Writing Challenges.
There have been two things on my mind recently, things I’m pretty sure we all struggle with at times.
WRITING CHALLENGES
Firstly, I want to talk about the great juggling act of life. How are you managing to carve out time for writing? Are you writing consistently whatever is happening around you, or are you like me right now caught in a wave of your day job consuming most of your time and energy?
When I started my new job a few months ago, I knew it would take most of my time and energy for the foreseeable. But this has meant I haven’t had time or motivation to work on my manuscript or post consistently across my channels as I’d have liked. The result? I have been grumpy and off-balance not being able to spend time on the things I love. So what to do when this happens, as it inevitably will at points? Whether you are a morning person or a night owl effective prioritisation can help you make the most of your writing time. Here are some strategies:
1. Designate specific hours for your writing - Being a morning person is helpful as you’ll be writing before you get swept away by the day. But if you are a night owl like me and morning is for coffee, meditation or sleeping, creating a consistent routine signals to your brain that it's time to focus on creative work. Make voice notes or transfer your writing scene-by-scene or by chapters to your phone and work on it, in any space you get. In the bath, in a queue, while you are getting a pedicure (which I am currently having as I write this post 😊). It definitely makes time go much faster.
2. Prioritise Tasks - Identify your most important writing tasks and do these when your creativity and focus is at its highest.
3. Set Realistic Goals - Break down your writing goals into manageable chunks, allowing for steady progress over time.
4. Minimize Distractions - Create a quiet and distraction-free environment during your writing time. Turn off notifications and let your family know you need focused writing time.
5. Manage Your Energy - If your job is mentally demanding, consider taking short breaks to recharge before diving into your writing. If there are days you just don’t have the energy take it easy on yourself. You’re not a machine.
6. Experiment With Productivity Techniques - like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work intensely for a set period, followed by a short break. This can enhance focus and prevent burnout.
Remember to listen to your body and find a balance that works for you.
WRITING COMMUNITIES
We know that writing is a solitary affair. That’s probably why we love it because it’s completely ours, we are masters of whatever universe we are creating on those pages. But I’m realising how important it is to connect with other writers, to get out of my corner after more than three years working on my own. To share work, to share feedback otherwise we’ll never know if our work is any good and it won’t have the chance of getting better. Here are some places you can connect and build a community that I’ve recently come across, some of which aren’t yet relevant for me but hopefully are helpful for you;
This is where you can get feedback from other writers. The way it works is when you sign up, you have to earn 3 credits by reviewing other people’s work according to your preferred genre. Only then can your work be available for others to feed back on. This is a great way of putting in what you want to get out of it. I’ve just signed up and looking forward to connecting with writers and reading their work.
This is a private Facebook group with 79,000 members for both experienced and new writers. I had to answer a few questions about what I was looking for in this group, my experience and involvement with writing to date, with a rule saying that if I post links or advertise anything on there I will get kicked out. I like that. The rest I’ll report on in my next post.
Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Not one I’ve signed up to (yet) but for those struggling with self-doubt, who might need encouragement to keep going, check it out and let me know how you get on.
It says on the blurb that this one of the more acclaimed online writing communities around, allowing you to work with writers of all levels of experience. I’ve just signed up so will let you know. There is a big collection of free lessons available to help improve you as a writer and to familiarise you with literary jargon. This platform can also help you with tips and strategies for publishing your work.
If your non-fiction, fiction and short stories are ready to be published then join this community where you can learn how to write a good query letter and have access to a national database of literary agents across genres.
Hopefully lots of food for thought here for you. My key focus is to despite the busyness, make sure I carve out consistent time to do the things that make me happy and to start connecting with others on the same journey. Would love to know how you get on too.
X
