-It doesn’t matter if you miss a day (or a week). Looking back I can’t even remember what days I did or didn’t write, and honestly? There were months where I didn’t touch the story. All I know is that I finished the damn thing, and that’s what matters.
-Have a routine. On days that I did write, I sat with my laptop and some hot tea next to a bright window and banged out 5,000 words before noon (due to the fear that if I didn’t do it first thing I wouldn’t do it at all). Figure out the place, time, and things that make you want to write, and use them.
-Make a schedule. I didn’t worry about writing every day because I blocked out a time frame of what needed to be finished when. Give yourself some leeway, but mark important dates on a calendar.
-Find what works for you. Don’t freak out if what you’ve written goes against “the cardinal rules” of writing. Your biggest objective is figuring out how to best tell your story.
-Fly by the seat of your pants. You can write complete and utter BS and still turn it into a good story that makes sense. Get rid of the idea that it has to sound perfect from draft one, and start taking pride in the fact that you wrote a crappy first draft at all.
-Embrace embarrassment. You’re going to have to read some of your story to people, and you’re going to have to listen to other people reading it out loud. If it gets to that point, try to reflect on how amazing it is that you’ve made it this far. Not every writer does.
-Don’t listen to your fears. What scares you now may not affect you in twelve months. In the beginning I told myself I’d put it out in the universe and let it exist without really acknowledging it (whatever gets you going, 2017 me). Now I have an author’s blog and am actively promoting giveaways and book release dates. Go figure.
-Know your audience. Don’t write something you think will please someone else- write for yourself, and you’re guaranteed to make one person happy (who hasn’t heard that before?). You are the audience. Know yourself.
-Stay healthy. If writing is getting in the way of your health- whether it be making you sleep less, skip meals, or spend long periods of time away from loved ones- it’s time to step back. Some of the best parts of my book came to me when I was out experiencing life, not sitting at a computer.
-Arm yourself against negativity. There are going to be people who will tell you what you do isn’t worthwhile, and that you’re wasting your time- until your book is published, then all of a sudden they expect a free copy. Surround yourself with supporters, and know who to ignore.
Nikki Bradley 