5 Tips On How To Write Daily

Having trouble just sitting in the chair and writing your book daily?

You might have commitments like a full-time job or your children. Or distractions like television dramas or social media.

But the fact that you’re here reading this means that you want to change this. That you want to finish writing that book in your head. Well, fret not. I’m here for you.

Here are 5 tips on how you can write daily.

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1. Set A Daily Word Count Target Or Writing Goal & Work Toward It

I’m a big advocate of this.

You can always start small then slowly increase it. Or you can set a lower word count target on weekdays and a higher word count target on weekends if you have a full-time job like me. Of course, this number isn’t fixed. You can always adjust it according to circumstances and your unique situation.

Another way is to create a goal of writing for a certain amount of time or number of pages, scenes or chapters. For instance, your goal could be writing 3 pages every day or 1 chapter every week.

Take me for example. My target is to at least write for 10 minutes every day. This is a very simple goal. Even if you’re busy working or enjoying your vacation abroad, you can spare 10 minutes every day to write, right?

Do ensure that your goal is realistic. It shouldn’t be so high up in the sky that it’s impossible to reach. Also, remember to take breaks in between your writing sessions to recharge yourself.

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2. Track Your Progress With A Word Count Tool

It’s good to track your progress. Why? Because it’s motivational. Just seeing how the word count is growing every day or how your writing streak is increasing is pretty encouraging.

There are many ways to do this.

• Spreadsheet like Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel
• App on your phone
• Physical or online calendar

A word count calendar will allow you to see in one glance how long your writing streak is. It also encourages you to keep going and not break the chain. With spreadsheet and app, you probably can see more metrics such as the number of words per hour or the number of hours you write per day. The app I use has this data that I really love: the estimated completion date of my manuscript based on my current writing speed.

Writeometer (Android app)

3. Get Into The Writing Mood

Sometimes, you need to be in the right mood to write. But getting into this writing mood might be different for everyone.

For example, changing into your work clothes might spur you to write. On the other hand, your comfortable pajamas might make you sleepy and snuggle in bed. A tidy and uncluttered workspace might encourage you to write. Likewise, a silent room might make you more productive. If so, consider hanging a “do not disturb” door sign if there are other occupants in your house.

Find out more tips to stay productive while working from home~

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4. Kick Off Your Writing Habit With A Cue

Also known as the reminder, the cue is a trigger that kicks off your habit. There are many types of cues so do find out which cue works for you in triggering your writing habit.

Time

This could be a simple cue to start writing at 9 a.m. Or perhaps you have a schedule like writing in the morning then plotting and editing in the afternoon. The key is to stick to this schedule. You can set an alarm on your phone or computer to remind you.

Location

For location cues, I strongly suggest that you choose a place where you’re most productive. For example, your work desk, the library or a café near your house.

Preceding Event

Most writers have this cue to make coffee before they begin their writing session. This is a great way to get your caffeine dose so you stay awake while writing. However, every writer is different. You might have a different ritual before you start writing. So figure out what works for you and stick to it!

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5. Find A Writing Buddy

Last but not least, you can always get another person to help you.

Sometimes, just you alone is not enough. In such scenarios, it might be better to find someone who will encourage you to write. Rather than relying on yourself, getting a push from someone might make you more productive.

You can do this by joining writing groups. Find if there are any Shut Up & Write! events in your area or any local writing groups. With the same goal of writing, they’ll be more than happy to have a writing session together. This conducive atmosphere and supportive environment where you work together with like-minded peers is one of the many benefits. Even though writing is a solitary activity, just writing together in the same space creates a sense of togetherness and working toward the same goal. Check out the pros and cons of writing alone vs writing together~

Another way is to find an accountability partner. An accountability partner doesn’t need to be someone who writes. Instead, he or she simply needs to be someone who supports you to keep your commitment or maintain progress on a desired goal. Your accountability partner could be a trusted friend, acquaintance or mentor who regularly checks in on your writing progress and offer encouragement and motivation. They could talk with you about your goals, brainstorm ways to achieve them and identify steps to reach these goals.

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Now It’s Your Turn

Cultivating a writing habit is no easy feat. But you’ve already taken the first step—having the heart to change and being here to learn how to change. You can do this!

Feel free to share if you’ve done any of the above: whether it worked and how was your experience.