Three Pro Tips for getting- and staying– in the writing groove

Most writers know they’re supposed to write every day, but can you get– and stay– in a writing groove. Here are some tips from the writing trenches, from experiences writers who have been there, done that.

1) Aine Greaney in her book Writer with a Day Job says that you should make a date with yourself. As a writer you deserve time every day to let out your most creative self. Now you just need to schedule a time and keep to it.

2) Okay, so you have a time to write, but how do you actually make words from your brain to your fingers and onto the page? Anne Lamott, author of Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, tells a story of some great advice her father once gave, that you should take every thing “bird by bird.” You’re not going to have the entire story written in one sitting. You may not even reach the end of the page, but you have to start somewhere and just keep going.

3) Robert A. Heinlein had his own rules for writers:

Rule One: You Must Write

Rule Two: Finish What Your Start

Rule Three: You Must Refrain From Rewriting, Except to Editorial Order

Rule Four: You Must Put Your Story on the Market

Rule Five: You Must Keep it on the Market until it has Sold

For now, focus on the first three and just keep writing!

Joining a group can help to keep up inspiration and accountability, with the added benefit of encouragement. My groups used techniques honed from years and teaching and research to bring out your best writer. Unfortunately, all of the groups are full and closed right now. Stay tuned for other writing opportunities.

Happy writing!

Annalisa