Let’s get right to it!

1)      Don’t let “doohickeys” and “whatchamacallits” slow you down:

Our characters encounter objects that we, the writers, need to describe. However, on occasion, we realize we don’t know the proper terms for individual pieces that make up everyday items.  For instance, yesterday, I was describing a chandelier in a scene and couldn’t, for the life of me, figure out what to call the long pieces that extend from the main structure of the chandelier. You know, the parts that actually hold the lights? (They’re “arms” by the way—of course it was something super simple lol). But, at any rate, I turned to Google. Sometimes it can be hard to get the exact term your looking for, so here’s what I do and it works every time. Simply type the words ‘anatomy of _____’ and fill in the blank with the name of the object. Check out the images your search produces. Most often, Google will pull up a diagram with the item’s components named and you’ll get your answer. Ta-dah!!

2)      YouTube is your best friend:

If there’s something you don’t know how to do, a place you’ve never been, a process you don’t understand, YouTube will often lead you to a video that can help. Watch a couple and, guess what? You’re an instant soap-making expert! Or now you know exactly what it’s like to visit the small, casino town of Black Hawk, Colorado. Or now you know how the beginning of a high school football game is structured! (No lie… as an anti-sports fan, this was a real thing I had to look up. I had no clue what the players did right after taking the field… Don’t judge lol)

3)      Timing is everything:

Write in short intervals of 20 to 30 minutes to maximize productivity. Set a timer or find a writing app you like, and focus on nothing but putting words down for that allotted time. When you’re done, notate your progress and then go again when you’re ready. Typically, I write for 30 minutes and, if I’m not too deep in a scene, I’ll take a five-minute break to check social media, get a drink of water, or just stretch my legs. Then I jump back in for another round. This practice has helped me add 10,000 words or more to a manuscript in a day! Try it out and see if it works for you J Also, down in the comments, if there’s an app you use for this, share the name of it! I LOVE Writeometer.

4)      Location! Location! Location!

Choose a setting that’s conducive to creativity. Some writers have to also balance home life and work life in addition to writing, so it’s best to optimize those moments you’re able to eke out to jot down a few words. Everyone’s needs are different, but for the most part, we all require someplace comfortable and quiet with enough room to work. Whether you choose to create in your home office, a coffee shop, or your bedroom, configure your setting ahead of time to minimize distractions. Have a snack or drink on hand, have your noise-canceling headphones on site in cases where your space is likely to get a bit noisy while you work, and, at the risk of this getting a bit personal, a bathroom break *before* getting started is wise.

5)      Grab a partner:

Critique partners are an awesome asset. Find a writer whose skill-level and understanding of basic story structure matches yours and help each other out! I know what you’re saying…

“But, Rachel, I’m new to this and don’t know any other writers!”

Fear not. I, too, was new to writing once and soon found there were writers everywhere. I met each of my critique partners through online networking on Facebook. Look for groups with writers who write what you write and don’t be shy! Reach out to one or two or ten. Don’t solicit right away, though. Be genuine and helpful when possible, and then, once you’ve built up a rapport with a few, see if they’d be interested in trading chapters and feedback. You’d be amazed how many others are in the exact same position you are, in need of a fellow writer to lay a set of eyes on their work.

6)      Set a schedule:

This is especially vital for those of us who write full-time. It’s so easy to get distracted throughout the day. Designating a set time to start, break, and stop for the day is important. This ensures that you’re dedicating enough time to your career and also prevents you from neglecting other responsibilities and burning yourself out. For me, I stop writing (or doing other bookish things) between 3 and 4 p.m. to hang out with my family. Then, once the house is quiet and everyone’s asleep, I might squeeze another couple hours of writing in from around 10 p.m. to midnight. Decide what hours work best for you and stick to it.

That’s all for now, but I’d LOVE to hear what writing tips/hacks you’ve developed over the years. Feel free to share down below in the comments!

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