Butt-In-Chair: A No-Excuses Guide For Writers Who Struggle To Get Started
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In your journal, respond to and reflect on the following:
How has the point values method worked for you?
What worked well with this method?
What didn’t work very well?
How much writing were you able to get done using this method?
*Break Your Writing Into Manageable Chunks
When you first came up with the idea to write a novel, I bet you were just a little bit intimidated. You thought: Can I handle this? Will I make it to the end? How am I going to do this and everything else in my life?
Before you start feeling too overwhelmed, however, you should consider breaking your novel writing into smaller pieces that are more manageable. Doing so will help you get your novel written, a little at a time.
Unless you’re Stephen King or Stephanie Meyer, you probably don’t have a whole lot of free time to just write. And so the idea of taking on writing a novel might freak you out—Will your schedule allow for it? Is it too big a project for you?
When you break your novel into pieces you can actually handle, however, it will help you get your novel done.
Here are a couple examples of how you could break down different writing projects so they’re less overwhelming as a task overall:
Writing a Novel—Novels usually fall somewhere around 22 to 25 chapters (give or take). So in a 10-week period, writing 2 chapters a week (at minimum) would get your novel finished. Writing a novel requires several steps. Use each step as a manageable chunk.
For example, novels usually include a planning period (manageable chunks: Planning your novel, which usually takes a few different occasions, unless you’re a just-sit-down-and-write person); a writing period (manageable chunks: Write 2 chapters a week); and an editing/rewriting period (manageable chunks: read each chapter one at a time and make notes/edits. Each chapter becomes a new chunk, which means you can do one chapter a day or one a week or one every few days. Whatever works for you.)
Writing a Freelance Article—Articles require several steps. Use each step as a manageable chunk.
For example, an article would include finding sources (manageable chunk #1: Do research. Find some sources to interview.); contacting sources to set up interviews (manageable chunk #2: Schedule interviews with your sources); conducting the interviews (manageable chunk #3: Conduct your interviews); write the article (manageable chunk #4: Sit down and write the article); edit the article (manageable chunk #5: Read through and edit your article).
Manageable chunks are as simple as that. You don’t have to do everything all at once, so don’t force yourself to.
Sit Down and Write!
In your journal, respond to and reflect on the following:
How did the manageable chunks method work for you?
What worked well with this method?
What didn’t work very well?
How much writing were you able to get done using this method?
*Focus On One Writing Project Until You’re Done
On Zen Habits, Leo Babauta wrote a post called, How Simplicity Can Help Creativity, Briefly. In this post, he listed 11 ways simplicity can solve the problems you have with creating.
Number five is a-typical advice, but dead-on. Especially for beginning writers or writers who really struggle to finish their writing. Babauta advised:
“Focus on one project till you’re done,” he says. “This goes against how most people work, and in fact I have a hard time doing it sometimes, as I get excited about several projects at once. But it’s how I’ve been working recently and I can tell you, there’s no better way to create. Clear everything else off your schedule, at least for the moment, and focus on one project. Keep the focus small, so the project doesn’t take more than a week (if it does, break it into more than one project). Then just focus on that one project, until you’re done. It feels great. Now move on to the next.”
I usually advise writers to change up their projects to avoid boredom. I still fully support this idea as a way to keep things fresh.
But I also believe that it’s important for you to do what works for you.
Try focusing on one project at a time until you’ve completed it. Here are the benefits of doing so:
You’ll feel less overwhelmed–Sometimes writers–and especially beginning writers–take on more than they can really handle at one time. And being overwhelmed often leads to procrastination.
You’ll feel like you accomplished something–Oftentimes, when you take on too many projects at once, it feels like you’re never really getting anything done. When you focus on one project, you see results quicker.
You’ll learn to find inspiration in other places–Focusing on several projects at one time can lead to new ideas. But there are other ways to get inspiration besides starting another project. Take a walk. Paint a picture. Listen to some rock music. Anything can spark creativity.
You’ll be a stronger writer–Keeping your focus on one project for an extended period of time can be hell, I’ll give you that. But it can also teach you many valuable lessons, including how to stick with a project until the very end. And that lesson is priceless. Especially if you plan to make a career of writing.
Sit Down and Write!
In your journal, respond to and reflect on the following:
How has the one-project-at-a-time method worked for you?
What worked well with this method?
What didn’t work very well?
How much writing were you able to get done using this method?
