Messages:
    143
    Likes Received:
    29
    Location:
    United States
    You've already hit on a lot of good methods.

    I've noticed that also having someone with a vested interest to keep me accountable is a huge motivating factor. I made my husband that person when I first started writing seriously. He gets home. I ask him about work. He asks me about my writing. The fact that I have someone who's sincerely interested in my progress makes me want to have progress to show. I've since branched out from just my husband and keep track of my progress via blogs and social media. Even though I don't have a very big following, it still creates that sense of pressure to produce.

    I do set daily writing goals for myself, usually around 2000 words. But then again, I have the (mis) fortune of being unemployed and therefore have the ability to invest a significant amount of time everyday in my writing.
     
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2014
  9. Vandor76

    Vandor76 Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 5, 2014
    Messages:
    311
    Likes Received:
    242
    Having my monitor placed so that my wife can look over my shoulder and see the screen anytime she wants does count as a solution to this problem? :)

    You can create and print out a calendar that shows the whole year on one page and mark each day when you completed the goal with a red X. Next year the new page can be placed next to the previous one so you don't feel that you start from null.
    There is a bigger motivation if you get something you really like only if you complete a week without "uncompleted" days.
     
  10. Rusti

    Rusti New Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2014
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    2
    When I decided to write every day, I didn't try to use any tricks, just that I have a very strong will, and if I forgot all day to write, because of my job etc' and even if it is 2in the morning, and I was going to sleep, I open my laptop and write for an hour. Then the next day I will be very tired, I will remember next time to write when it's more convenient.
     
  11. JetBlackGT

    JetBlackGT Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2013
    Messages:
    462
    Likes Received:
    158
    Location:
    Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, United States
    I actively schedule time to do my writing and set rigid goals that push me to do more. If my goal is a measly 1000 words and I write 2000? I do NOT take the next day off.

    If you are a morning person and do your best writing then? Set your alarm early and do it then. Lose sleep. You may well lose a lot of sleep to get your goals met and your books published. Just like a parent. You *can* get by on six hours. :)
     
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2014
    jannert and ToDandy like this.
  12. Link the Writer

    Link the Writer Flipping Out For A Good Story. Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2009
    Messages:
    15,023
    Likes Received:
    9,676
    Location:
    Alabama, USA
    ^ Apparently I can sleep for just one hour, and somehow am still able to function like normal for the rest of the day. Hmm...maybe I could put this to good use? ;)
     
  13. Adenosine Triphosphate

    Adenosine Triphosphate Member Contributor

    Joined:
    May 24, 2014
    Messages:
    1,251
    Likes Received:
    732
    Location:
    USA
    I envy you.
     
    Link the Writer likes this.
  14. Renee J

    Renee J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2013
    Messages:
    460
    Likes Received:
    220
    Location:
    Reston, VA
    I can't think straight if I get less than six hours of sleep, multiple nights in a row. For me, it's better to get some sleep and be able to write.
     
  15. Adenosine Triphosphate

    Adenosine Triphosphate Member Contributor

    Joined:
    May 24, 2014
    Messages:
    1,251
    Likes Received:
    732
    Location:
    USA
    Same here.
     
  16. JetBlackGT

    JetBlackGT Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2013
    Messages:
    462
    Likes Received:
    158
    Location:
    Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, United States
    So if you can get by okay on six....

    How much sleep would you deny yourself to make your dreams come true? :)
    -Every crazy writer
     
  17. T.Trian

    T.Trian Overly Pompous Bastard Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2013
    Messages:
    2,253
    Likes Received:
    1,470
    Location:
    Mushroom Land
    @KaTrian and I don't really have any tricks unless you count a compelling need to write. If a day comes by when we're away from home or can't write for whatever reason, we end up discussing the story, planning the upcoming parts, evaluating what we've written so far etc, but even then we're just itching to get back to the keyboards and pick up where we left off.
     
    Catrin Lewis likes this.
  18. criticalsexualmass

    criticalsexualmass Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2013
    Messages:
    131
    Likes Received:
    60
    Location:
    Kentucky
    I just remind myself that I won't be getting a day closer if I don't write. and I have this painting as my wallpaper on the computer...

    3204-934x.jpg
     
    xtron, BookLover and JetBlackGT like this.
  19. Bryan Romer

    Bryan Romer Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2014
    Messages:
    889
    Likes Received:
    391
    I do write every day if possible. I treat it like any other necessary task, like brushing my teeth.
     
