Creating a Solid Writing Process: Finding What Works for You (Part 1 of 2)

The hardest part about writing is starting. It’s like anything else in life, taking those first steps takes more energy than it does to keep going.

When I took martial arts, my master often spoke of the Swinging Bag philosophy. It takes more effort to make a punching bag move the first time than it does to keep it moving once the punches start to fly. Writing is the same. Those first few words on the page are the toughest. Just the effort to sit down and begin is tremendous.

So how can you make the act of writing come easier to you? Create a writing process that supports your efforts and reduces the friction. While there is no one process that works for everyone, there are steps you can take to find a better way.

There is no one right way. The best process is the one you can do easily. It’s one that works for you, not against you. Pay attention to what has worked in the past. When did you fill the page without struggle? What was happening at that time? What do you find helpful? Unhelpful? Don’t overcomplicate it. Don’t look for systems that make you jump through hoops. Keep it simple. Sometimes a blank page and a pen works best.

Knowing what doesn’t work for you is just as important. When do you feel stuck? Do you feel overwhelmed by a huge task? Or do you struggle with the opening line? When do you find it hardest to write? What point in the process is most difficult? Or do you find there is an environmental issue holding you back: a cold room, an early morning or late hour, a noisy room, electronic distractions? Pinpoint what makes writing more difficult for you and do what you can to eliminate those factors. Write during your best times and find the best place to motivate you.

Some writers can dig in for hours and crank out pages of copy. Others need short bursts or sprints to make progress. What works best for you? Do you lose yourself in the work or do you prefer to take it slow? Knowing what type of writer you are will help you schedule writing time more effectively. If writing sprints work for you, try scheduling short bursts. Use the Pomodoro method. Reward yourself for smaller goals. But if you prefer to dedicate a chunk of your time to writing, then dive in. Block big sections of time in your schedule and write.

In video gaming, it’s called grinding when a player has to do something again and again to make progress or accomplish a goal. If you are pushing or punishing yourself to put every word on the page, you are grinding. Stop. This type of writing only undermines your confidence and commitment. It is disheartening, at best, and counter productive at worst. Instead, try writing in short bursts taking breaks. Pushing through is never the best option. When you find yourself grinding, stop. Come back another time. Try another method. Even if you haven’t hit your word count or time goal for the day.

Not everyone can do the get up early and write before work or the start of day activities. Some of us are night owls. Getting up at 5am sounds like torture to me. Not only would I hate it, but it would be terribly ineffective for me. My brain doesn’t work at that time of morning, at least not in a creative way. Late at night works best for me (10PM-2AM). Some people have less flexibility in their schedules and have to find pockets of time to write. Don’t try to adopt a writing process that doesn’t reflect your real life. You won’t be able to sustain it and will ultimately fail in your efforts.

Look for more tips next week. Like writing, this blog is a process. Sometimes ideas cannot be contained in a single post.