How to Establish a Writing Schedule for a Romance Novel

"Just get it done. Writing a romance is like anything else - if you love what you're doing, you'll make time to do it," says Sheri McGregor, author of two romance novels.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Writing Courses
• Antiglare Computer Screens
• Printers
• Computer Desks
• Desk Lamps
• Writing Papers
• Laptop Computer

1. Find a place where you can write that's private and well-equipped, with the right computer and software, pen and paper, desk and chair.
2. Make clear to family and friends that you need - and deserve - privacy.
3. Think about your physical and mental rhythms. Some of us are freshest and most creative in the early morning; some love the silence of the wee hours of the night. Write at the same time every day.
4. Use meditative techniques to set aside distractions before you begin writing. Also, take advantage of your telephone answering machine. If you don't have one, buy one.
5. Learn what makes your writing flow and use it. For some it's music; for others it's perfect silence.
6. Use that time consistently without letting an off-day break your habit of writing at the same time and place daily. Sometimes life interferes.
7. Think about your novel even when you aren't writing.
8. Carry a small notebook everywhere to jot down ideas, dialogue and descriptions whenever inspiration strikes.

Tips & Warnings

• "Do what works for you and don't worry about what you think should work for you. Don't be too hard on yourself - nor too easy!" says Sheri McGregor, author of "Dream Catcher" and the forthcoming "Under One Roof."
• "Do set a few goals - 'I'll finish that scene and write a sentence or two on the next before lunch,' for example. If you miss a goal, you'll make it up next time. I know some writers who set goals by the page count. I usually work on a chapter basis," McGregor says.
• "If you're setting aside an hour each morning, don't answer the phone, the door or e-mail," McGregor says.

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