As writers, we often wonder how highly productive authors manage to churn out bestselling novels, while we struggle to meet our daily word count. The truth is, it’s not about being more talented or having more time; it’s about cultivating habits that help you stay focused, motivated, and productive. In this post, we’ll delve into the writing habits of highly productive authors and explore how you can adopt them to boost your own writing productivity.
Creating a Writing Routine
One of the most critical habits of highly productive authors is establishing a consistent writing routine. This means setting aside a specific time and place to write, and sticking to it. For some, it might be early morning, while for others, it’s late at night. The key is to find a time that works for you and your unique schedule.
Take, for instance, the example of Stephen King, who writes 2,000 words a day, every day, including holidays and birthdays. While this might seem like an unrealistic goal for most of us, the idea is to create a routine that you can maintain in the long run. Even 500 words a day can be a significant achievement, especially if you’re consistent.
To create a writing routine that works for you, try the following:
- Identify your most productive hours: Are you a morning person or a night owl? Experiment to find the time when you’re most focused and alert.
- Set realistic goals: Don’t aim to write 2,000 words a day if you’re just starting out. Start with a manageable goal, like 500 words, and gradually increase your output.
- Create a conducive writing environment: This might include a quiet room, a comfortable chair, or a favorite coffee shop. Make sure your writing space is free from distractions and interruptions.
Developing a Writing Process
Highly productive authors often have a well-defined writing process that helps them stay organized and focused. This might include:
- Outlining: Creating a detailed outline of your story or novel can help you stay on track and avoid writer’s block.
- Research: Conducting thorough research can help you build a rich and immersive world, and ensure accuracy in your writing.
- Drafting: Breaking your writing into manageable chunks, like drafting 1,000 words a day, can help you make steady progress.
- Revising: Setting aside time to revise and edit your work can help you refine your ideas and polish your writing.
For example, John Grisham is known for his meticulous research process, which involves reading and taking notes on a wide range of topics related to his story. This helps him build a solid foundation for his writing and ensures accuracy in his storytelling.
To develop a writing process that works for you, try the following:
- Experiment with different methods: Try outlining, free-writing, or using writing prompts to find what works best for you.
- Break your writing into manageable chunks: Divide your writing into smaller tasks, like drafting a chapter or writing a scene, to help you stay focused.
- Use writing tools and software: Tools like Scrivener, Vellum, or Canva can help you stay organized and streamline your writing process.
Staying Motivated and Focused
Highly productive authors often have strategies to stay motivated and focused, even when the writing gets tough. This might include:
“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” – Jack London
For example, Neil Gaiman is known for his “2,000 words a day” rule, where he writes 2,000 words, no matter what, even if it’s complete rubbish. This helps him stay motivated and focused, and ensures he makes steady progress on his writing projects.
To stay motivated and focused, try the following:
- Set small rewards: Treat yourself to something nice after reaching a writing milestone, like a cup of coffee or a walk outside.
- Join a writing community: Connect with fellow writers online or in-person to stay motivated and inspired.
- Track your progress: Use tools like writing trackers or spreadsheets to monitor your progress and stay on track.
In conclusion, the writing habits of highly productive authors can be distilled into three key takeaways: creating a writing routine, developing a writing process, and staying motivated and focused. By adopting these habits, you can boost your own writing productivity and achieve your writing goals.
Remember, writing is a journey, not a destination. With persistence, patience, and practice, you can develop the habits that will help you succeed as a writer. So, what are you waiting for? Start building your writing habits today and join The Self-Publishing Revolution.
For more tips on building essential writing habits, check out our post on Essential Writing Habits. And if you’re looking for DIY book design tips, be sure to check out our post on DIY Book Design Tips for Indie Authors.