Karen Brown Tyson

Tag: #writer

How to Boost Your Attitude to Write Every Day

Updated October 2021

If you’re looking to boost your attitude so you can write every day, then you’ve come to the right place.

The life of a writer can be challenging. Whether you work as a full- or part-time writer, it’s sometimes hard to muster up the courage, strength, and discipline to write every day.

And if all of that is not enough, most writers deal with invisible obstacles like doubt, fear, or negative thoughts.

If this is you, I know how you feel. But these obstacles, especially negative thoughts, are such a waste of time and energy. And let’s be honest, ain’t nobody got time for that.

I adopted the thing as part of my daily writing routine to boost my attitude to write every day: focus on the big picture.

I changed my focus from negative self-talk to the big picture goals I outlined for myself as a writer to boost my attitude. First, I revisit my vision board to see what I outlined for the year. Then, I focus on new ideas that help me write the story I want to tell.

So what steps do I take to focus so I can boost my attitude? In this post, I outline seven steps I take to boost my attitude for writing.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

Here are 7 tips on how to boost your attitude to write every day

Tip #1 Sleep

I realize for some people, getting a good night’s sleep is easier said than done. But, for me, all I needed was to make a few adjustments in my bedtime routine.

First, I try to go to bed at the same time every night, Sunday through Thursday (I stay up a little later on Fridays).

Second, I downloaded Calm, a relaxation app, which offers soothing music and bedtime stories to help me sleep.

Finally, I bought the Moonbow Bedphones, wireless sleep headphones that allow me to lay on my side without feeling the pain of an earbud in my ear.

Moonbow Bedphones

Tip #2 – Eating

Another crucial area that offers me an attitude adjustment is what I eat. Since adopting a Pescatarian diet six years ago, I feel much better. In addition, eating more fruits and vegetables has helped a lot.

But, full confession, I’m in love with sugar. So I decided to watch Dr. Mark Hyman, who offers excellent advice in his books, Food: What the Heck Should I Eat? and Food: What the Heck Should I Cook?

As a result, reducing my sugar intake gives me more energy throughout the day to get more writing done.

Tip #3 – Physical activity

Even if I only have 30 minutes, I like to include a workout as part of my morning routine.  Research shows exercise improves body image, self-esteem, and mental health. So after being inside writing for a long time, I go for a walk. The walk gives me a boost of energy and helps me reflect on my day or stir up ideas about my latest projects.

Tip #4 – Keep an idea notebook

Since I come up with ideas all day, I love keeping an idea notebook. It’s an excellent way for me to get my thoughts out of my head and on paper. I used to write my ideas everywhere – Post-it Notes, sheets of paper, and the back of napkins. Using a notebook helps me organize my thoughts. Any notebook will do the trick. This Bright Ideas Journal is full of color, but Kraft Paper Notebooks work just as well.

Tip #5 – Connect with other creatives

In addition to client meetings and coaching sessions, I love meeting with other creatives. The life of the solopreneur can be lonely. Meeting with other creatives – either in person or online – inspires me and helps me return to my writing projects with fresh ideas. A few weeks ago, I joined ProBlogger’s FREE 7-Day Content Sprint Course.  It was great meeting Problogger Darren Rouse and other creatives each night for seven days. Not only was Darren gracious enough to share his knowledge about writing blog posts, but it was great to see comments from other bloggers. I came away from those sessions inspired and ready to write new content.

Tip #6 – Make time for play dates

Throughout my career in public relations and corporate communications, there have always been deadlines. Some days were more demanding than others. The same is still true now that I run my own business. I learned the hard way that all work and no play make me unfocused and uncreative. Sometimes giving my writing a boost means going for a bike ride or playing a game with family and friends.

Tip #7 – Unplug by not doing any writing

Sometimes the best thing I can do for my writing is to take a break from writing. On the days that I unplug, I don’t write or work. My laptop is off, and I move work out of my mind. The break allows me to rest and return to my writing refreshed.

