Make the most of your writing time

Does this sound like you? You work hard to carve out some writing time. You then sit down at your computer and the words just won’t come. Any words that you write are rubbish and you spend more time rewriting, deleting and editing. Twenty minutes later and you only have ten words written and are beginning to think that you will never be able to make living as a writer.

First of all don’t panic. Many new writers believe that “real” writers produce first drafts that are close to perfect, this just isn't true. Whilst a few writers do produce high quality first drafts most produce something that requires considerable rewriting and editing.

You can improve your output during your writing time by taking two simple steps before you start a writing session.

Step One – Plan what you are going to write

If you are clear about which section or scene you are going to complete before you sit down you can increase your word count considerably – no more wondering what happens next or which facts and opinions to include. When writing only do what you plan to do, if you think you need to do some additional research make a note to do it later. Techniques to try are:

• Create a complete outline for your work whether a book or an article. This could be a detailed plan or brief scene or section notes.
• At the end of a writing session make a note of what you are going to do during your next session. This enables you to think through the scene or section in between your writing sessions, you may even find the scene is written in your head before you sit down to transfer it onto your computer.

Step Two – Silence your inner critic

We all have one, that voice in our head that tells us our work isn’t good enough and surely we must realise by now that we will never make it as a writer. Whilst this voice has its uses you do not want to be listening to it whilst writing your first draft. Try these simple techniques to silence your critic whilst writing:

• Keep writing – if you are tapping away with your figures getting those words down as fast as you can there will be little opportunity for your inner critic to get a word in.
• When that voice says you could do better just respond by saying, “I know it can be improved and will do a rewrite at a later date.” Then keep writing.
• Complete your writing goals - this can be a great motivator as you are telling your inner critic you have what it takes to get the job done.

Start your next writing session with a clear idea of what you are going to write and then just write. Before you know it you will have a completed first draft.

Happy writing.