Things You'll Need:
- Writing Courses
- Antiglare Computer Screens
- Printers
- Computer Desks
- Desk Lamps
- Writing Papers
- Laptop Computer
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Step 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.
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Step 2
Make clear to family and friends that you need - and deserve - privacy.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 5
Learn what makes your writing flow and use it. For some it's music; for others it's perfect silence.
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Step 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.
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Step 7
Think about your novel even when you aren't writing.
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Step 8
Carry a small notebook everywhere to jot down ideas, dialogue and descriptions whenever inspiration strikes.








Comments
celticeagle said
on 12/21/2008 Great points! Wonderful article!
published said
on 4/23/2007 I would also like to suggest getting some software that will help you keep your story focused and on track. I use Newnovelist (www.newnovelist.com). This keeps me structured in my thought process while giving me the creative freedom I need to finish what I am writing.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 I used to jot down ideas in a small notebook or on sticky notes, but often I would have revelations and inspirations while driving my car, especially on long trips when I could allow my mind to associate freely. I bought a small digital voice recorder, and I carry it everywhere with me. I'm able to upload the recordings to my computer and give them file names for later review. The advantage is that I can record while walking or driving, and I can also be much more elaborate in my memos to myself. Often I find that I'm able to talk through a plot consideration or a story idea in moments, whereas I might otherwise choose to cut down the discussion if I were to write down my thoughts. This is also a great tool if you want to see how genuine your dialog would sound if actually spoken by the characters. Too often I find written dialog stiff or artificial, and this is a way to check the authenticity. As I finish my first romance novel, I find that I refer back to my recordings to verify that I have incorporated (or at least considered) the changes I reminded myself of over the past month or so.