For some, writing every day comes easily. But for me, I can remember days of not being in the mood to write.

In those moments, I readjust my mindset to focus on the big picture. I quickly ask myself, ‘Why am I writing? What’s the result of my work as a writer?’

Does it take effort? Yes. But it is so worth it.

How do you boost your attitude to write? Let me know in the comments.

If you found this post helpful, please share it with others. Thanks!

October 7, 2021
How Time-Crunched Writers Make Time to Edit Like a Pro
If you are a busy writer who just finished writing your first non-fiction book, congratulations! If you haven’t finished writing yet, but you want to prepare for the next step, you’re in the right place—time to look ahead to the editing phase. Today’s post, the third in a series on how to write your first nonfiction book with a busy schedule, offers tips on how time-crunched writers make time to edit like a pro.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

Understanding the editing process.

The editing process can be tedious. It requires reading the same text multiple times, with a different focus each time. While there are specific steps you must take in editing fiction vs. nonfiction, the general steps follow a certain pattern which includes:

Step 1: Read the entire text before editing

The goal is to revisit what you wrote and why.

Step 2: Review with a fine-toothed comb

Clean up the manuscript by fixing typos, punctuation errors, grammatical mistakes, and style issues.

Step 3: Look at the manuscript’s “big picture.”

Check to determine if the flow of the manuscript is right. Look for unanswered questions and missing information that would make the manuscript stronger.

Step 4: Fact-check everything.

Check all sources. Ensure the accuracy of all dates, locations, names, and titles.

Step 5: Revise

Once the missing or new information has been added and the gaps have been exposed, it’s time to revise. Aim to remove redundancies, eliminate wordy text, and trim for length.

Before you edit, get organized.

Before you start editing, get organized. Create a plan by answering the following questions:
1. On which days do you plan to edit your book?
2. How long will each session last?
3. Where will you work?
4. How will you edit each chapter — individually or collectively as one large document?
5. If additional information is needed, how and when will you gather the research?
6. What grammar check will you use? Grammarly or ProWritingAid? (Both writing apps are AWESOME!)
Block time on your calendar for editing.

Creating an editing schedule is just as important as creating a writing schedule. Make sure the time you choose to edit your book is when you have the most energy. It would be a waste of time to edit when you are sleepy or have a foggy brain.

Using the answers to the questions above, schedule each editing session on your calendar. Try to select times when you’re less likely to have interruptions. For my latest book, I did my editing between 4:30 and 7 a.m. because it was quiet in my house with little to no distractions.

Use an editing checklist.

Using a checklist to edit your book is a great way to ensure efficiency. A detailed checklist will help you identify specific tips and tricks to follow when going through your novel. Your checklist should include ideas on words to avoid, cliché phrases to remove, and even suggestions for replacements.

Here are a few examples to include:
- Omit unnecessary words – A rule that follows its advice and should be the hallmark of every writer.
- Avoid subtle redundancies – delete anything that is repetitive and acts as a filler.
- Avoid throat-clearing – This is a literary term for a story or chapter that finally begins after a page or two of scene-setting and background. Get on with it.
Create a deadline.

While you’ve created a schedule for the editing process, it is important to set a deadline. Setting a deadline gives you something to work towards. Having a clear deadline will ensure that you complete the editing process to move your book to publication.

Hire an editor.

After self-editing your manuscript, consider hiring a professional editor and proofreader. The following types of editors include:

Developmental editor. This editor provides a structural edit of the book to ensure the book’s text flows well, makes logical points, and answers expected questions. A developmental editor works with the author during the writing phase.

Copy or line editor. This editor conducts a word-by-word review of the book to correct grammar, spelling, typos, and consistency. A copy editor works with the author once the author has rewritten and edited the book.

Proofreader. Before sending your manuscript to print, a proofreader can review your book at the end of the rewriting and editing phase to ensure the book is ready for publication.

Summary

Like the book-writing process, editing is hard work. But I encourage you to embrace editing.

By answering a few questions upfront, you can get organized before you start editing.

