There is no perfect time to write. There is only now.
-Barbara Kingsolver
Kingsolver ought to know. Every book she’s written since 1993 has hit the New York Times Best Seller list.
If we wait for that “perfect” time to write, when inspiration, motivation and desire all collide, we’re not going to get much writing done.
So how do you implement this principle into your writing life?
I use it as an impetus to slay my innate tendency for procrastination.
When I sit down at my computer to write, I simply start typing. What comes out is irrelevant, at first. The point is to get words flowing out of my brain and onto the page.
I can delete the crappy ones later, but for now the only important thing is to turn on the word tap and get those words flowing.
On my less enthusiastic days, I focus on the first two minutes.
“I only have to write for two minutes,” I lie to myself.
It doesn’t matter if I begin with, “I have no idea what to write, but I need to figure it out right now.”
Anything on the page is better than a blank page.
As I’ve discussed before, it’s best to be already working should inspiration decide to grace me with its presence.
That's the point of starting to write right now. It opens the door of possibility for inspiration to show up. Share on XThat’s the point of starting to write right now. It opens the door of possibility for inspiration to show up.
Even if it doesn’t, this act of self-discipline ensures I get my word count written for the day, regardless of how I feel about writing.
If it helps (and it will), schedule your writing appointments, then keep those writing appointments with yourself and write, no matter how you feel.
- I will do what I said I would do
- When I said I would do it
- Whether I feel like it or not.
The beauty of pre-scheduling your writing sessions is that it takes all the decision-making out of the process.
There are no more, “When will I write today?” questions.
There are only, “It’s time to write my 2,000 words for the day.”
Simple.
Ease.
You know how I love it when success becomes simple and easy!
