Writing As Work: It’s an Art Form, It Really Is!
I took off to the Renaissance Festival, in North Carolina, years ago when I was still a youngster (we won’t divulge how many years). I still remember a performer doing a trick with macaws and saying, “You think that was hard? Try convincing your Mother-in-Law, that playing with birds is a real job.” It still makes me smile…
As writers, we play with words, not birds, yet still it can be challenging to convince others we’re working.
There are many wonderful aspects to working from home and being a freelancer. The lack of interruptions, unfortunately, is not one of them.
Here are 3 Tips I have found Helpful to Writing As “Real” Work
Set Boundaries
I believe this one to be the most important. Put your phone aside, hang a sign on the door, unplug form social media, whatever you need to do to get some time to yourself.
Let your family and friends know that unless someone is bleeding or the Zombie Apocalypse has begun, you’re checking out!
When you work from home, everyone seems to think you’re available at any time for any reason. As writers and artists we know, you just cannot turn it on and off when you’re in the flow! When the “zone” finds you, it’s often an all or nothing experience. Interruptions can derail your train of thought faster than green grass through a goose! (That is one of those Southern Sayings I still don’t get it, so don’t ask!)
Set a Time
Whether you are a morning person or night owl, find the time that you write best. Find the time when your creativity is at its peak. If you can’t manage to do this, due to family obligations, other work, etc., find a time you can fit in writing every single day. Be as consistent as possible. Sometimes you’ve gotta switch things up, but if you have a routine, the writing is more likely to flow when you sit in your usual writing spot.
Which brings me to the next tip…
Set a Place
[bctt tweet=”For creativity, we need to vary our environment, live life, get out and people watch.”] Check out The Desperation of Writing Stuff, for more on this.
That being said, having a sacred place for you to write, even if it’s just a cozy chair in the corner, helps with consistency. You use that chair for writing, so when you sit in it, your brain knows what it’s time to do. Having a particular spot, seems to give you a jump on “writer’s block”, so give it a try!
Have some helpful tips? Share them in the comments, so we can all learn from your wisdom.
And hey, don’t forget to like & share this post with all the writers, artists, and work-from-home Rock Stars in your life!
Today’s Writing Prompt:
Choose a “Quirky Southern Saying” and have it tell a story! If you’re feeling generous, send it to me. I would love to read it! If you’re interested in more crazy Southern Sayings, check out this charming little number I found: Even More Southern Expressions
Cheers to your writing success!
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