In the same way, you made time to write, you must make time to edit. Don’t ruin a great story by skimping on the editing process. Take the time your story needs before pressing the publish button. But create a deadline to stay on track.

Once you complete your self-editing process, hire professional editors and proofreaders to help you get your book to the finish line.

For more information on writing your first nonfiction book, check out these ten steps to writing a nonfiction book. I’d love to help you as you take the next steps in your writing life. To get started, complete this form to let me know about your current nonfiction writing project and needs.
April 27, 2021
7 Easy Outlining Tips For Writing Your First Nonfiction Book
When writing a nonfiction book, an author can take a few different routes to get to the end. But one route many writers like to avoid is outlining. Many writers worry that an outline will restrict their creativity. However, every writer, especially those with busy schedules wanting to write a nonfiction book, can benefit from using an outline. An outline is a guide. Today’s post, the second in a series on how to write your first nonfiction book with a busy schedule, offers seven easy outlining tips.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

Tip #1 — Keep an open mind about using an outline

Outlines are like road maps. Ever wonder why? Much like a road map that you use on a road trip, you can get an idea of the fastest and surest route to reach your destination, but that doesn’t mean you have to take it. A road map doesn’t prevent you from finding exciting off-road adventures and scenic drives along the trip. Similarly, an outline is a guide, but you don’t have to take one route. Outlining is an easy way to see the direction and flow of your book. To take advantage of the full power of outlining, you need to approach the process with a flexible mindset.

Tip #2 — Use mind mapping to uncover the key points your book will cover

When creating an outline, it is essential to move the ideas swirling around in your mind onto paper. An easy way to do this is with mind mapping. A mind map allows you to write a central statement or main point in the paper’s center. Next, list subtopics that relate to the main point. To complete this exercise, you can use a notebook, portable whiteboard, or a large sheet of paper on the wall with Post-it Notes. Since I like to keep my ideas in a digital format so I can write on the go, I use Mind Meister, a web-based mind mapping software that allows you to brainstorm in real-time With easy-to-use templates, Meister helps you imagine the components of your book. Here’s an example from one of my boards.

Tip #3 — Start with an easy outline format

If outlines aren’t usually your thing, start with a basic outline. Using the information from the mind mapping exercise, you can either use key points, phrases or create your book’s table of contents. Each chapter’s title in the table of contents will serve as the key points in your basic outline.

Tip #4 — Use a key-point outline

If you aren’t ready to create your book’s table of contents, create a key-point outline. In a key-point outline, you can list the key ideas of points you want to cover in your book. A key-point outline is easy to make and does not require complete sentences.

Tip #5 — Use a full-sentence outline

The structure of a full-sentence outline is similar to a key-point outline. As you can imagine, a full-sentence outline requires more information than a key-point outline. However, a full-sentence outline makes it easy for the nonfiction writer to transfer more information from the outline to the manuscript.

Tip #6 — Pick the type of outline that works best for you

There isn’t one type of outline that will get you to the finish line faster. Between the key-point outline and the full-sentence outline, one isn’t better than the other. Find an easy outline that works best for your current writing project. If you use the key-point outline to write your first nonfiction book (see also our article on narrative nonfiction), don’t be afraid to try the full-sentence outline for your second book.

Tip #7 — Make your outline a living document

Throughout the writing process, you may discover new and beautiful things about your book. When you do, go back to your outline to made revisions or additions. Since your outline supports your book’s writing process, don’t be afraid to make changes to it as you go along. Outlines help you keep track of your book’s direction and focus. As a time-crutched writer, this is key in helping you use your time wisely.

Summary

Use an outline as a reference. At its best, an outline can help you flesh out your most promising ideas. It doesn’t matter if you use a basic, key-point, or full-sentence outline. Choose an easy format that best supports your writing project. In addition to helping you pursue the proper structure for your book, outlines help you save time and prevents frustration. For more information on writing your first nonfiction book, check out these ten steps to writing a nonfiction book.

