5 Tips to Being a More Productive Writer

Writing can be overwhelming sometimes which makes it all the more important to have a few tricks up your sleeve for being more productive. Below, I've listed the five tips I use daily to get me motivated and stay focused.

1. Unplug Your Wi-Fi

This is harsh, but necessary. Anytime I sit down to write, I put my phone on "Do Not Disturb" or will leave it in a separate room. The constant buzzing of texts and notifications is distracting and if it's sitting right next to me my train of through is broken more often.

Besides, unplugging for a while is good.

2. Keep A Journal

I like to keep a journal for each book I'm working on and keep it with me wherever I go. It's handy to have something specifically for your writing with you at all time because inspiration is unpredictable and will pop up when you least expect it.

Something else to write down in your journal is a timeline of events for your book. I do this with every story I work on. I find it easier for me to write the date the story begins and travel through the days like a calendar, marking which dates are important and what happens. This helps keep the story in order and makes gauging how much time has passed a lot easier.

3. Make A Routine

I'm all about schedules and routines so naturally this would bleed over into my writing. Find what type a person you are first; are you a night owl or an early bird? A lot of us have families which makes evening work harder for some, but if you're more productive at night and can squeeze time in to write, do it. Make a set hour or two (of more if you're feeling froggy) where you are promised no distractions and stick to the same hours every day. It's easier to stick to something when there's a routine involved.

4. Set Little Goals for Yourself

Its easy to get overwhelmed with writing a book. I felt that same way when writing Ashes, but I eventually found a way to trick myself into being more productive. By setting small goals for myself, I was able to track my progress and get finished sooner. I have a 1,000 word count goal for every time I sit down to write, and it's like a small victory when I reach that goal or go beyond it. Some people like setting a completion date for themselves and that can work to. Search for little ways you can set goals and stick to them.

5. Take The Occasional Break

Every once in a while there are days where I can reach my word goal in 30 minutes. Other days I write for two hours and barely reach it. On those slow days, I have to take occasional breaks. Every 30 to 45 minutes, get up from your computer and do something completely unrelated from writing for up to 15 minutes, but no longer (and don't get on your phone!). This ensures your brain gets a "rest" and you won't get burnt out. I'll grab a snack or check on the laundry during this time, or when it's nice out, I'll go outside for some fresh air.

What are some writing tips you use? Share your tricks, tips, and secrets in the comments!

God bless, lovelies!