This may come as a shock but being a writer means that you must actually write and often. Lawyers must actually practice law and a builder must actually build something in order to call themselves a builder, yet many people toss around the title “writer” more like it’s a state of mind then an occupation or activity. A writer writes–period.
Do you have to be published to consider yourself a writer? No. A writer is merely someone who writes. Once you’re published you can tag on that extra distinction of “published writer/author.” So how do you get to the point where you can actually call yourself a writer?
All you need is to create a consistent and productive writing practice. Consistent in that you write for a specified amount of time every week and productive in that something actually comes out of that time (even if it never sees the light of day). The best part is that you can totally customize your writing practice to fit your lifestyle and preferences. Of course we all need a little push, so here are a few tips to get you going:
- Make it a priority: Just like work, exercise, and family time you have to make writing a priority in your life if you want to build a real writing practice. My family and friends know that writing is a priority for me and when it’s writing time they need to entertain and feed themselves.
- Schedule it: Block out a specified time every week to write. It could be a few hours on Saturday morning, an hour every day, or whatever else works for you. The point is to be consistent. I schedule two four hour blocks each week. I usually have to move them around depending on other appointments and obligations, but I always get in my eight hours every week.
- Create your perfect space: Every person responds best to a different environment. Make your own sanctuary, a space that ignites the creative genius in you (so you can slush through the drudgery when the muse refuses to come). I personally need lots of natural light, a cup of tea, and music to get “in the mood.”
- Write no matter what: Inspiration is a fickle thing. If you think you can wait around for it you will soon find that you are always waiting. If it’s time to write and you don’t have any ideas, start with a little writing exercise. Writer’s Digest has several writing prompts. I also suggest checking out the Writer’s Idea Book or Doug McIntire’s site for more. I’ve used many of Doug’s prompts and a few of them even lead to publication.
- Join a writer’s group: Nothing is more inspiring then surrounding yourself with like minded individuals. After my writing meetings I find I’m more inspired to get back to the keyboard no matter how frustrated I am with a story. Plus they often have great ideas on how to address certain issues and where to submit once you complete your story.
If you don’t have an existing writing practice hopefully these tips will help you build one. If you already have one, I’d love to hear about it.
Where and when do you like to write?