I’d love to help you as you take the next steps in your writing life. To get started, complete this form to let me know about your current nonfiction writing project and needs.
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April 1, 2021
How to Bend Time to Fit Writing into Your Busy Life
Do you wish you could somehow bend time to fit writing into your busy life? If so, you are not alone.

I meet many new, aspiring writers who want to or have attempted to write. However, whether it’s their full-time job or other commitments, they cannot seem to squeeze writing into their day.

I know what it’s like to want to write with a full schedule. As a corporate communicator, I used to dream of writing. But after a busy day full of projects and meetings, I sometimes found it hard to write after hours.

This post pays homage to time-crunched people with full-time jobs — either in the home or outside the home – who dream of writing after hours. Today’s post highlights some productivity tips on how to bend time to fit writing into your schedule. While I don’t tout these tips as a panacea for all of your writing pains, they can help you make time to write.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

“You will never find time for anything. If you want time you must make it.” – Charles Buxton

Bend time by dividing tasks into 3 categories.

Like a lot of writers, I am guilty of underestimating time. I used to think, ‘This shouldn’t take too long to write,’ or ‘I have plenty of time to write this piece of content,’ only to run short on time in the end.

But once I took time to study time, I learned to see time differently.

There are lots of great books on time and project management. One example, Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done by Charlie Gilkey, challenges readers to bend time.

First, it’s important to understand that we work on projects, not just ideas. Yes, we start with an idea for a book or the idea to start journaling. But eventually, the idea turns into a project or a habit once a plan is developed.

As we consider how best to manage our time while writing, we can apply three concepts, which include:
- Chunking. Split projects into logical, achievable parts.
- Linking. Join chunks together.
- Sequencing. Link chunks together into a logical order.
Below is an example of what these three concepts look like as part of my blog writing process.

Use blocks to manage your time each week.

Once I started to apply chunking, linking, and sequencing to my writing process, I decided to deal with my relationship with time.

I’ve always been fascinated with time — finding time, making time, being on time. As a professional communicator and writing coach, I help clients plan their time, find better uses for their time, and make timelines. When it came time for me to focus on my writing, I had to find a time management system that worked for me.

I went through several systems before I settled on managing my time in blocks. Time-blocking is the process of planning every part of the day, then designating specific time blocks for tasks and projects.

I realize this may seem like a lot of writing (see also ‘How To Write A Lot‘) and planning. But once I filled my calendar with the tasks and projects I needed to work on for the day or the week, it was harder for other things to creep into my schedule and rob my time.

To manage my time blocks, I use the PomoDone App. This app is an easy and fun way to track my time blocks using the Pomodoro technique. The app includes a countdown timer and allows you to connect to your Trello project management board.

If you want to drill down further, Gilkey suggests dividing your time into four basic blocks.

Limit your focus to one project at a time.

As part of your writing time, you may have several writing projects you want to complete. Outside your full-time job, if you dedicate eight hours a week to work on writing eight projects, you may think that’s doable. But is it really?

If you spend eight hours per week working on eight different writing goals, you could make a dent in each writing project. But if you’re left with a computer or notebook full of unfinished projects, narrow your focus to one writing goal at a time.

Now, I realize you may be a multitasking genius with more than one writing goal on your list, but hear me out. If your after-hours writing time is limited to four or eight hours per week, consider working on one writing project from your list for one, two, or six weeks.

Shortly after I decided to start my blog, I decided to write my first book. As you could imagine, both were time-consuming. Before moving to my book-writing dream, I got the website set up then put it on the backburner. Then, I decided to focus my attention on writing my book. Once the book was published, I returned my attention to my website and blog. With both writing goals complete, I launched the book and the website at the same time.

Once you complete your one goal, move on to your next goal. Achieving each goal one at a time is motivating. As you check off each goal, take a moment to celebrate and reflect. Before you know it, you will achieve your writing goal.

Please don’t get frustrated by the amount of time it takes to write.

