Many people, including writers themselves, believe that writing is only accomplished in a fortuitous moment of inspiration. They feel that to begin their poem, novel or play they must be struck by the lightning rod of excitement before pen can be put to page. While a work of art is always improved by the presence of obsession, enchantment and a depth of involvement, one must often write to find this state, not wait for it. These four practices can assist the writer to make the creation of art part of their life, not a special occasion activity.
Write Every Day
For a creative writer, it is crucial to establish a schedule. If the writer procrastinates, then the manuscript will probably never get written. Writing early in the morning, or first thing in the day, is often best. That way, the writing is prioritized.
Whether one writes for a half an hour or three, do so on a regular basis. In the morning, one's mind is fresh. Waiting until the evening can often cause frustration; one may be tired or other plans may have appeared to interrupt one's routine. Once the writing session is done, the rest of the day can be filled with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Alternating between manuscripts or genres, instead of working on the same piece every day, can also keep the writing invigorated. Don't forget to take time to revise the work too!
