Strategies for a Happier, More Productive #WritersLife

 

 

A productive writer is a happy writer - or so they say. But at some point, you might find something missing from your writer's life. Or perhaps your work is not progressing the way you think it should. It happens to the best of us. Here are some strategies that have helped me along the way to a happier, more productive writer's life.

Set Goals

As with all writing, I like to set goals along the way. If I'm working on my next book, I might designate daily taskers, like printing my manuscript and reading the current draft - maybe a chapter or two per day. When I complete said task, I move on to the next goal to get closer to publishing that book.

Establish Deadlines

Whether it is reaching a certain word count by the end of the day or meeting a submission deadline for an article, setting deadlines can help you keep on track. 

Read 

Reading is not just a relaxing pastime. It can also show you what's already available and quite possibly give you ideas for your next story. Plus, you support your fellow writers and the literary community as a whole. 

Modify Your Writing Habits

I continuously revise my writing habits, looking for ways to improve. My latest obsession is keeping notes on my phone. So far, it's worked quite well for me, consolidating my ideas, references, and information all in one place. And just to make sure I don't lose everything, I like to back up those notes to an external hard-drive regularly. If something doesn't work for you, then change it up, find out what does. 

Take Baby Steps

Even on my craziest days, when time to write is nowhere to be found, I like to challenge myself to get at least one writing-related activity done. Be it reading a book about the art of writing or brainstorming ideas. Every little step will bring you closer to your goal.

Connect with Other Writers

Although I'm a bit of an introvert, I am happiest with my writer's life when I've got a group of writers to fall back on. Granted, not all writers want to be sociable. Still, if you are fortunate, you can find a few writer friends out there that you can trust to commiserate with you when you're having a bad day or ask for a second opinion. You don't even have to meet them in person; you can always connect with other writers online - which definitely feeds into my introverted nature.

Attend a Workshop

Traveling isn't always easy, especially these days. But planning a trip to attend a workshop can give you something to look forward to. And should traveling be impossible, you can still participate in a virtual event. Plus, some of those expenses involved can be tax-deductible. 

Believe in your Abilities

We are all our own worst critics. Telling ourselves that we're out of our league. But no matter what you believe, you never truly know until you give it a whirl. So, no matter the dream, give it your all, work hard, and stop belittling yourself!

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the award-winning author of The Country Girl Empress series. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Goodreads.

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