When you only have a short amount of time to write, it’s easy to get frustrated by how long it takes you to complete your writing projects.

Recently I attended a webinar where the instructor asked everyone to list their most important writing goal. As each person shared their answer, many writers added how disappointed they were about how long it took them to write a book or get their writing out into the world.

If this is you, don’t get frustrated. Outside of everything you have to do each day, there are only so many hours in a day for you to write. Embrace the time you have to write, no matter how small.

But if you want to know how you’re spending your time, you can always use a time tracker.

Use a time tracker to list everything that needs to get done each week or your writing goal. List the top things you want to get done each week and each day. Third, make time to write – even if you only have 30 minutes to write.

Summary

To bend time to our advantage when writing, we divide writing tasks into three categories — chunking, linking, or sequencing. As we add our writing projects to our weekly schedule, we can apply focus blocks, social blocks, admin blocks, and recovery blocks. And unless you work as a freelance writer or communicator, you should try to focus on one project at a time, especially if you work a full-time job.

The bottom line: I’m busy; you’re busy; everyone is busy. But if we want to write, we have to make time to write.

I’d love to help you as you take the next steps in your writing life. To get started, complete this form and make a 30-minute appointment to talk about your current nonfiction writing project and needs.
March 5, 2021
10 Awesome Tips on How to Overcome Time Anxiety When Writing
Do you always feel like there are not enough hours in the week to make a dent in your writing projects? This is called time anxiety.

Unlike productivity shame, where you feel like you haven’t done enough, time anxiety makes you feel you never have enough time to reach your goals. For a writer, this could feel like never accomplishing your dreams of becoming a successful blogger or author.

For most writers, especially those who have full-time jobs where they can only find time to write early in the morning or late at night, it’s easy to feel a sense of time anxiety. After all, you only have a limited amount of time to get anything done.

But you can overcome time anxiety when writing.

This post will share 10 tips on how you can manage your writing time (see also ‘What Should be Included in Your First Draft? 9 Easy Writing Tips‘) to overcome time anxiety.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.

Stephen Covey

Understanding How Time Anxiety Affects Your Writing

Time anxiety centers on the feeling of not having enough time. As a blogger or weekend writer with limited time to write, the feeling of anxiety can be overwhelming. Also, the feeling of always being crunched for time may leave you thinking there’s no use in even trying to write if you can’t finish writing a blog post before you go to bed. Before you know it, you’re unable to move forward.

But before we can deal with time anxiety, it is important to understand how it affects your writing behaviors and mindset. For example:
- Daily: When time anxiety invades your daily writing routine, you may feel stressed because there is not enough time to finish writing one or more content pieces.
- Future: If time anxiety from your daily writing routine persists, you may feel your actions will affect your future writing projects. For example, if you don’t finish writing one chapter each day for seven days, you won’t be able to move forward in writing the next seven chapters of your book.
- Existential: This form of anxiety makes you feel as if you only have a small amount of time to live your dream life. An example would be feeling your life will be incomplete if you don’t finish writing your first book before turning 30.
So many writers, myself included, have dealt with some form of anxiety. However, if you are a time-crunched writer, there is a way to break free from feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

Apply the Basics When Dealing with Time Anxiety

When looking for solutions on how to overcome time anxiety when writing, we must first apply the basics, which include:

1. Adopt a flexible writing schedule

While I recommend having a set writing schedule, I also know that life happens — children get sick, cars breakdown, etc. Determine more than one time during the day when you can write. If you miss your morning writing routine, can you write for 30 minutes at lunch?

2 Build habits that work with a changing schedule

Use regular habits as triggers to help your writing stay on track. For example, if you want to write every morning, pair your writing session with your first cup of coffee/tea/water of the day.

3. Remove distractions

If your writing is crunched for time, don’t let unnecessary notifications distract you. Use an app like RescueTime to block distractions, like the Instagram notifications that let you know who’s online.

