It\u2019s easy to write when the words are flowing, when ideas just seem to leap from your mind into your fingers. It\u2019s not so easy when you sit facing the empty page, second-guessing every word and feeling like deleting the entire work. Here are five tricks to help get your writing back \u201con a roll.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\n- Write every day.<\/b> You\u2019ve heard it over and over \u2013 and it\u2019s true. If you write something daily, whether you feel like it or not, it gets to be a habit, and your brain expects it. That\u2019s when it starts coming up with the good stuff on a regular basis, not just \u201cwhen the muse strikes.\u201d<\/li>\n
- Write anything<\/b>. Sometimes you put too much pressure on yourself when you expect to finish a work without stopping. When you get stuck, switch to some other project and work on that. So long as you\u2019re writing, it doesn\u2019t matter so much what that writing is, at least until you get into the habit of writing on a roll.<\/li>\n
- Free-write<\/b>. Set a time limit \u2013 say, ten minutes to start out \u2013 and write whatever comes into your mind. If you think \u201cthis is stupid,\u201d then write that down. Don\u2019t try to make a coherent story. The idea is just to learn how to write without stopping.<\/li>\n
- Exercise<\/b>. No, not physically, though that does keep you healthy and help the overall writing process. Writing exercises are short assignments, and they can help you get into the habit of writing. If you have trouble thinking of topics, writing exercises and prompts can give you a needed boost.<\/li>\n
- Stop editing<\/b>. Many writers fall into the trap of editing as they write, which delays the work and gets very frustrating because you never seem to reach the end. Just get everything down first, then you can go back and edit after you\u2019ve finished.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Remember that writing is like any other craft: you must practice in order to improve. If you wait for some mystical muse to light a fire within you, you\u2019re going to be waiting a long time. Learn to depend on yourself for inspiration, and your writing will benefit.<\/p>\n
What are some tips you’ve learned that keep you writing?<\/p>\n