Top Four Writing Tips For 2006

We're almost at the end of 2006 - the holiday season will soon be upon us, so here are my top writing tips for 2006.

Why only four? Because these strategies are the ones which have had the best effect for me this year.

In no particular order:

1. Writing is thinking on paper, or on the computer screen - write so that you know what you'll write about
You'll often have no idea what you're going to write until you write it. So just start writing. This is a real Mr Micawber "Something will turn up" approach, but what the heck, it works. By the time you've written 250 words you'll know what you want to say.

Now I've found the delightful Scrivener, I'm finding this process easier to implement, because I can create one Scrivener file for each new project - no more mysterious 40 kb text files on my hard drives.

2. Write first, write often
Start your day by writing. I've gone through long periods when I started the day by reading my email, but days when I write FIRST, I write more, and more easily. "Sleep thinking" works.

3. Create a blog
I started my first blog in 2001 with no idea WHY, I just kept receiving nudges from my subconscious mind, which knows more than I do. Blogs are a lot of fun, they're creatively stimulating, and they let you write without pressure. Blogs are the best invention for writers since word processors.

I've got several blogs which I update regularly. Yes, all are work. However I know that the effort that I put into these blogs will have great benefits in the months and years to come.

4. Set goals
I've always set goals, but I've recently started setting goals for the month, as well as the year. Monthly goals make you more accountable. I set process goals (word counts, projects completed), as well as monetary goals.

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