4. Be realistic about how much time is needed

It’s easy to think we can get a task done in a short amount of time. If you can’t write a blog post in less than 3 hours, don’t schedule 30 minutes to complete it. Give yourself enough time to give your writing the attention it deserves.

5. Prioritize important work

For days when your writing session is limited to a short amount of time, work on the most important tasks. If you’re on a deadline to turn in a guest blog post by the end of the week, don’t spend time brainstorming your next book (see also ‘How To Brainstorm A Story‘). Prioritize your most important writing tasks first.

Additional Tips Beyond the Basics

6. Track your time

How many times have you convinced yourself you could fit one more thing into your day before bed? We’re all guilty of thinking we have more time than we really do. But the truth is:
- There are only 24 hours in a single day
- You can’t stop or slow time down
- Your writing time cannot exists outside your schedule
Therefore, it’s important to track your time. Use a time tracking sheet to record everything you want and need to get done each day. This helps you understand where you can find time to write.

7. Don’t overestimate the time you have to write

Once you figure out where everything fits your schedule, don’t overestimate how much time you have to write. For example, if you get home from work at 5 p.m. and you need to cook dinner, do laundry, walk to the park with your children, get your children ready for bed, and don’t plan to edit your 50,000-word book before bedtime. Be realistic about how much time you have and what you want to accomplish.

8. Become a ‘Satisficer’ instead of a ‘Maximizer

Psychologists believe there are two types of decision-makers — satisficers and maximizers.

The satisficer makes decisions based on their current situation. The maximizer tries to make a choice that will give them the maximum benefit in the future. So the writer who is a satisficer may use their 20-minute waiting time in the carpool line to accomplish one writing task for the day. A maximizer may use the 20 minutes in the carpool line and pull an all-nighter to finish 10 writing goals.

To reduce stress, become a satisficer. This will help you avoid burnout while continuing to your writing goals forward.

9. Determine what success looks like

For each of your writing sessions, determine what success looks like before you start writing. When writing my second book, Tine to Reset, there were days when I didn’t feel like writing. Rather than blowing off my writing time, I would set a small goal like write at least one hour or one page. Once I accomplished my small goal, I felt I had a successful writing session.

10. Don’t forget self-care

Once you get your writing time under control, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Get some rest. Setting the alarm early in the morning to meet your deadlines, pulling all-nighters to get things done, struggling with time management can wear you down. With the right amount of sleep, you will feel energized throughout the day. Also, make sure you eat right and make time for exercise.

In summary

Feeling time anxiety is common. But it doesn’t have to control your writing life. You can overcome time anxiety by understanding how anxiety affects your behavior as a writer. Apply basic strategies in how you manage your writing time. Finally, you can manage your relationship with time by coming to grips with how much time you have and what you want to accomplish. In the end, it’s up to you to decide how to move forward. You can overcome anxiety to go on to produce your best work.
February 16, 2021
How to Be a Successful Writer Despite Having a Full Schedule

Do you ever wonder how you can be a successful writer despite having a full schedule? Have you ever caught yourself thinking, Oh, I wish there were more hours in the day! Or maybe, I wish I didn’t have to waste time sleeping; I could fit in more writing time.

If you think like this, you’re not alone.

I can remember a time when I worked full-time as a corporate communicator. I had a family to take care of and volunteer assignments at church that I was passionate about completing. My schedule was full.

The idea of working on any fiction or nonfiction project (see also our article on narrative nonfiction) was a dream. I made time for everything except my writing life. Until I one day decided to manage my time differently to give my writing the attention it deserves.

Once I learned the processes I needed to plan and control my time, I published two books. Today’s post outlines some of the steps I took to manage my time to become a successful writer. Feel free to share what works for you in the comment section.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

In order for real writing to take place, I had to claim space in my day.

Claim Space in Your Day

Before I took control of my writing life, my schedule was full. There never seemed to be any time for me to write the kind of books I wanted to write. Until I decided to make time. In order for real writing to take place; I had to claim space in my day.

