How to Get More Writing Done

Okay, so the headline is link bait and the tip is a trick, I admit—but it’s a fun one.

My friend (and business partner) Debbie lives in a wonderful old house with a garage she’s converted to a garden room. Last summer she and another friend, Jenni, and I started meeting there Wednesday mornings to write. Several months later, we’re still at it. This idea has worked brilliantly for us, insuring at least one writing time dedicated to our WIPs a week.

Because it’s been so useful to me, I now run Zoom sessions devoted to writing twice a week. Writers meet on Zoom Monday afternoons and Friday mornings, check in, and go write. We do this for two hours, checking in at the top of the hour for a chat break. Again, it’s brilliant. You make a commitment to show up, and there you are. The writing gets done. (I’m not sure if people are going to want to continue in December, but if they do, I’m game, though I’ll likely change the early Friday morning sessions to Thursday afternoons. If you’re interested, contact me at wordstrumpet@gmail.com.)

So now I have three regularly scheduled writing times and I am loving it. I’m convinced this is the secret to getting writing done. Here’s why:

 It’s scheduled. Yes, I could tell myself I’d do it but it’s too easy to end up not doing it. Years ago, I’d read the time management tip to block out time for a creative project on the calendar, which I would dutifully do. And then rebel against myself. But I can’t do that when friends are expecting me. Even on Zoom, I could easily sneak away from the computer. But I don’t. Because that would be cheating—myself and the others on the call. Also, even with cameras dark and sound off, I still have a sense of being connected to the others.

You’re held accountable. Especially with the Zoom sessions, since I run them, if I don’t show up there will be many questions and much concern. And, honestly, showing up is most of the battle. What’s the famous quote from Woody Allen? Here it is: “80% of success is showing up.” So true, my friends, so true.

It’s fun. Writing can be a lonely pursuit, alone in your room (unless you’re me and you live in a multi-generational household where there’s always somebody wandering into my office).  Writing with others is fun. You get to take breaks and chat and simply having somebody else around doing the same thing you are is energizing. It’s easy to start taking your writing very seriously and guess what? When you do that, you add stress to your writing practice and that can cause fear of writing and writer’s block. But if you make it fun, you trick your brain.

 So honestly, try it. Find a friend to meet at a coffee shop or join my Zoom call (I do charge a modest amount, but that’s only to ensure you’ll show up.) I guarantee you’ll be happy with the results.