laptop writers retreat uk

New Year – Get Writing for 2019

It’s the New Year and time to get motivated for 2019 with your writing goal. As every writer knows, it’s easy to procrastinate and put off writing for a whole variety of reasons: I’m too busy, the dog needs walking, the house needs cleaning, I can’t think of what to write, ad-infinitum.

So, here are some thoughts to help get your motivated.

1/ Think #AIS – that’s Ass In Seat. Get your backside sat down on a chair at your laptop, computer or with a pad and pen and just write. It doesn’t matter what. Your first draft (of any work) is not about being good, it is simply about being. Once those words are down on paper, the editing process will make them great.

2/ Set your self a daily or weekly word target. Not everyone can have the same routine every day to commit to a daily target but if you do, that’s great. If you don’t, don’t worry, just set a weekly target so you can do more some days than others and still feel like you’re on track. Targets get your mind focussed on the task ahead help to get you in the right mindset.

3/ Give yourself a specific place to get your #AIS and write. Make it somewhere you feel comfortable and relaxed. When you sit in that place, at your laptop or with your pad and pen, keep your fingers moving and the words coming. That way, writing will become a discipline and it will become easier to stay productive.

4/ Writing is a focussed task that takes a fair level of concentration. Whilst you’re being determined and productive, do remember to take regular breaks. Breaks in your concentration will help to refresh your thoughts. Walk around the room, make a cuppa – this will give your mind time to reflect on what you’ve done to that point and perhaps come up with some great new ideas.

5/ Share your work and your thoughts with others. Join a writing group, go on a writers’ retreat, engage with other writers. Writing is often a lonely business, so sharing your experience, having people who understand to ask questions of is invaluable.

6/ Imagine success. See you book, essay, story, whatever your work is, finished and in print. Keep that image in your mind and let it guide you.

So, what are you waiting for? Crack on!