1. Cammie B

    Cammie B Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2017
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    7
    Location:
    Wyoming

    Novel Novel Writing Strategies

    Discussion in 'Genre Discussions' started by Cammie B, Sep 12, 2017.

    So, about three years ago I started writing a novel. Then life happened, and I've only recently gotten back into writing. I really want to see this novel through to the end. How do you guys stay focused on your work and write effectively? Do you have particular strategies you use?
     
  2. Pyra Sunny

    Pyra Sunny New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2017
    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    8
    Location:
    Louisiana
    For me, writing is an escape from real life, so the more life is happening the more I want to write. When life isn't happening and I have lots of down time (like right now) I end up rewriting old stuff and editing, which puts me off of the writing groove. Rereading the story I have so far tends to be my go to for getting back in a story. No clue if that's helpful...
     
    Jipset likes this.
  3. Homer Potvin

    Homer Potvin A tombstone hand and a graveyard mind Staff Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2017
    Messages:
    12,136
    Likes Received:
    19,758
    Location:
    Rhode Island
    Having a routine is a biggie. Whatever gets you to write every day, even if its only a page or two. I worked nights for years, so for me it was always about getting up, sitting down, and getting to work before I could get distracted by something else. The words add up quicker than you think. And in theory you should get better with the steady practice.
     
    xanadu likes this.
  4. Cammie B

    Cammie B Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2017
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    7
    Location:
    Wyoming
    That is helpful, thank you!
     
  5. Cammie B

    Cammie B Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2017
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    7
    Location:
    Wyoming
    A routine is definitely something I need to establish.
     
    Simpson17866 likes this.
  6. xanadu

    xanadu Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2008
    Messages:
    802
    Likes Received:
    728
    Location:
    Cave of Ice
    Having a routine is the only way I've been able to be productive. Forward momentum is essential. If I miss a day or two, it's incredibly hard to get myself back into the flow. Sometimes that means forcing yourself, but even still you can always edit later. Much more important to not lose momentum.

    IMO, of course.
     
    Cammie B and Homer Potvin like this.
  7. KevinMcCormack

    KevinMcCormack Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2014
    Messages:
    407
    Likes Received:
    262
    Location:
    Vancouver
    It took me awhile to shift from writing in big clumps on weekends (when I have a large block of time) to writing in small chunks every day (I only have an hour a day on weekdays).

    What changed my mind was that I found that daily writing is a lifestyle; whereas, binge writing on weekends was fulfilling an obligation.

    What inspired me to experiment with daily writing despite my busy weekday schedule:

    Annie Dillard: "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."
     
  8. Mouthwash

    Mouthwash Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2012
    Messages:
    476
    Likes Received:
    193
    In my experience, even saying this is a bad sign. If you want to talk about writing a book, you should already be writing on a daily basis.
     

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