[additional writer’s tools]
On top of all the productivity tools and methods listed above, there are several other tools that help writers get their writing done. These tools are as follows:
*A Writer’s Notebook
Ask any writer if they have a writer’s notebook and I almost guarantee they’ll say yes. A writer’s notebook is to a writer what a cell phone is to a business person–you can do your job without it, but you’ll do a better job if you have it.
A writer’s notebook can be used for many things, such as:
* to make notes on your stories or poetry
* to brainstorm ideas
* to complete writing exercises
* to record bits of conversation
* to keep track of story ideas
Having a writer’s notebook at home or at your office is good, but what about when you’re somewhere else? Like a barbecue or a baseball game? What if in the middle of the game you get an idea for a story you’re working on? Then what? Write it on a napkin?
A napkin is all well and good, but it’s better to carry a small notebook on you at all times. This way you can keep all your notes together and not risk losing them or accidentally throwing them away like you would a napkin.
I have a small, blue notebook and pen that I keep in my bag at all times, so when I come across a great story location or happen to overhear a conversation that would fit great into something I’m writing, I can quickly jot it down.
With this mini-notebook in your pocket or bag at all times, you’ll never again have to worry about forgetting a great line or a story idea. Plus you’ll now have a way to get some quick writing time in while you go through your day (waiting at the dentist’s office, in line at the drive-thru, etc).
And don’t forget a writing utensil of some kind. They sell mini-pens , too, if you want to pocket your notebook.
Sit Down and Write!
In your journal, respond to and reflect on the following:
Do you carry a notebook with you at all times?
How has having a writer’s notebook helped you?
What works well with carrying a notebook?
What doesn’t work very well?
How much writing were you able to get done using this method?
*Morning Pages
Many procrastinating writers say the reason they can’t write is because they have writer’s block. Any time they sit down to write, they can’t. Nothing comes to them. Their minds ar
e blank.
Julia Cameron, creator of the international bestseller, The Artist Way, has come up with a very effective tool for overcoming writer’s block: Morning Pages.
What are Morning Pages, you ask?
“Morning Pages are three pages of longhand writing, strictly stream-of-consciousness,” Cameron says.
That means, whatever pops in your head, you write down: “I just woke up and I’m really irritated I have to write these pages. My hand hurts. I need my computer. I don’t want to do this. Oh, I think I have a meeting this morning. Shoot! I need to check my calendar”…You get the picture.
And the best part is, there is no right or wrong way to do your Morning Pages.
“These daily meanderings are not meant to be art,” Cameron says. “Or even writing… [Morning] Pages are meant to be, simply, the act of moving the hand across the page and writing down whatever comes to mind. Nothing is too petty, too silly, too stupid, or too weird to be included.”
Now you may be thinking, “No way. I’m not a morning person.” Or “I’ll be late for work if I do this.” But before you get negative about it, here are 3 reasons why you should write Morning Pages:
They Teach You to Ignore Your Inner Editor–Since there’s no right or wrong way to write your Morning Pages, you don’t have to worry about your inner editor trying to criticize you. All you have to think about is getting three pages written. That’s it. No judgment.
They Can ‘Unblock’ You–”All that angry, whiny, petty stuff that you write down in the morning stands between you and your creativity,” Cameron says. “Worrying about the job, the laundry, the funny knock in the car, the weird look in your lover’s eye–this stuff eddies through our subconscious and muddies our days. Get it on the page.”As you consistently write your Morning Pages, you’ll start to notice you are able to once again come up with ideas for your writing. Your “writer’s block” won’t be a problem anymore.
They Get You to the “Other Side”–“Morning Pages do get us to the other side: the other side of our fear, of our negativity, of our moods,” Cameron says.
Simply put, Morning Pages help you get over the stuff that keeps you “blocked” and procrastinating on your writing–fear, problems, issues, anger, anxiety, worry, etc.
If you’re ready to give Morning Pages a go, here’s how to get started:
Place a notebook and pen/pencil by your bed.
First thing when you wake up in the morning, grab your notebook and write three stream-of-consciousness pages. Write whatever comes to your mind.
Don’t do anything else until you write your pages. In fact, you might as well just sit in bed and write them.
Once you’ve finished three pages, close your notebook and get started with your day.
It’s that simple. And doing them every day will yield amazing results.
Sit Down and Write!
In your journal, respond to and reflect on the following:
How have writing Morning Pages worked for you?
How have Morning Pages affected your life and your writing?
What worked well with this writing tool?
What didn’t work very well?
Did this tool help you feel clearer and less blocked in your writing? Why or why not?
[for when you have trouble getting started]
On occasion (or maybe on too many occasions), you may have trouble getting started writing. This happens to every writer from time-to-time and it’s completely normal.
