The Prescription:

Block off an entire day for your writing time - anywhere from once a month to once a week (or any amount in between). You can set a giant word count for the day if that gets your blood pumping. Bonus points if you can create a real deadline for yourself (see below for ideas).

Add in accountability:

Whenever possible, add yourself a real deadline, and/or a friend to keep you accountable.

Try one (or all) of these options:

• Ask a friend to set a deadline for you - have them hold you to sending them 5,000 words at the end of your writing sprint day, for example. 

• Set up a funny bet or penalty with a writing buddy, like if you don’t write X number of words on your writing day, you’ll have to wear a costume the next time you meet for drinks, or you’ll have to donate money toward a cause you despise.

• Work with a writing coach (like me!) who includes personalized feedback on your work. (Folks who join my Writing Brave Mastermind have monthly writing deadlines.)

Stop doing this:  

Stop trying to write a little bit every day, or a set word count that you meet every week (without a set plan for WHEN you’ll write).

Stop feeling guilty or like you’re “procrastinating” when you aren’t writing outside of your designated writing days.

Stop flaking out on your writing days. Do whatever you need to do to preserve them at all costs.

Real life example: 

My friend Melissa Cassera is a Sprinter. Since Melissa writes for a living (she’s a screenwriter), she embraced her Sprinter personality and blocked off every Thursday for writing days. Her word count target is 10,000 words, every Thursday. She mixes in accountability by partnering with a friend who’s doing the same thing. They text each other updates and encouragement all day long.

Note: Melissa has shared that a lot of the 10,000 words she writes on Thursdays are garbage. For her process, it’s not about quality, it’s about quantity. When she writes that many words, she gets some gems out of it!

Pleasure Boosters

• Dress up for your sprint day - as one of your characters, or as the Published Author version of you!

• Set yourself up for success - pack snacks ahead of time, brew your favorite coffee, make yourself a writing playlist, stock up on water.