Eamon WritesEamon Writes

By Eamon Storer

Writing

You Already Know How to Achieve Success as a Writer

By Eamon on

The entire self-help genre of content is a scam. Self-help tips for success are nothing but obvious truths wrapped in pretty packaging.

This means that what you look for in self-help and productivity content is confirmation of what you already know.

You do know what you should do to become successful with your writing, and I can show it to you.

With one single question.

The Question

“If you were to do a set of actions on a repeated basis how would you guarantee that you do not succeed as a writer”

In a YouTube video by Alex Hormozi, he shows a similar question, it’s such a simple question but easy to apply. 

This question will reveal what you really know about success, the obvious, and the truth in the obvious.

Alright, so if you were to answer the question I would say things like; 

  • Inconsistent Writing Schedule 
  • No Writing Routine 
  • Waits for Inspiration before Writing
  • Procrastinates rather than Write 
  • Make Excuses for Not Writing 
  • Don’t have clear goals in mind 

These are all pretty sure ways to make sure you’ll never succeed as a writer if you do these things consistently. 

Now, logically, if these things guarantee you won’t succeed then the inverse of these would have the opposite effect. 

So we invert. 

Flipping the actions would look something like this; 

  • Consistent and Reliable Writing Routine 
  • Writes even When Not Inspired 
  • Writes Rather Than Procrastinates 
  • Make NO Excuses 
  • Set Clear Goals and Work Towards Them 

Here we have each dot point from earlier flipped to the opposite effect. 

Now, you’ll notice that these actionable steps aren’t particularly inspired or unique, rather the opposite, you could figure that out on your own. 

But it’s the action of seeing if you were to ignore these obvious steps that will have devastating consequences. 

You know where you need to be, you know what you need to be doing so go out and do it, create, the world will be a much better place if you do so. 

Thanks 🙂 Happy Writing 

Check out this post about how you are a writer already;

You ARE a Writer. Here’s Why

You ARE a Writer. Here’s Why

By Eamon on

Everyone is a writer.

It doesn’t take a gift from God or permission to create.

All it takes to be a writer is to express yourself through writing.

This is not a particularly hard skill either, at least to begin with. It’s definitely hard to get great at writing but certainly not difficult to start writing.

Permission to Write

I thought that I needed to wait for permission to write, wait for the sky to part, and for my pen to descend from the heavens, then and only then would I write.

This is not the case.

By being born you have the permission to write, and I would even go so far as to say the obligation to do so.

It is your gift as a member of the human species that you can and should create.

Create anything, create a story, create a drawing, create a song, create a joke.

All that’s important is that you’re creating.

And by the act of creating you ARE a writer, a creator.

What is Writing?

Writing is not necessarily the act of writing words.

What you choose to create is your form of writing, creating and writing in its essence is conveying beliefs and memories of yourself through a medium.

This doesn’t necessarily have to be words on the page.

You could draw a sketch of what you are feeling in this instance, that’s a form of writing.

You create a song about your messy breakup, that’s a form of writing.

Writing for me means any sort of creative endeavor by which you demonstrate your willingness to communicate.

It’s in Your Bones

Creating is what you are.

You create relationships with others,

Find meaning in your existence,

Make a routine for yourself, and

You create moral rules that you abide by

Every. Single. Day. You are creating in one way or another, and that’s awesome.

As you create, you write, you write what your life should look like, you write what others see when they look at your life and you write your place in the world.

Every human on this planet contributes their own writing to the world every day, some more than others, it’s really a question of intentionality.

Intend to Write

If you don’t write your own rules, rules will be written for you.

It’s an uncomfortable truth that the more you look at your life the less control you actually have over it, this is a dreadful thing to think about.

Luckily, there is a way to reclaim some of that control.

That is, to write.

Write your heart out.

Write that story you’ve always wanted to.

Create that creature that’s been simmering in your mind.

Start that business you’ve been thinking about.

Taking positive steps in any direction is like stepping into the void, however, the deeper in your step the more clear the next step becomes.

That’s why if you don’t write intentionally you get stagnant, your next step is shrouded in mystery, the only way to counter this is to take that step;

Write!

Thank you so much for reading, this is a slightly different style to what I’m used to so if you liked this style of writing let me know 🙂

If you enjoy writing I’m sure you’ll enjoy this recent post about what I’ve learned from a month of writing everyday;

What I’ve Learned From a Month of Writing Everyday

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What I’ve Learned From a Month of Writing Everyday

By Eamon on

To say writing everyday has changed my mindset is a drastic understatement.

Back on November 11th, 2023, I decided that I was going to write and publish a post on my blog (eamonwrites.blog) and Medium every single day. Without fail.

This post marks my last one of the challenge.

Forcing myself to put out this much content has taught me a lot about myself and my writing.

Writing Everyday is an Outlet

Writing much like journalling is a way that you can get your thoughts out of your head and onto a medium. Like any art form doing this successfully is incredibly rewarding.

Pushing out a post every day has forced me in a way to constantly think about what I am to write next and how I’m going to do it.

This has resulted in countless hours of deep reflection about what I’m trying to do with my writing and my life as well.

Reflection on such a deep level has created an appreciation for the art of writing and an admiration for people who do it consistently.

I’ve found that after a writing session, my brain is that little bit more focused which casts ripple effects into how I go about my day.

Advice Given is Advice Taken

The thing about people asking for advice on anything is that they already know what they should be doing. For example;

How do I get my novel done? You write

How do I lose weight? You exercise and diet

How do I look better? You take pride in yourself and your care routine.

All these answers aren’t particularly glamorous so we tend to ignore them in favour of highly specific rules people have made for themselves.

Consistently writing, specifically writing about productivity tips for writers has given me the knowledge that I know more answers than I give myself credit for.

This results in moments where I need that bit of advice, say, to push through writer’s block, I just reflect on the post I wrote about that topic and use my tips.

Your writing is as much for you as it is for your audience.

Discipline Trained is Control Gained

Discipline is being able to do things you don’t necessarily want to do for a long-term benefit.

Writing is not a particularly glamorous art form and is often quite difficult.

That’s why being able to do it, being able to get words onto the page despite your unwillingness to do so feels so great.

Every time you do your writing despite your feelings at that moment it tells yourself that you are the type of person that does the things you set out to do.

Which strengthens your discipline.

Discipline is like a muscle.

The more you train it the stronger it gets.

The reverse is also true.

If you routinely do what you want to do more often than what you need to do your discipline muscle withers away and your discipline for EVERYTHING is impacted not just your productivity.

That’s why I’ve found that the more days I’ve consistently written the more discipline I have to do other hard things in my life.

Writing Everyday Adds Up

Exponential gains are something that has baffled me for the longest time.

