Professional writers take their craft seriously. They track their writing times, work harder than some may think is necessary and invest time and money in improving their content.
They also have certain habits that make their job easier and allow them to produce better content. Some of these daily habits include: 1. Writing Every Day.
1. Write Every Day
Writing daily is one of the most important habits that you can develop as a writer. It will help you destroy Imposter Syndrome, improve your vocabulary and thought process, and keep your creative juices flowing. It will also help you chip away at a larger project (like a book) over time, which will add to your authority and recognition as an expert in your field.
The most prolific writers often have a daily routine that they follow. This could include sitting in the same place, doing it at the same time, or having a specific schedule for when they write. Some writers have a dedicated writing nook, while others like to go for a run or type out their work in a coffee shop.
Many writers even leave themselves subtle prompts that simplify picking up their writing the next day, such as putting a Post-It note on their desk or writing in the margin of a notebook.
2. Don’t Procrastinate
Procrastination takes a big toll on our productivity and mental health. It’s important to recognize the reasons you are putting off your writing and take steps to stop the behavior. For example, putting off work because you need to clean the house or wait until you are in the right mood is common, but these excuses can get in the way of your goals.
Avoiding a task because you are afraid of failing or don’t want to upset others is not a productive reason. Instead, focus on the long-term benefits of completing the assignment. This could include a more positive performance review, end-of-year bonus, etc. You can also use rewards to help fight procrastination. If you know your triggers, try to incorporate them into your writing routine – for example, make a 10 minute YouTube video watching session the reward after you finish your writing.
3. Read a Variety of Books
Professional writers have a deep love of reading. They read to learn about the latest trends and developments in their industry, as well as to improve their writing skills. They never stop learning.
It’s important for writers to read a variety of books, even if they don’t like the genre. This will help them to develop a better understanding of good language and word choice. It can also inspire new ideas for their own stories.
Dan Brown, author of the Robert Langdon series, is one famous writer with a unique reading habit. He wears a pair of gravity boots while working on his books! This helps him to clear his head and concentrate. He is also a big believer in having a consistent routine when it comes to writing.
4. Write in a Journal
Writing in a journal can help you explore and process your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. In addition, it can serve as a record of your growth and progress over time.
Successful writers have a daily writing routine. They may have a specific writing nook or prefer to write in the morning, but they all set aside a dedicated time each day to focus on their writing.
Begin your journaling session with a short burst of free-writing. This allows you to write without censoring or editing yourself and can help clear your mind for the rest of your journal entry. You can also try out stream-of-consciousness writing or other techniques to stimulate your creativity and uncover underlying emotions. Then, end your journaling session with a closing ritual, like a deep breath or a positive affirmation.
5. Write in a Word Document
Writing is hard, and it never gets easier. Even the most successful writers struggle with their craft. But that doesn’t mean you should quit trying to improve your content.
One of the most important habits to develop is to write clearly. You can’t keep readers glued to your content if it is difficult to read. That’s why experienced writers are meticulous about sentence length variation, transitional words, and more.
Some writers even go so far as to retype paragraphs in order to correct them. Author Nicholas Baker, for example, wrote his first novel longhand before switching to typing, and he believes that retyping is more helpful than just going back through it on a computer. This is because your eyes see different things when reading on paper versus the screen.