5 Ways to Be A More Productive Writer

As a writer, one of the most important things you can do is write. Yet, many people complain that they just don’t have time to write.

A closer look at how they are using their day may explain why. It’s likely they are not setting writing as a priority and/or they are wasting precious time in various social networks reading useless posts, watching videos “that will only take a few minutes” or any number of activities that take up precious writing time.

The bottom line is this; if you want to get writing done you absolutely must commit to it. Additionally, you have to discipline yourself not to get caught up in BSOS - bright shiny object syndrome.

The following tips are designed to help you get more done in less time with your writing.

Tip #1: For one week keep a log of how much time you are spending in social media posting things that have nothing to do with your writing. You may be shocked at how much time you are wasting on countless activities that are actually taking up hours a week or even hours a day.

Tip #2: If you post something on Facebook responding to someone else’s post and it is substantial use this as fodder for a blog post or article. That’s exactly how this post was created. I responded to a post on Facebook asking for tips on productivity for writers. I posted three short tips and expanded it to a full blown article.

Tip #3: Work in blocks of time and use a timer to assure you stay committed to the process. Most people don’t realize how much time it actually takes to go from one activity to another. Each time we move from one activity to another it take time for our brain to catch up.

Tip #4: Know your big why of writing. Keeping your big why in mind keeps you more focused.

Tip #5: Commit a specific amount of time each day to your writing. Whether it be 30 minutes or three hours, make a commitment and stick to it.

The reality is, as writers, we absolutely must write. And as writers, we have to have our own rituals and disciplines to get our work done.

Many people say, “I’ll write when I am inspired to write.” It doesn’t always work in our favor to wait for the inspiration.

Many successful writers become inspired by simply starting the process of writing rather than waiting for the inspiration and then writing.

What is your favorite tip productivity for writers?