Just the act of adding something to a pile every day will eventually lead to the pile getting so big it will run the risk of collapsing.

You do the same thing when you write.

You’re going back to that hole in the ground and drop in a grain of rice. Every day.

This only seems like a little act but after a year the amount of grains of rice in that hole is phenomenal.

Slowly adding to your record of writing pushes the needle forwards in ways that are often unseen in the present but deeply appreciated in the future.

A month is not a long time, it didn’t feel long at least.

And now I have over 30 posts to my name after just one month of writing. This is something that would take some writers 7 months to do need only take you 1.

This instills in me a sense of pride for what I have done and what I no doubt will do in another months time.

Keep adding to the pile, who knows where it will end up.

Setting a Goal is Important

If I hadn’t set myself a goal of writing 30 posts in 30 days it would have likely taken me 7-8 months to do that amount of work organically.

This speaks to the truth that if you don’t have a goal it is the same thing as shooting an arrow in a dark room hoping you get a bullseye.

It’s not gonna happen.

Setting myself a goal and creating daily stes for that goal has proven to me that if you truly stick to goals you set who knows what you can accomplish.

I honestly thought I would get to about 4 posts and give up, but having the end in mind, thinking that everyday adds up and one day, on December 11th 2023 I will be able to look at my page and have 30 articles written and published was enough to keep me going.

Set goals, who knows what you can achieve, you certaintly don’t.

Idea Generation is a Process

One of the things I struggled with the most when starting my challenge was the question of what would I write about everyday.

I knew I would be writing about writing and productivity tips for writers but I had not the faintest idea of what topics in specific I would discuss.

This lead to me creating systems in my day that maximise the chances of me coming up with an idea.

For me this was walking. Going for a walk everyday was an organic offshoot of my writing challenge that I have kept the same as my writing.

Every day for the last month I have gone for at least a 30 minute walk in nature, wether I wanted to or not.

Often writers and creators are asked “Where do you get your ideas from?” and for me ideas come from the everyday, from ideas and theories about the world around you.

The systems and attention to my thought process that were created due to writing not only gave me ideas for my blog but also ideas for creative writing, ideas for businesses and ideas for fun activities with friends.

Some people call it the law of attraction I call it paying attention but being open to ideas WILL give you ideas if you pay attention.

In Conclusion. . .

This has been a deeply meaningful and fulfilling month for me and has given me the motivation to take my writing seriously because it’s something I have become passionate about.

Thanks to all these benefits and many more writing everyday will become a regular and accepted part of my day.

In ending this post I wanted to thank every single one of you who have read any of my writing, knowing that I am able to make connections with other people through my writing is so exciting so I wanted to thank you from deep within my soul for reading my writing.

This challenge has kickstarted my passion for writing and I hope you’ll join me for wherever the future will take my writing and hopefully (and more importantly) yours.

I apprectiate you reading my work here’s another post I’ve done about upgrading your writing with short stories;

The Power of Short Stories: Crafting Compelling Narratives in Limited Space

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The Power of Short Stories: Crafting Compelling Narratives in Limited Space

By Eamon on

Short stories are everywhere. When you think about great stories you think about novels, about best-selling series.

But short stories are a huge part of literature.

This is because many writers begin with writing short stories and get better at telling stories over time so by the time the same writer has published a few novels the short stories they create are absolutely phenomenal.

Also, you have writers who just stuck with the short story and did an awesome job.

I’m talking about the likes of H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe.

I write horror short stories so these two writers have been a massive inspiration for my writing.

Short stories are oddly perceived. Because short stories are so limited in size there is a misconception that writing short stories is easy, as there is less to write.

I wouldn’t say any writing is easy. The short story format has unique challenges and opportunities like any form of writing.

In the words that follow I will show you the importance of the short story and tips and tricks for writing your own.

The Art of Short Story Writing

A short story is a piece of prose fiction that can typically be read in a single sitting and focuses on a self-contained story that often intends to evoke a single effect or mood.

So the short story is a limited prose that elicits a response from the reader.

The emotions you want to evoke in the reader are largely dictated by the genre of writing, and each genre has its own conventions.

The most efficient short stories are focused on brevity, conciseness, and economy of language. A compacted compact version of a story.

Impactful Elements of Short Stories

There are various tools short story writers use to elicit certain emotions from the reader.

Having a strong hook or opening to your short story is absolutely critical for the effectiveness of your story. With novels, readers are willing to give the book a few pages before deciding whether to put it down or keep reading, in short stories we don’t have this luxury.

A typical short story is between one and five pages in length.

This means you have an extremely limited time to grab the reader’s attention, this is where the hook is used.

Another efficient tool in a good short story is well-developed characters.

There are few things more annoying in any story than characters that don’t make sense.

A short story is a challenge in this way because the limited word count means you can only spend. so much time within a character’s head this is why you must develop your characters well in all of your short stories.

Lastly, a good short story will have a compelling resolution or twist.

The power of a short story is the emotions you feel after reading an absolutely awesome ending.

This feeling is such a magical thing.

To experience this emotion best I would recommend “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson an absolute masterpiece in terms of short fiction.

A compelling ending to your story will leave a lasting impression on people.

There’s a famous quote that I believe is from Maya Angelou that goes great with what I’m saying here;

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Tips for Crafting Impactful Short Narratives

Short stories, despite their brevity, have the power to leave a lasting impact. Let’s delve into practical tips for crafting short narratives that captivate and resonate with readers.

Alright, this post could be 20 minutes long but I’m just gonna rapid-fire with dotpoints to save your time.

Here we go.

Start Strong: Crafting Compelling Beginnings

In the realm of short stories, the opening lines serve as a gateway into a confined world. There are a few ways you can start the reader off in your world;

  • In Medias Res: Plunge readers into the midst of action or a pivotal moment.
  • Intriguing Questions: Pose questions that compel readers to seek answers.
  • Vivid Imagery: Paint a vivid scene that sparks curiosity and draws readers in.

For example;

  • It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. — George Orwell, 1984
  • The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door… — Frederic Brown, Knock
  • For sale: baby shoes, never worn. — Often attributed to Ernest Hemingway

Develop Characters Efficiently

Crafting characters in short stories requires precision and impact. Employ strategies such as:

  • Distinctive Traits: Highlight a few key traits that define the character.
  • Show, Don’t Tell: Use actions and dialogue to reveal character qualities.
  • Reader Imagination: Leave room for readers to fill in some character details.

You must strike a delicate balance between depth and brevity for your characters;

  • Key Moments: Showcase character depth through significant moments.
  • Symbolic Details: Use symbolic details that convey layers of meaning.
  • Character Arc: If possible, hint at or imply a character arc within the limited narrative space.

