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’Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration,’ said the inventor, Thomas Edison.
This is also a perfect description of writing. Lots of people claim to have a great idea for a novel but how many of them actually sit down and put in the effort to bring that idea to fruition? Talking about the big idea is the easy, fun part but getting it down on paper requires discipline.
So I’m starting this blog to improve my writing self-discipline and increase my ‘literary’ output – give me a nudge if I’m not posting often enough!
Meanwhile, here are a few pointers for getting your bum on the chair and that blank page filled –
- Set yourself a goal and then break this ultimate aim down into manageable chunks – the smaller the chunks, the easier it will be to achieve them.
- Give each chunk a realistic deadline – taking into account any work and family commitments.
- Have a dedicated writing space – this might only be a corner of the dining-room but sitting down there should immediately put you in the right frame of mind for work.
- Delegate some of the household chores to free up extra time for writing.
- Avoid interruptions – tell the rest of the family that you will deal with their requests when your hour’s writing time is up.
- Disconnect your internet access or keep it as a treat for the end of your writing time.
- Always complete one task before starting another – there is nothing more disheartening than a string of half-finished short stories.
- Accept that you will have good and bad days – don’t beat yourself up about the latter just accept it and move on.
Remember, if you treat your writing seriously then your family and friends will respect it too and it will be easier to keep to your writing routine.
Sally Jenkins 