If you’re like me, you have appointments in your schedule. But what about the things that aren’t on your schedule? Walking the dog, doing the laundry, or checking on your mom, are all things you plan to do but may not be on your schedule. To claim space in your day to write, you need to know what you are doing.

Try this

Use a time tracker to list everything that needs to be done each day. Next, list the top three things you want to get done each week and each day. Third, find time to write – even if you only have 30 minutes to write. Finally, keep the tracker handy to add any unexpected things that come up throughout the day.

Identify the Blockers

The next step in managing your writing time is identifying the critical problems or blockers that keep you from writing. Think about the things that take time away from your writing. Don’t list items that require you to spend quality time with your family or God. Instead, think about the time you spend surfing the web or checking Facebook for hours.

Exercise

To dig deeper into why you’re not writing consistently, use the 5 Whys to get to the bottom of the problem. Ask yourself five times why you’re not writing like you want, digging deeper each time you ask why. While the process is called 5 Whys, you can ask yourself four or seven questions. However, five questions usually get you to the root cause of the problem. The goal is the identify and address the blockers preventing you from being a successful writer.

Focus on One Goal

Now that you know your blockers, it’s time to make a list of the things you need to accomplish. For example, if you decide to build your author platform with a new website, using SiteGround or Bluehost. While there will be several things to do before you launch your site, you cannot do everything at one time.

To deal with time-anxiety while writing, channel all your focus on one goal. If you try to cook or babysit the kids while writing, you may not accomplish your goal. Instead, when you’re writing, focus on writing—nothing else.

Exercise

Before you start writing, identify one goal you want to work on during your current writing session.

To deal with time-anxiety while writing, channel all your focus on one goal.

Use Writing Sprints

To get the most out of my writing time, I like to use short bursts of writing. For my writing sprints, I like to use the Pomodoro technique. If you suffer from productivity dips while writing, this technique is the perfect one for you. You take a five-minute break after every twenty-five minutes of work. This keeps your focus fresh, and you won’t burn out.

Tool

While I have used a variety of timers, I’m currently using the PomoDone App. This app is an easy and fun way to track your writing session using the Pomodoro technique. The app includes a countdown timer and allows you to connect to your Trello project management board.

A Successful Writer Minimizes Interruptions

Have you ever sat down to write, and your phone starts ringing? What about when the doorbell rings? Or the kids decide to start fighting over a toy?

Such interruptions make writing stressful. You look at the clock and realize that you’ve been staring at a mostly blank screen for the past three hours but still didn’t get anything done. Unfortunately, you didn’t factor in the time you wasted in dealing with interruptions. Therefore, before you sit down to write, try to eliminate as many potential distractions as possible. Part of being a successful writer means minimizing or eliminating distractions.

Tool

To eliminate interruptions that pop up on your computer or mobile phone, use apps like RescueTime. Not only does RescueTime block distractions, but it also helps me understand where my time is going while I’m working on my computer.

Pat Yourself on the Back for being a Successful Writer

After all your hard work to control and manage your writing time, take a moment to reward yourself for being a successful writer. If you want to feel happy and enjoy your work, you should associate it with rewards. This will motivate you to incorporate more time management strategies into your writing sessions. Remember that rewards don’t mean that you have to eat chocolate or treat yourself to ice cream only to end up gaining extra pounds. Instead, take a walk, watch your favorite movie, or grab coffee with a friend.

Even that fleeting feeling of accomplishment is a reward. You managed to transfer that empty, ugly blank page into something meaningful. Once you are done with the work, pause and enjoy the moment.

Becoming a successful writer takes energy, focus, and time.

In Summary

You have a lot on your plate; most successful writers do. Nobody understands this better than me. But your writing is important, and it deserves time to grow. On your road to being a successful writer, be intentional about how you manage your writing time. Don’t allow unnecessary distractions to derail your focus and knock you off track from accomplishing your goals. As you move forward, remember to reward yourself. If you miss the mark a few times, don’t be hard on yourself. Your hard work will pay off on your way to becoming a successful writer.

February 11, 2021