Focus on a Central Theme or Message

Short stories thrive on clarity and purpose. Ensure your narrative revolves around a clear theme:

  • Identify Core Ideas: Pinpoint the central idea or emotion you want to convey.
  • Consistency: Ensure every element in your story serves the central theme.
  • Avoid Overloading: Resist the temptation to incorporate too many themes.

Effective short stories convey profound messages without unnecessary embellishment:

  • Subtext: Use subtext and implied meanings for a nuanced approach.
  • Symbolism: Employ symbolism to convey complex ideas in a condensed form.
  • Economy of Words: Choose words wisely, conveying more with fewer words.

Build Tension and Resolution

Master the art of building tension within a confined word limit;

  • Pacing: Control the pacing to escalate suspense and anticipation.
  • Conflict: Introduce and escalate conflicts swiftly but effectively.
  • Uncertainty: Keep readers guessing by introducing elements of uncertainty.

Concluding a short story requires finesse:

  • Closure: Provide closure by resolving key plot points.
  • Open-Ended: Alternatively, leave room for reader interpretation and contemplation.
  • Revisit Themes: Reinforce the central theme in the resolution for resonance.

Be sure to experiment, refine, and let each word contribute to the potency of your narrative.

Short stories, with their brevity, hold the potential for immense impact — make every word count.

In Conclusion

Mastering the art of short story writing is akin to honing a finely crafted skill set. This mastery brings forth several invaluable benefits such as sharpened craftsmanship, enhanced creativity, and impactful storytelling.

In the intricate dance of crafting short stories, every writer becomes a storyteller, weaving tales that resonate in the hearts of readers.

As you embark on your short story adventures, may your narratives be rich, your characters vibrant, and your impact everlasting.

Happy writing, storytellers!

You will enjoy this post about how reading can benefit your writing;

Reading and Writing: Developing Your Craft Through Books

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Reading and Writing: Developing Your Craft Through Books

By Eamon on

A little-known way of improving your writing is the act of reading.

When you think about it, it doesn’t make much sense that doing something that’s not writing would improve the craft of writing.

But really, there is a symbiotic relationship between reading and writing and not a negative one in that.

You must be an avid reader to become a better writer.

How Reading Influences Writing Style and Technique

When you read as a writer there is a subconscious process by which your brain absorbs what you reading.

This is explained by the concept of you are what you eat.

In this context, you make what you consume.

If you consume content that is meaningless and shallow, you will create writing that is empty and soulless.

In this way, if you read good writing you will make good writing.

It’s as simple as that.

This is why exposing yourself to many different writing styles and genres will enhance your writing. I talked about this in my post on inspiration, but the more meaningful content you consume the greater your bank of good writing is you can refer to.

Staying Inspired: Drawing Creativity from Unlikely Sources

So to best enhance your writing style and technique expose yourself you many different writing genres and styles.

Recommended Books for Writers in Different Genres

It’s challenging to dive into a genre that you are unfamiliar with, you don’t want to pick terrible writing because you will subconsciously emulate that.

So here are some places to start for some genres and key areas to investigate;

Mystery/ Thriller: Must-reads for Suspenseful Storytelling

  • Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
  • Analyzing Flynn’s use of unreliable narrators for heightened suspense.
  • The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
  • Examining Larsson’s mastery in creating intricate plots and unexpected twists.
  • The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
  • Unpacking the art of building tension through psychological narratives.

Fantasy: Building Imaginative Worlds Through Influential Works

  • The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Dissect Tolkien’s world-building techniques and rich mythology.
  • A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin
  • Learn from Martin’s complex characters and sprawling, interconnected plots.
  • Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
  • Explore Rowling’s ability to create a magical world with universal themes.

Literary Fiction: Exploring Depth and Nuance in Character-Driven Stories

  • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Analyze Lee’s exploration of social issues through compelling characters.
  • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • Study Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism and intricate character relationships.
  • Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Delve into Dostoevsky’s psychological depth and moral exploration.

Horror: Evoking Fear and Dread Through Exceptional Works

  • The Shining by Stephen King
  • Analyze King’s mastery of atmospheric horror and psychological terror.
  • The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
  • Explore Jackson’s skill in creating a haunting atmosphere and subtle horror.
  • Dracula by Bram Stoker
  • Delve into Stoker’s foundational work in Gothic horror and vampire lore.

By delving into these masterpieces, you’ll glean insights into the unique characteristics of each genre and discover valuable lessons that can elevate your writing.

Each book is a treasure trove of inspiration waiting to be unlocked on your writing journey.

Incorporating Reading Into Your Writing Routine

The best way to get a habit for something is to track it.

Track the time you spend reading each day for a week. You will then have a basis of where you currently stand and can now set a goal for your reading.

Say if you were to read a book every two weeks, set a goal for one a week.

Setting yourself challenges to reach with your reading will make sure reading is a regular part of your routine.

However, you mustn’t be spending significantly more time consuming than you are creating.

If you find yourself reading for most of the day and get in half an hour of writing every day, this will negatively impact your writing simply because you’re not writing.

It’s all about balance.

Building Your Own Personal Reading List

You must be reading books because you want to read them, not because it has good reviews.

Reading, like writing, should be fun. You don’t need to force yourself to read if you hate reading, because you won’t learn anything from it.

Thus, you must come up with a list of books you want to read.

A good selection of reading material should come from various cultures and perspectives.

Horror is what I write the most and I have found it endlessly interesting to read folktales and foreign tales of ghouls and monsters. This reading imbues my horror with a sense of universality, which is a valuable aspect of writing.

Expanding your reading beyond your comfort zone is endlessly beneficial.

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is an incredibly difficult book for me to read, I don’t know why but I just struggled big time with that book. I’ve found though after reading that book I am better equipped to get through similarly difficult books with ease.

The challenge is the first step to growth.

You won’t learn anything worth learning in your comfort zone.

So get out there, and experience everything.

In Conclusion. . .

In the dance between reading and writing, each complements and enriches the other.

Through the pages of brilliant works, we absorb writing styles, techniques, and the subtle nuances that make storytelling an art.

The more we read, the more finely tuned our writer’s instinct becomes, leading to an ever-evolving craft.

Consider reading not just a leisurely activity but an indispensable tool for your growth as a writer.

Every book is a mentor, offering lessons in narrative structure, character development, and the delicate dance of words. Approach your reading with intention, seeking inspiration and learning from the masters of the craft.

Embrace the diversity of genres, styles, and voices, for it is in this rich tapestry that you’ll find the building blocks of your unique voice as a writer.

As you embark on your reading and writing endeavors, remember that this journey is not a linear path but a continuous loop of inspiration and creation.

Let every page you turn be a stepping stone in the evolution of your craft.

Happy reading and writing, fellow wordsmiths!

May your shelves be filled with stories that propel you forward on this literary odyssey.

If you liked this post here’s another one about how to implement play into your writing;

The Productivity of Play: Mix Fun into Your Writing Process

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Staying Inspired: Drawing Creativity from Unlikely Sources

By Eamon on

Inspiration and the act of being inspired come from the Latin word ‘inspiratus’, which essentially means ‘breath into’.

The word inspiration initially referred to the influence of a divine entity on a person. The word has come to mean the influence of a person on the world.

To breathe life into your work you NEED to be inspired.

The act of being inspired by something is made to look like a eureka moment for brilliant minds. Becoming inspired is really a daily process of observation and reflection.

That’s why it doesn’t take a God to breathe life into your writing but just you and the things you observe.

Creativity through inspiration is everywhere. You need only look at a conversation between two people to see a million intricacies about human interactions and the way people navigate encounters with each other.

Inspiration is EVERYWHERE you just need to know where to look.

Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life

The key to consistent inspiration is the keen use of observation and awareness.

Observation and Awareness

You need to be conscious enough to register what you are seeing in a meaningful way, this is how you observe.

The second step is to reflect and acknowledge what you are observing truly means to you, this is awareness.

Observation and Awareness are the 2 key forces for successfully being inspired by your menial daily tasks.

The first way you can use this frame of mind is to be mindful of your surroundings. This doesn’t mean being aware that your surroundings are around you, but rather knowing how your environment shapes what you acknowledge about it, it’s looking past the veil our brain puts over our eyes to mitigate overwhelm.

To be inspired is to notice the beauty and intricacies of the ordinary.

When you truly acknowledge things you take for granted you understand that there is a purposeful approach to why this thing is the way it is.

A great example is if you study animals. Every single creature you encounter daily, down to the most minute detail is DESIGNED to do what it does. Understanding this brings order to the chaos, and opens your eyes to the purposefullness of life itself.

Some call it God. I’m not so sure. But I do know, it’s definitely real.

Embracing Life Experiences

One of the most pertinent ways to write things that actually have meaning for people is by writing from your experience.

There is some sort of universal truth that when you write about what happened to you just clicks with large amounts of people.

That’s all stories really. Just ways people distill their experience into a capsule by which others can experience the same thing.

This makes writing for life experience such a powerful means to fuel creative ideas.

So, if you want to connect with people through your writing, if you want to breathe life into other people to get them inspired, write from your truth, from what you experience.

If you do that, inspiration will flow through you in bucket loads.

Even the most mundane of moments can be turned into sources of inspiration.

If you can find the human truth, the purposefulness in your current experience, you can write novels and novels just from this feeling, this truth.

Finding inspiration is the act of uncovering the truth.

Drawing Creativity From Unexpected Places

The real meat and potatoes of this post is to tell you that inspiration is EVERYWHERE, especially in the places you wouldn’t think to look.

Unconventional Sources

The fact about the trivial is that you think you know what that thing means.

Your daily routine to get to work is trivial to you because you do it so many times that you think you know why you do it.

You don’t.

The reasons people do anything are beyond even the wisest scholar. There are thousands of influencing factors, tainted by countless cognitive biases, and understanding why humans do anything they do becomes an educated guess.

However.

You get to make that guess.

You see finding inspiration in the trivial is spinning the truth to fit a certain viewpoint. It’s looking at the meaningless and creating meaning which is what creativity is!

This is why I recommend that you explore hobbies, interests, and activities outside of your writing, this allows you to be constantly doing something, which means you are constantly acting a truth.

If you are constantly acting your truth, and discovering truth is the key to inspiration, no surprise doing more things will lead to more inspiration.

Similarly, consuming art does the same thing. When you truly observe and acknowledge music, visual arts, or even science what you are doing is finding the truth that the creator envisioned.

Compiling the way others see truth gives critical information to formulating your own, this is of course creativity in work.

Travel and Exploration

New environments are the base of creative breakthroughs.

Changing your regular surroundings to something less than familiar lets your brain work in weird ways.

A change of scenery exposes you to new ways of thinking which will no doubt stimulate creativity.

The problem is that an experience is always in the present so it’s hard to keep the mental shift with you, this is why you should document your travel experiences.

Documenting your experiences in general is an excellent way of sustaining your truth.

This journal of past experiences will act as the same thing as being in this situation, therefore you can grab that inspiration from your holiday in Japan in the comfort of your own home.

Get your brain in different scenarios, and you are guaranteed to find inspiration.

The Power of Reflection To Get Inspired

Reflection is a key skill we must develop here to attain sustained inspiration.

Remember our two keys to inspiration?

Observation and Awareness

Regularly recording and reflecting on your experiences acts as both observation and awareness.

This unlocks an inspiration-triggering machine.

The more you experience, the more you record, the more you record the more you observe, the more you observe the more aware you will be of your experience.

This positive feedback loop will certainly skyrocket your inspiration.

Journalling and Mind Mapping

Ever had a fleeting thought or observed something intriguing during your day?

These moments, no matter how small, can become seeds for brilliant ideas.

Journaling is the art of capturing these thoughts on paper. It could be a pocket-sized notebook or a digital journal—whatever suits your style. By jotting down your observations, you create a reservoir of potential inspiration for your writing.

Another way of journalling is creating links between your experiences.

Enter the realm of mind mapping.

Take those scattered thoughts and connect them visually.

Mind maps are an excellent way to explore the relationships between seemingly unrelated concepts. As you map out your ideas, you might discover unique intersections that spark creativity. It’s a dynamic technique to unearth hidden connections and bring depth to your writing.

Learning From Challenges

Challenges are inevitable, but their role in your creative journey is transformative.

Instead of viewing setbacks as roadblocks, consider them as opportunities for growth.

Journal about the challenges you face in your writing. What did you learn? How can you use this newfound knowledge to enhance your craft?

Turning adversity into an opportunity for improvement is a hallmark of resilient and creative writers.

Creativity often thrives in the unexpected.

Embrace the twists and turns that life throws at you.

Did a project not go as planned? Did you face a writing block? These unexpected moments can be catalysts for fresh ideas.

Reflect on these experiences in your journal, exploring how they pushed you outside your comfort zone and spurred new creative paths.

Journalling like this is almost guaranteed to change your writing for the better in one way or another.

In Conclusion . . .

We’ve uncovered various strategies to keep those creative flames burning.

From observing the ordinary to exploring the extraordinary, journaling, mind mapping, learning from challenges, and embracing setbacks as opportunities—each tactic contributes to our toolbox of inspiration.

Inspiration surrounds us, often in the most unexpected places.

The challenge lies in actively seeking it.

