This is a guest post by Maria Rainier of First In Education. If you would like to guest post for this blog, check out our guest post guidelines, then send your idea to: jennifer@procrastinatingwriters.com.
When it comes to writing professionally, the need has never been so great for you to establish some sort of ritual or routine before, during and after you start writing. Whether you currently work as a professional freelance writer, or you’re hoping to dabble your feet in the writing world, here are some tips on how you can establish a ritual while you write:
1. Work at a desk
Working on a couch or even on a bed is one of the biggest “no-no’s” a writer can make, not only because it can do a number on your upper body posture, but on your writing as well.
By sitting upright at a desk and sitting at a chair, it forces you to focus on in and what you’re trying to write about and believe it or not it can actually help with the editing process as well.
2. Write in silence
Regardless of what some people may say about how they can work listening to music or talking to other people at the same time, if you truly want to take your writing seriously you should be sitting in a silent room away from the various distractions in your home.
Any sort of noise or interaction could distract you away from one important thought that could make or break your article or story, so keep this in mind the next time you start to write.
3. Start writing right away
This of course depends on whether you are a morning person or an evening person, but sometimes it’s best to start a story or article first thing in the morning after you’ve had your first cup of coffee or tea, and then take a small break and then start chipping away at the story throughout the rest of the day, evening or even into the night if you have to.
4. Wear comfortable clothes
Yes, believe it or not what you’re wearing could ultimately determine your performance as a writer, because if you’re sitting uncomfortable it forces you to rush your writing so you can finish quicker. The same goes for getting chores done or taking a shower before you start writing, otherwise you’re just going to be thinking about what you have to do after you finish writing instead of the work at hand.
5. Try not to take a day off
Of course this could be impossible if you work more than 40 hours a week or if you’re a parent, but believe it or not taking a day or two off from writing could actually impact how you write (and think).
Sometimes it could take a few hours or even days to get back into the “writing mode,” so sometimes it’s best to keep a ritual of writing every day, even if it’s for a few minutes, in order to improve the final product of your story or article. If you truly want to be taken seriously as a professional writer remember: “There ain’t no rest for the writer.”
How do you establish a ritual to help get your writing done?
About the Author: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blogger for First in Education where she’s recently written about theology degree programs along with a guide to online economics programs. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, traveling and working with origami.
