Salutations Ya’ll,
As a Georgia based writer it would be folly for me to disregard the wonderful opportunity offered to me every year in the form of Dragon Con. I understand not every writer has the ability to make the trek (my fellow sci fi fans see what I did there) to this convention. So I took notes and am going to share the wisdom I was able to take in with my fellow authors.
Before we can accomplish anything, we have to have those time management skills. At a lecture hosted by Kevin Anderson we were given a preview of the tips he teaches at his Superstars Writing Seminar in Colorado Springs. He called this lecture 11 tips to increase productivity.
First, shut up and write. This is at the top of the list for a reason. We all spend far too much time telling people that we are going to write a great novel or series and not enough time writing. There is also another aspect that I had not considered that became a recurring theme through the weekend. Enthusiasm dilution. The more you tell others about your book or idea the more you get it out of your system and you lose that drive to put it on the page. So stop talking and just write. Set aside a scheduled time and don’t give it up.
I view the next three as a block that exist together. You must defy the empty page, dare to write bad, and know the difference between writing and editing. Write even if it is bad, write. You can fix bad writing, but a blank page is just a blank page. Put your story down however it comes to you and worry about the art of it when you have something to fix. Writing three beautifully edited chapters isn’t going to do you any good if you can’t figure out where to take the story next. So write. Write often. Write badly. And when you have nothing left in you, take the time to edit.
The fifth tip, write every minute. You have five minutes waiting in line, sounds like an opportunity. You know that thing your parents used to tell you, “The power company doesn’t take excuses” well neither do potential agents and editors. If you don’t have a finished manuscript to send them, then you aren’t ready. So take every spare moment you can to put that story into the world.
Tip six, set goals. You don’t start a job without knowing what you want to accomplish. Writing is no different, in fact you have to treat it as a job. So before you start a week or a day, plan out what you want to accomplish and shoot for that mark. If you succeed reward yourself, if you fail, don’t beat yourself up, but work harder the next time.
Tip seven, work on different projects. This could mean different stories, different chapter, or different phases. Just keep your mind moving so you don’t get bogged down and stuck. Remember writer’s block is no more an option than janitor’s block. The job has to get done. So keep things fresh in your mind by moving through different project so no one goes stale.
Tip eight, create your own environment. Find the writing situation that works for you. Some people need absolute quiet, some like the noise and energy of a coffee shop. It isn’t the same for everyone, so find that place that lets you be the most productive you can be and write.
Nine, think outside your keyboard. As we discussed your environment is important. Don’t nail yourself down to one writing method either. Switch things up you are feeling stuck. Try a new location. If you type use pen and paper and vice versa. Change something physical and it will move the gears in your mind.
Ten, get inspired. Go out into the world and live. The old adage you write what you know is true, so know as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to live and experience the world beyond your writing space.
Finally, know when to stop. Every story has a conclusion. Not only do you need to know where that conclusion is, you need to know when to stop editing. You will always be able to improve on your writing, because as a writer you are always evolving, but eventually it’s time to move on to the next book. Know when that time is and move on.
Speaking of knowing when to stop…