Writers, take a proactive approach. Look for the extraordinary in the ordinary, find beauty in the mundane, and embrace the unexpected. Creativity is a treasure hunt, and the gems are waiting to be discovered in your everyday experiences.

Remember, the pursuit of inspiration is not a one-time quest but an ongoing journey.

It’s a continuous process of discovery and rediscovery.

As a writer, every experience, every observation, and every challenge contributes to your creative reservoir. Embrace the notion that inspiration and truth are not confined to grand moments; it’s woven into the fabric of your daily life.

In your writing journey, let reflection be your compass, guiding you through the nuances of creativity.

With a journal in hand, an open mind, and a willingness to learn from challenges, you’re equipped to navigate the vast landscape of inspiration.

So, writers, go forth, seek, reflect, and let the endless well of creativity flow through your words. Happy writing!

Check out this post if you enjoyed it’s about The Compound Effect and how it will kickstart your success as a writer;

The Little Things Writing — The Compound Effect

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The Little Things Writing — The Compound Effect

By Eamon on

Whether you know about the compound effect or not your life is largely a result of this epic force.

I’ve been going back through my productivity books and stumbled upon Darren Hardy’s The Compound Effect, which is a short and sweet book about The Compound Effect an inherent entity in daily life.

Hardy speaks of The Compound Effect as an inherent force in our universe, much like gravity is considered.

Thus, it’s important that if you want to succeed in your writing, you MUST understand the Compound Effect.

Considering the tiny actions you take daily will shift your whole way of functioning.

This is why I have created this cheat sheet for how to apply the compound effect to your writing for success.

Understanding The Compound Effect

The Compound effect basically centers around reaping massive rewards from small repeated actions.

This means that you must nitpick every single part of how you operate in the world to maximize success by skyrocketing productivity.

As human beings, it’s hard for our brains to compute cumulative gains, especially exponential gains.

When numbers stack up over time they get BIG, I’ve already created a solid library of posts by just posting one article every single day for about 25 days.

It doesn’t compute to my brain how I’ve achieved so much by only doing the minimum of one post a day and I can’t even conceptualize what my future would be like if I doubled or even tripled my work output.

This is where the compound effect comes in handy. The effect is a way to trigger your brain into recognizing the importance of adding to a pile, of returning every day to a bucket and dropping just one grain of rice into it. Where months and months down the track the bucket will overflow.

Not because of the speed at which the rice increased, but because of the consistency of the input.

Luckily, the compound effect works even if you don’t understand it, which is good news for us.

Thus, to truly understand how to use the compound effect in your writing there are 2 key properties you have to focus on;

  1. Small consistent actions, WILL lead to significant results
  2. Building positive habits decides our success in the future

Therefore, the principle is in essence urging you to understand the importance of your daily routine and how it affects you in all areas of your life, not just writing.

Establishing a Strong Foundation for Writers

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of building an expansive foundation for your writing endeavors.

1. Setting Clear Goals and Priorities

Before you dive head-first into the writing frenzy take a second to consider why you are writing, and what you actually want to get out of your writing.

After you understand your goals set clear and achievable objectives. Whether it’s finishing a chapter, hitting a word count, or completing a draft – having a roadmap guides your efforts.

Alongside goals, prioritize your tasks.

Not all writing tasks are created equal. Identify what needs your immediate attention and what can wait.

This way you’re not busy; you’re purposefully moving towards your writing aspirations.

Creating Goals That ACTUALLY Motivate You as a Creative

2. Creating a Dedicated Writing Space

Now, let’s talk about your writing habitat.

Designate a specific space solely for your writing endeavors. It doesn’t have to be a fancy home office; it could be a cozy corner or a seat at your favorite coffee shop.

The key is consistency.

Having a dedicated space signals to your brain that it’s time to focus and create.

Eliminate distractions from this space.

Make it your writing sanctuary.

Consider it your creative cocoon where ideas flourish without interruption.

Creating this dedicated writing space sets the stage for a more focused and productive writing session.

Now we understand the basics let’s delve into how these foundational practices tie into the Compound Effect.

Creating a Distraction-Free Writing Space: Boosting Focus and Productivity

Leveraging the Principle in Your Writing Routine

Let’s look at the 2 main branches of productivity in your writing and how they are affected by this principle;

A. Word Count Goals and Quality Improvement

  1. Setting Realistic Daily Word Count Targets

It’s time to set sail with a realistic word count goal.

Rather than aiming for the stars right away, start with an achievable daily target.

The Compound Effect loves consistency, so focus on hitting that daily goal, and watch how those words add up over time.

Consistency is going to be the way you will achieve the pure amount of success that the Compound Effect has to offer.

2. Focus on Refining Writing Skills

Alongside word count goals, concentrate on honing your writing skills.

This could mean experimenting with different styles, seeking feedback, or learning from fellow wordsmiths.

The Compound Effect applauds continuous improvement, and as your skills refine, so does the impact of your writing.

Time Management

  1. Efficient use of Writing Time

Time is your most valuable asset.

Maximize it.

Allocate specific time slots for your writing endeavors.

Whether it’s early morning, during lunch, or late at night – establish a routine that suits your lifestyle.

The Compound Effect loves a consistent schedule.

2. Eliminating Distractions for Enhanced Focus

Distractions are the kryptonite of productivity.

Identify and eliminate them from your writing time. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and create a focused environment.

By doing so, you amplify the Compound Effect, allowing your concentrated efforts to compound over time.

If you can implement these basic productivity tips you WILL reap the benefits of the Compound Effect whilst writing.

In Conclusion. . .

As we reach the final stretch, let’s circle back and connect the dots. The Compound Effect is not just a concept; it’s your secret weapon for conquering writing goals.

In essence, the Compound Effect is about the profound impact of small, consistent actions over time.

We’ve seen how this principle can revolutionize your writing routine by incorporating simple, yet powerful, habits.

Think of your daily writing habits as seeds you plant. With each word written, each skill refined, and each distraction eliminated, you’re nurturing these seeds.

Over time, they grow into mighty trees of success.

The Compound Effect is your gardener, ensuring that every small effort you invest blooms into long-term benefits.

Now, the spotlight is on you, dear readers.

Embrace the Compound Effect in your writing journey. Start small, stay consistent, and witness the transformative power of your efforts.

It’s not just about writing; it’s about creating a sustainable, successful writing lifestyle.

Keep writing, keep growing, and let the Compound Effect be the guiding force in your flourishing writing odyssey. Cheers to your lasting success!

I’m sure youll enjoy another article if you enjoyed this one. This article is about implementing play/playfulness into your writing routine for maximum productivity;

The Productivity of Play: Mix Fun into Your Writing Process

Thanks For Reading. Happy Writing! 🙂

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The Productivity of Play: Mix Fun into Your Writing Process

By Eamon on

One of the biggest travesties of growing up is losing ‘play’, being able to just have fun doing things you love because you can.