  20. Nilfiry

    Nilfiry Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2008
    Messages:
    708
    Likes Received:
    120
    Location:
    Eternal Stream
    Nope. I only write when I feel in the mood to write. I prefer not to be caught up in feeling like I have to write for whatever reason.
     
  21. ToDandy

    ToDandy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 24, 2013
    Messages:
    403
    Likes Received:
    333
    Location:
    Bozeman Montana
    I don't write everyday- at least not on my main project- instead I usually write 2,000 words every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and sometimes on Sunday.

    So I still write about 6,500-9,000 words a week when I'm in writing mode, which lasts about 3 months because that's how long it takes me to finish a novel.

    Basically I build a schedule for myself and try to stick to it as best as I can.
     
    123456789 likes this.
  22. Inkwell1

    Inkwell1 Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2014
    Messages:
    143
    Likes Received:
    11
    Oh, no. No, I write when I have inspiration or an idea in my head.
     
  23. 123456789

    123456789 Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2012
    Messages:
    8,102
    Likes Received:
    4,605
    Yes. I think there are two prime driving forces to write consistently.

    1. Inspiration.
    2. Discipline.

    On discipline: I've been told that discipline is a finite trait- that is, you only have so much will power at any given time. Therefore, you need to use your discipline when you have it to setup a regimented routine/mindset/lifestyle that can facilitate consistence writing, even when you aren't feeling very disciplined. Tricks.

    1.Routine. Try to write the same time every day. Your mind will be come accustomed to it.
    2. Make writing the least, or near the least, difficult activity you do all day. That means no television, no video games, read novels that require mental focus. If you do watch television, do it sparingly and always stay engaged. Remember, the more activities you do per day that require focus, the more your mind will be conditioned (I'm assuming. I have no hard research to back this up) to perform difficult tasks. On the other hand, the more mindless activities you do per day, the more activities that aren't mindless, like writing, will feel like climbing a mountain. I've heard that occupations which require mental focus can actually drain your writing initiative (see On Writing by Steven King). While I do think this can be overcome (from personal experience), you can avoid mental drain by writing first thing in the morning, before such occupation.
    3. Coffee. Especially if your actual occupation requires mental focus.

    On inspiration: This is definitely finite, which is why I argue, once the concept for a story has been fully formed in your mind, try to finish the first draft as soon as possible. Once its finished, subsequent drafts will have their own ways of inspiring you, such as the desire to flesh out and beautify your work. Tricks.

    1. Music. Car rides. Walking. Running. Anything to get the juices going.
    2. Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
    3. Just let it flow when you're inspired, and if you start feeling stuck, JUST GO PAST IT.
    4. Do not linger. If something bothers you, the longer you remain fixated on it, the deeper the rut you're driving yourself into it. This can kill inspiration and cause writer's block. Resist the urge for perfection until post draft 1.
    5. Naps.


    I personally believe inspiration and discipline are intertwined with one another. You need inspiration to work, but you need discipline to use it properly and maintain it. Good luck!
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2014
    Okon and jannert like this.
  24. SocksFox

    SocksFox Contributor Contributor Contest Winner 2023

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2012
    Messages:
    1,798
    Likes Received:
    595
    Now that I've got my head back in the game: Take 10-15 minutes. Pause the world for that finite period and write...Anything. Any form. Just write, be it typed or scribbled. Simply write.

    I try and do it during my breaks when I'm at work. It certainly gives me something to look forward to, too. You'll be amazed at how quickly, those 10-15 minute sessions can add up. Little by little,the work will pay off. Worlds and ideas will form. Bite sized portions tempt and tease, keep you coming back for more...
     
  25. T.Trian

    T.Trian Overly Pompous Bastard Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2013
    Messages:
    2,253
    Likes Received:
    1,470
    Location:
    Mushroom Land
    Here's another one that I think falls under inspiration: ambition. I have a strong ambition to tell these stories, I want to get them published, I want people to read them, but I can't even pitch them before they are finished, so I have to write them, do all I can to make them as good as possible to improve their chances etc, so... ambition. Doesn't hurt to be a bit cocky either, to have the audacity to believe in your vision, your characters, your story. It also helps to have someone in your life who believes in your vision and supports your pursuits.
     
    jannert, sunsplash and KaTrian like this.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice