Just get it done! Tips on advancing your story and overcoming distractions.

Sorry if the title seems a little harsh or forward, but sometimes when it comes to writing, all we need is that kick up the backside that we will later be thankful for.

The System Works.

There is one sure way of achieving this and it is a system that I have used since beginning my journey as a writer in 2009. It is a system that gets easier and easier the more you stick to it. Once you have used this system for a few weeks, you will find that the writing gets easier, as well as finding the time to write.

Its no great secret, really. In fact it is the same system that all full-time writers implement into their daily routine. More and more authors are coming out and saying that keeping a good writing schedule is key to maximizing your writing potential.

Keeping a schedule increases discipline and concentration. Anyone will tell you that you have to pick a suitable time frame to write and STICK WITH IT. It is a suitable time frame for a reason. there would be no point in trying to bash out a chapter or two whilst holding a baby in each arm or making a stir-fry for dinner. Writing takes a lot of peace, tranquility and certainly does NOT welcome interruptions.

Imagine overhearing a conversation between two people in your house and finding out that you have quoted them among dialogue between two of your characters. Now your story suddenly makes no sense. Your family's conversation has been drummed into your head and now it is all you can think about when you are at the keyboard. The same goes with TV, guys. TURN IT OFF.

Your time frame isn't just about the hours you put into it. Like I said above, just about anything can distract you and you need to eliminate any kind of distraction. You might find that everything is more calm in the evening. Everyone has just had dinner, the kids are playing in their rooms and your other half is watching television. PERCFECT. Now it is time to take advantage of this wonderful serenity and get to work on your story!

You might find that evening hours aren't good for you. Well that's okay! Just try experimenting with different time blocks throughout the day and weigh up the pros and cons of those particular hours and decide which is best for you.

Writer's Block

There is another thing that I am kind of on the fence about. Writers block is very common in writers and authors of all backgrounds. Whether you are a newbie or even Stephen King, there will always be a time when you just cant get your brain to take you to the end of the chapter, or the sentence for that matter.

I say I am on the fence about this because I once knew a creative writing teacher who out and out DID NOT believe in writers block. He told me that it is the subconscious part of your brain trying to make you think that you don't want to continue with the story. He may be right. On the other hand, writers block might just be a way of telling us that we should finish for the day, hit Ctrl-S and resume the next day. I myself prefer the latter, despite recognizing my teacher friend as a great man in his field. I know if i suffered from writers block for too long in one sitting then I would call it quits for the day. After all, writers block will increase boredom, and that is the last thing you want when thinking about your story.

Get back to me on your thoughts regarding writers block and maybe even ways to sure it. I think it will make for interesting conversation.

It's Not All Doom and Gloom

Now I want to share one last thought with you. I am amazed at the amount of people, especially new writers that think that by typing something out means that it is set in stone. There is always that wonderful system of highlight>delete. Just because you get to the end of a sentence of paragraph and instantly despise what you have just written, it doesn't mean you have to panic. In fact, DON'T delete it just yet. Keep typing out your story even if inside you know you will not like what you see when you look back at it. However, the upside to this is that you have still typed out your story line. All you need to do after that is change the bits you feel need more explaining, less explaining or even give each paragraph a complete face lift. Just get the gist of it out on the screen and then worry about tarting it up.

Well, I hope this has helped anyone who has just com across this post who is looking for help with their writing. It may not be the most original advice, but I just wanted to put my own feelings to it. I can be contacted for further comment on my Twitter account.

Thanks all and happy writing! x