Where has that gone?

We certainly have it as children but as this world chisels and molds our minds into boxes, the art of play is lost.

It’s so easy to take yourself too seriously. Everything is too serious nowadays, it’s you against someone else, and if it’s not then you’ve already lost.

Playfulness in terms of writing is when you go down rabbit holes, give yourself silly challenges, and do things just for the fun of it, without agenda or expectation.

Playfulness/Play is an important part of your writing, it’s what keeps you interested and is the mechanism behind your creativity and enjoyment when writing.

Implementing play into your writing has so many benefits from increased motivation and enthusiasm to reduction of writer’s block.

But before that, what is the link between playfulness and creativity?

The Connection Between Playfulness and Creativity

The creative process is largely a result of play. So, if you are in a creative mindset you are inherently engaging in play. The reverse is true as well, if you are being playful then you are thus being creative in some ways.

A lighthearted approach to writing focused on not being too serious can break down mental barriers and stimulate innovative ideas.

The seriousness of your work often comes from the need to concentrate when you’re doing this work. Thus, your brain thinks, “If I need to concentrate on this thing, then I must not waver from this concentration”, resulting in missing peripheral ideas and concepts that you would catch with playfulness.

Therefore, playfulness is the hidden spice in your writing that allows you to take a wider look at your project, where you can investigate the routes that were not taken in your writing, and be able to use what you find from going down this path will no doubt benefit your project itself.

It’s odd I know, the less you concentrate on your project specifically, the more creative you get with it.

There is a balance of course. You can’t be spending hours writing with only your thumb and pinky finger because your monkey brain thought that would be a worthy endeavor.

So playfulness is essentially the art of ignorance, you must become aware by being unaware.

Writing and The Art of Not Trying – Wu Wei

The Benefits of Playful Writing

Of course, there are many benefits for adding playfulness into your writing the most relevant of which I have compiled;

Increased Motivation and Enthusiasm

A playful mindset is bound to boost motivation and enthusiasm for your writing.

Adding play into your writing will allow you to explore random topics you’ve never thought about which increases your knowledge.

The more knowledge you have, the more connections you can make between ideas, and the more creative you are.

When you are so creative you are inherently excited to engage in your writing because you know you will have fun, thus massively boosting your motivation to write.

This is a simple but effective benefit that, alone is enough to try to play.

Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills

When you are engaged in creative games and exercises you are problem-solving.

You’re playing video games? You’re problem-solving!

Doing a puzzle? You’re problem-solving!

Brainstorming ideas for your writing? You’re problem-solving!

Problem-solving is an inherent part of playfulness, that’s why kids do it. Kids play because they learn things about the world around them by solving problems in creative mindsets.

Thus, if you are playful you WILL get better at problem-solving which is a major advantage when plotting your writing.

Reduction of Writer’s Block

Writer’s block sucks.

It’s being filled up to the brim with ideas and interesting concepts but you can’t physically take action to release the floodgates and give in to the creative process.

Playfulness remediates that.

Adding play to your writing will promote a relaxed and open mindset.

This means that you don’t think too much about what you’re doing but just give in to the ideas and see where they lead you.

Being able to submit to play is the same as submitting to the creative process, they both lead to the same results. You Writing. But their just two vastly different difficulties to initiate.

That’s why playfulness reduces writer’s block substantially.

Ideas For Playful Writing Activities

The most efficient way of using playfulness in your writing is the application of writing activities;

Word Games

There are various word games you can use to push you into a corner to work your way out of with your writing, getting you to look at writing from a different perspective.

Alphabet Story:

  • Write a story where each sentence starts with the next letter of the alphabet.
  • This game encourages quick thinking and creativity while forming a coherent narrative.

Word Association Challenge

  • Start with a random word and challenge yourself to write as many related words as possible in a set time.
  • Use these words as inspiration for a story, poem, or scene.

One Sentence Story Challenge

  • Write a complete story using only one sentence.
  • This minimalist approach encourages concise and impactful storytelling.

Creative Play Exercises to Spark Imagination

These exercises are designed to push the boundaries of traditional thinking and encourage writers to explore new ideas and perspectives.

Object Transformation

  • Select a random object in your vicinity.
  • Write a paragraph or short story where the object transforms into something completely different or takes on magical properties.

Sensory Exploration

  • Close your eyes and focus on one of your senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell).
  • Write a descriptive scene that captures the essence of that sense without explicitly mentioning it.

Character Interview

  • Conduct an imaginary interview with one of your characters.
  • Ask questions about their background, motivations, and experiences, and respond as if you were that character.

PLAYFUL WRITING PROMPTS

Pick one of these prompts and create a story around it you may be surprised by where your mind goes. Remember to let your creativity flow and embrace the playful nature of these prompts.

The Magical Doorway

  • Prompt: While cleaning your attic, you stumble upon a mysterious door. When you open it, you find yourself in a fantastical world. Describe the sights, sounds, and characters you encounter.

The Reverse Fairy Tale

  • Prompt: Rewrite a classic fairy tale from the perspective of the antagonist, humanizing their motives and revealing their side of the story.

The Quantum Cafè

  • Prompt: You enter a café where each table transports you to a different time or dimension. Write about the conversations you have with people from various eras and worlds.

Resistance to Play

It’s all well and easy to say to just implement play, but I wanted to acknowledge how difficult it is to do.

To think differently by itself is incredibly difficult, let alone adopt a whole new mindset.

These difficulties mainly come from misconceptions about the seriousness of writing.

It seems to be a common belief that writing is a serious endeavor because you are juggling all of your characters and plot with what you want your work to say, which results in a fourth ball being added to the mix, unwillingly.

Seriousness.

It’s just unnecessary and quite hindering to the creative process.

Embracing play in no way compromises the quality of your writing process. Adding to your routine will not tarnish the entire basis of your writing habit.

I implore you to step out of your comfort zone and into the unknown, it’s good for you.

Be playful, it won’t hurt you.

In Conclusion . . .

In the delightful realm of writing, infusing a sense of playfulness can be the secret ingredient that transforms the mundane into the extraordinary.

There are of course various benefits;

  • Enhanced Creativity
  • Increased Enjoyment
  • Productivity Boost

Now, it’s your turn to embark on a playful writing journey.

Experiment with the word games, creative exercises, and prompts shared in this post.

Dive into the uncharted waters of imagination and let your pen dance on the pages.

Remember, a playful approach can be the key to maintaining a healthy balance between productivity and passion.

So, dear writers, let playfulness be your guiding star. May it light up your writing journey with joy, innovation, and a steady stream of words that dance off the page.

Happy writing and playing!

