Quick tips for writing

Here are some bulleted points that are basics to all writers. Some of the points are ideas that I have talked about in previous blog posts, and some are new. And maybe you follow these already, or maybe you don't. Either way, enjoy!

• Writing is a discipline--find the place and time to work, and make it sacred.
• Set reasonable goals for pacing each day (i.e. 500 words a day). And stop at that goal (leaving yourself a little note of what you want to say next), even if you are on a role.
• Come to the piece that you are working on with some idea of a beginning; because, a blank page is discouraging.
• Don't write for anyone in mind. Just write, and write what you want to write about.
• Don't talk about your work too soon. Those who always talk about their writing never actually finish a project. It disperses your creative energy.
• Take risks even if you think it is not going to be  productive.
• Think about your characters, setting, dialogue, etc. when you are not writing (i.e. think about your project when you are walking in the forest preserve).
• Don't fret about writers block. Develop strategies (i.e. pick up any item around you, and put it in the next sentence you write).
• You cannot write when you feel like it or when the writer muse is great. You learn to write by writing everyday, with your butt on the chair.

Now go out there and write!