Maybe you feel blocked and can’t think of anything to write about. Maybe you need an idea to jump-start your creativity. Whatever you need, here are two methods for jump-starting your writing session:
*Start By Writing What You Know
If you read the Procrastinating Writers blog, you likely have a problem with getting started writing. And something that probably leaves you stuck most often is: not knowing what to write about.
Here’s a somewhat obvious, but effective way to get started: Write what you know.
Now I’m not advocating that you always write what you know. There comes a time in every writer’s life when she has to step outside her comfort zone and write about something that requires her to do research first.
But that time is not right now. Especially if you’re just getting started with your writing.
As Angela Booth pointed out in her blog post called Write What You Know, It Saves Time, it’s easier to start by writing what you know. And you know a lot more than you think you do.
To get started, here are some steps you can take:
Brainstorm What You Know–You know all kinds of things, from how to raise kids to how to apply for a mortgage to baking a delicious peanut butter pie. Write down anything that comes to mind that you’d consider yourself pretty knowledgeable in.
Use What You Know–As a jumping off point to starting a blog or writing an article, use what you know. This will make it much easier for you to get started because you already have all the knowledge in your head.
Put It Down On Paper–Write what you know. Make it into a short story or a poem. Write an article for your favorite magazine. Start a blog about your topic of choice.
By writing what you know, you have a good starting point for getting your writing done.
Sit Down and Write!
In your journal, respond to and reflect on the following:
How has writing what you know worked for you?
What do you like about writing what you know?
What don’t you like about writing what you know?
How much writing were you able to get done using this method?
*Writing Exercises Can Get You In A Writing State-Of-Mind
When it comes to exercising, it’s always recommended that you do some kind of warm-up beforehand, such as stretching or spending five to 10 minutes on the treadmill. This warm-up not only helps your body prepare for a more vigorous workout, but it gets you in the mood for exercise, as well.
Well…the same goes for writing. If you find it difficult to get in the mood to write, you should try some writing exercises.
As they say, writing begets writing (do they actually say that? Or did I just make it up?). That means the more you write, the more you’ll want to write.
It can definitely be hard to get in a writing state-of-mind, which is why warming up with some writing exercises can be extremely helpful.
A writing exercise is merely one technique to get you in the writing mood–but it’s one of the best techniques!
Many writers start out their writing days with a short five-minute exercise to get them ready to work on their writing projects for the day.
Here are five of my favorite writing exercises:
* Pick five people you know and write a short description of each of them.
* Grab today’s newspaper. Find a headline(s) that interests you and write a story from it.
* * Write an alternate ending to one of your favorite books.
Take your favorite fictional character–either from one of your favorite books or one of the characters you’ve created–and drop them into an unknown world. See what happens.
* Go to a coffee shop or local mall food court and eavesdrop on people talking around you. Write down snippets of their conversation in your writer’s notebook. If you want, create a story from what you hear/write down.
There are lots of great writing exercises on the Web. Just go to Google and type in “writing exercises.”
Or if you’re interested in having a ton of writing exercises available offline, I highly recommend The Writer’s Idea Book. Jack Heffron is amazing, and he’s created more than 400 pages of writing prompts (his word for exercises). Heffron’s idea starters are not only a great way to warm up, but can also help you come up with story ideas you can actually use. I use this book constantly. I always keep it within arms reach.
Another great creative exercises book is called Caffeine for the Creative Mind: 250 Exercises to Wake Up Your Brain by Ste
fan Mumaw and Wendy Lee Oldfield. This book isn’t just for writers, it’s for any creative person who needs a boost. I use this book when I’m writing for my full-time job at HRTools.com.
And you can always use the Procrastinating Writers Write Everyday tool whenever you need it.
Sit Down and Write!
In your journal, respond to and reflect on the following:
How have writing exercises worked for you?
What is effective about doing writing exercises?
What doesn’t work with writing exercises?
[etc]
While sitting down and writing is what you need to be focusing on to start, eventually you will get to the point where you’ve written a bunch of stuff and want to move on to the next step. This section has starting points to help guide you to your next step, whatever it might be.
[If Your Next Step Is To Show Your Writing Off To Someone...]
*Read Your Writing Out Loud
Everywhere you look, writers are publishing content that has typos, missing words, double words, etc. It’s happening on popular blogs, in articles, in books, magazines, newspapers…
It’s inevitable for an error to sneak in every now and then. If you take the time to edit your writing, however, it can happen less often.