If you enjoyed this post I’m certain you will love this one about why you need to digital detox as a writer;

Why You NEED to Digital Detox as a Writer

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Why You NEED to Digital Detox as a Writer

By Eamon on

There is but one answer to the chaos and buzz of the technological age. Digital Detox.

Digital Detox is really what it says on the label.

It’s about limiting your usage of digital devices, mainly screen time.

This type of purposeful removal from distraction has so many benefits for not only you as a writer but you as a human being!

Screen time is something surrounded by guilt and willful ignorance. It’s common knowledge that higher screen time = lower creative output. Nonetheless, we will rack up 3–6 hours a day doing things digitally that we don’t want to be doing.

Thus, the more you are engulfed by the digital world the less you are creating, which is an absolute travesty for everyone.

Taking breaks from your screens improves mental clarity, enhances creativity, and increases productivity.

Why wouldn’t you detox!?

The Impacts of Screen Time on Creativity

I’m sure you can relate that the longer you spend staring at a screen the thicker the fog that surrounds your mental clarity suffocating your creativity.

Thus, I’m sure it’s no shock that the more time you stare at a screen the more it damages your focus and creativity, which we do NOT want to be doing.

Task Switching and Stolen Focus

There’s an excellent book by Johann Hari called Stolen Focus where Johann addresses the attention epidemic where the things we do daily have little to no benefits in terms of our focus.

Johann describes that one of the major reasons technology is so emotionally taxing is because it involves task switching.

Your brain is lazy.

It doesn’t like doing lots of things at once.

That’s why it prefers to have one or two points of focus at one time so as to attend to the focal point to the best of its ability.

Social media and other digital technologies force your brain to switch focal points a million times a minute.

You start focusing on a picture of your friend, then images of war-torn Gaza, then a cute kitten video, and then an intense political debate.

Our brains are not meant for this.

Engaging in this sort of rapid task switching makes you exhausted, which is the feeling of brain fog I referred to earlier.

Johann refers to this exhaustion as the “switch-cost effect”, which describes the exhaustion you feel after changing your focus and makes it longer for you to be able to focus on another thing again.

What Does It All Mean?

This fits with the feeling I have after a good 2 hours of scrolling TikTok where I’m not even paying attention to what I’m watching but just mindlessly scrolling with a braindead facial expression not taking anything in.

This fog effect will also change your ability to focus on your creative endeavors, specifically writing.

The switch-cost effect describes that the longer you spend in front of your screens the longer it takes to get focused on writing, creating a nasty loop where you don’t have motivation to write so you scroll, resulting in less motivation to write.

This HAS to STOP!

That’s what a digital detox offers you.

Benefits of Digital Detox for Writers

Luckily, digital detoxes offer a cornucopia of benefits that you can benefit from almost instantly.

Improved Mental Clarity

When you are amid your detox it feels like when Neo was unplugged from the matrix, just a massive breath of fresh air.

The first thing you will tend to notice is the clarity in which you see things because your brain is no longer exhausted but wants to experience your environment.

In this way you’ll find ideas will come to you with much more ease than usual, you can keep a train of thought and also can fully focus on anything you’re doing.

I find this is the best time to get into a good fiction book, the vividness of your imagination makes for an excellent read.

Enhanced Creativity

Another key benefit you’ll find from your digital detox is the fostering of a creative mindset.

Creativity in its essence is being able to make connections between otherwise unrelated things to form a new concept or idea.

This can only happen if you can think about both thoughts in alternate often unconventional ways.

Your detox will allow you to do this.

You will find ideas and links between concepts leading to creative sparks will become more frequent and potent.

Increased Productivity

As we’ve talked about previously, screen time is a nasty cycle whereby the more you engage the less you are inclined to engage in meaningful or creative outlets.

However, the opposite is true as well.

The more you spend doing creative things and writing, the less screen time you have, which results in you doing more meaningful work, and thus less screen time.

This is a cycle I want to be a part of.

Thus, limiting your digital exposure will boost productivity to all-time highs.

Practical Tips for a Successful Digital Detox

The basics are simple. A digital detox is done when you abstain from being in the digital world for a predetermined amount of time.

The rules are simple.

But the execution is the difficult part.

Luckily, there are a few tips that make your digital detox an easier experience.

Set Clear Boundaries

The thing that will get most writers unstuck when intending on a digital detox is that they are not intentional enough with their goals.

The endpoint is to be able to regularly take breaks from the online environment of your own volition or not.

This can be more easily achieved by establishing specific times or days for a digital detox.

This means you MUST have a time or day that you WILL detox.

Your boundary could either be from 10 am to 4 pm you will detox from technology.

or

Every Sunday I will detox completely (as much as possible) from technology.

Having a clear time set out will trigger your brain in those times of the day to get hyped for a break and will most likely motivate you to stick with the time designation.

Find Alternative Activities

Another key part of a successful detox is you have identified what you will be doing with your time during the detox.

It’s fascinating how much hobbies have become increasingly scarce among people.

They are either working or on their phone. There’s no purposeful use of their time to better a skill.

I HIGHLY recommend finding a non-technological hobby that you can work on during your detox times.

You can still choose to write at this time, it will just need to be pen and paper, the old-fashioned way.

However, I’ve found some activities that make my writing even more inspiring.

One of which is drawing. I used to draw when I was a younger teenager, and just let the hobby drift away due to school and other commitments.

Now, revisiting this hobby I find myself sketching creatures and interesting characters for my written stuff.

There are plenty of activities I would recommend, pick one and see if it works for you;

  • Read a book (Check out Stolen Focus you’ll love it)
  • Go for a walk
  • Journal
  • Paint
  • Draw
  • Collage
  • Meditate
  • Make something

So, find a hobby that you love to do during your detox time, also try to make sure the activity incorporates elements that promote relaxation and focus.

Create a Detox Friendly Environment

As little as you would care to admit, the actions you take daily are largely a result of the environment you are in.

This means that during your detox if you have your phone on your desk and a gaming console somewhere nearby, your detox time is most likely to be cut short.

You need to create a distraction-free detox space.

Your space should be clean, comfortable, and devoid of any digital devices, save a clock is suppose.

Creating a Distraction-Free Writing Space: Boosting Focus and Productivity

Fostering a purposeful environment will result in purposeful use of your time.

And that’s all we’re asking for here.

Overcoming Challenges

There is one rather poignant effect of abandoning social media, and that’s FOMO.

FOMO or The Fear of Missing Out is the feeling that others are living experiences and content that are enriching their life, and they could be sharing it with you, but you won’t see it because you are in a detox!

This feeling will be around for the first few times you cut out technology, but you just need to remember that it is just that feeling. It doesn’t mean that you are missing out on anything.

Just like you can feel like you are being watched through a window at night, you can feel you are missing out.

Both feelings aren’t necessarily wrong but they are just responses to your current situation and mental state.

So, just breathe, you can catch up if you truly have missed anything, it’s going to be ok.

Unplugging from technology will be uncomfortable, that’s because you are taught that when you feel uncomfortable you need only open TikTok and scroll for a few minutes.

Severing this lifeline can feel like jumping into the deep end with no prior swimming capabilities.

You will survive, I can assure you that.

You’ve just got to show up every day and the benefits will happen.

In Conclusion . . .

In the hustle and bustle of our digitally connected world, the benefits of a digital detox for writers are nothing short of transformative.

There are 3 main benefits of a digital detox;

  • Improved Mental Clarity
  • Enhanced Creativity
  • Increased Productivity

Embarking on a digital detox may seem like a daunting task, but the rewards are worth it.

I encourage you to take the plunge. Disconnect from the virtual world and reconnect with your thoughts, ideas, and the joy of writing.

In a world filled with constant notifications and endless scrolling, the act of intentionally stepping back can be a revolutionary act for a writer.

Share your experiences with a digital detox in the comments. Let’s build a community that values the importance of finding balance in our writing lives.

Take the leap, unplug, and watch your writing flourish in ways you never imagined.

I love writing productivity tips for you and other writers, here’s another one I’m sure you will love as well about Time Management Tips For Writers;

Writers! You NEED To Understand Time Management

Thanks for reading, Happy Writing! 🙂

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Writers! You NEED To Understand Time Management

By Eamon on

Time management is the closest a writer can come to superpowers in this reality.

The act of being able to manage and design how you spend your time is absolutely critical for writers.

Knowing what you are going to do and when you’re going to do it allows for creative freedom as you’re worried about what you ‘should’ be doing but rather gives you peace of mind.

Unfortunately, this skill is difficult to possess, in a world where your attention is being bought and traded for advertisement agencies, being able to balance your writing with your other responsibilities is greatly empowering.

Set Goals and Prioritise

There are basically two types of goals;

Long-term goals

and

Short-term goals

Having both long and short-term goals allows for a holistic approach to goal setting and provides a scaffold for you to build your daily routine around.

Long-term goals are obviously goals that you aim to achieve far into the future.

An example of a long-term goal in writing is;

“I aim to have 5 novels published in 10 years from now”

Short-term goals are the opposite. These goals are fragments of long-term goals.

For example;

“I aim to write 1000 words today”

To achieve a long-term goal you regularly achieve short-term goals.

You need to break down your big projects otherwise they seem too foreign and unachievable.

This is key to understanding how you should be spending your time best if you want to move towards a goal.

To recap, you should create a long-term goal for your writing and various short-term goals that allow you to regularly work on achieving your goal.

Creating Goals That ACTUALLY Motivate You as a Creative

If you do this with enough projects it can get messy.

This is where prioritization is handy.

You need to become aware of how you spend your time, I do this by just living my day as I would and at the end of the day journaling on where my time has gone that day.

This will give you an understanding of your current priorities or lack thereof. You should understand that spending 2 hours of your day unintentionally scrolling social media is getting in the way of your dreams and aspirations.

Prioritize your time by order of importance and alignment with your overall goals.

This is the first step in effective time management.

Write Consistently

It’s hard to manage your time as a writer if you lack the discipline to implement your intentions into your life.

A simple way of ensuring discipline is to establish a creative routine.

3 Simple Steps to Build A Writing Routine For Maximum Productivity

Creative routines serve as a when, where, and how long for your writing daily.

Having a consistent time of the day that you will sit down and write allows for you to ensure that although you tweak how you spend your time, the time will ALWAYS be spent writing.

The easiest way to create your writing routine is to set restrictions.

Make the promise to yourself that you will be writing between 10am and 11am or whatever time you choose.

I know that every day I will be writing between the hours of 10pm to 1am, that’s just what works for me.

A good way to find out what times you should be writing is by pinpointing when during the day you are at peak productivity.

What time of the day would you do your best work?

This, often times is based on whether you’re a morning person or a night owl.

I am a night owl. Getting up early in the morning just doesn’t result in a productive mindset as I’m often too sluggish until 12.

Consider your natural energy levels and schedule accordingly.

Time-Effective Techniques

Now you have goals and priorities with your time as well as a regular writing time blocked out, here are some techniques to manage your writing time better.

Distraction Management

The majority of the time you need to manage is that which you are spending unconsciously.

I know if I have easy access to my phone during writing time, I’ll pick up my phone and an hour will pass in a blink of an eye.

We can control for this wasted time by controlling for distractions earlier in the day.

Remove all distractions before you sit down to write, this way no time will go into anything other than writing in your blocked time.

Use Them Apps

There are so many apps that are created for writers just like yourself to eliminate wasted time and increase productivity.

First of all, simply tracking what you do every day in your blocked time can give great amounts of motivation when writing as you want to fill up that tracker with words.

Personally, I use Notion to track how much and how well I am writing daily, this creates incredible amounts of satisfaction as I can clearly see the days that I got stuff and when I didn’t.

Trackers just make me happy.

Another app is the Forest app.

This app is a deep work motivator. Forest tracks the time you spend doing purposeful things and the more time you rack up doing your writing the more plants you get and the goal is to build your own forest of plants.

This app is awesome as not only is it incredibly satisfying to be able to add more plants to your garden the app also reminds you regularly if you use your phone in the designated time for other things.

Both types of productivity apps are awesome with time management.

Pomodoro Technique

If you’ve never heard of the Pomodoro technique it is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo that uses a kitchen timer to break work into intervals, typically in 25-minute increments, separated by breaks.

The Pomodoro technique is so effective as we’re not robots, writing for a long time is exhausting. So the quality of work at the back half of a 4-hour sitting is going to be nowhere as good as that at the first 30 minutes.

Regularly splitting your writing time blocks with breaks, act as mini refreshers every 30 minutes. In this way, your peak performance is constantly achieved.

So, be sure to use the Pomodoro technique to your advantage and witness the boost in productivity of your writing.

In Conclusion. . .

In conclusion, mastering time management is crucial for writers seeking to balance creativity with productivity.

Remember to set clear goals, break down tasks, and prioritize effectively. Creating a realistic writing routine tailored to your peak productivity time is essential.

Additionally, adopting techniques like the Pomodoro Technique can significantly boost focus.

Each writer’s journey is unique, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different time management techniques

In your writing journey remember that time management is a skill that evolves. Stay open to refining your methods, stay committed to your goals, and watch your productivity soar.

Happy Writing!

Here’s another post like this one about why you should journal every day as a writer;

Why You Should Journal Every Day as a Writer

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