But for real this time.

It’s been nearly a month since the last time I updated this blog, and that’s disappointing. It’s an accurate indication that my writing life has become stagnant. I’ve made little to no headway on my work in progress, I haven’t submitted to any literary agents or small presses lately, and I haven’t even managed to update my journal daily. All that frustrates me, so I’m going to make a renewed vow to prioritize my writing life. And luckily it coincides with November – National Novel Writing Month.

Serendipitously, it also coincides with my discovery of this article from Writer’s Digest, titled “7 Healthy Habits for Writers to Find Success” by Chris Saunders.

Write every day.
This is Saunders’ first suggestion and it is also my priority number one. I like to use not being “inspired” as an excuse for not writing, but the work needs to get done whether I feel like it or not. It would also be helpful to step away from the all-or-nothing mentality. If I don’t sit down and write a novel, that’s okay! And it doesn’t have to be all about my work in progress. Saunders recommends having several writing projects on the go concurrently, so “…when the words dry up on one, switch to another.” The writing session doesn’t even have to be for long. Saunders suggests “…to organize your thoughts and develop an idea of what you want to write beforehand so it saves ‘thinking’ time when the opportunity comes to sit down at the computer.” I also want to practice what I’m constantly preaching to my students and eliminate distractions. Namely, that means leaving my cell phone in another room.
Cultivate a routine.
As a public educator, I thrive on routines. I’ve gotten mine down pretty well. I have coffee in the morning and head to work. After school, I walk five miles and eat dinner. Instead of vegging out and mindlessly watching true crime documentaries I’ve already seen a thousand times over, this is where I’ll write or read or both. On Saturdays, I want to make regular trips to bookstores and cafes and the local library. I’m plan on resting completely on Sundays.
Read widely.
Uncle Stevie — the one and only Stephen King — famously said a writer can’t be a writer unless she is also a reader. It must be part of the regular schedule. Saunders also suggests to “…but read everything you can get your hands on.” Book clubs can help with broadening literary horizons for any reader. Saunders goes on to say, “Study the various techniques and styles you come across, and make notes about what works and what doesn’t. You can learn just as much from bad writing as you can from good writing. All this provides not only a literary education but a solid grounding for your own work. Finally, visit or revisit some of the greats and try to understand what makes them great.” I’m also endeavoring to annotate more consistently when I’m reading.
Consume media.
Saunders bluntly states, “Consume all media. That means magazines, TV shows, movies, podcasts, radio shows, and websites, especially those which publish content with a cohesive narrative structure. Study the plot, the characterization, the pacing, and the dialogue. If you have never read poetry, read some poetry.” Consuming media can also benefit a writer’s blog. Saunders points out, “Writing opinion pieces or short reviews of the things you see or hear is not only a great way to flex your writing muscles, but also provides a steady stream of content for your blog or social media channels.”
Keep records.
“Take copious notes;” that’s why I journal. I also save every journal that I fill. Saunders offers some words to live by: “Life is happening all around you, so document as much of it as you can. You never know when inspiration will strike or when something seemingly mundane will ‘land’ and provide a spark.” I carry a notebook and pens with me wherever I go. I wholeheartedly agree with Saunders when he advises, “When you have an idea for a story, or a snippet of dialogue spontaneously forms in your mind, write it down immediately. Don’t trust yourself to remember it later.” If I don’t write it down, I will definitely forget.
Be organized.
I track my submissions and keep all my creative pieces on my laptop and in a drawer. I’m also a sucker for a solid to-do list. Saunders also says, “Physically write your to-do list on paper, or print it out and pin it somewhere you will see it multiple times a day. On the wall of your office, for example, or on your refrigerator door. This makes it more tangible.” This is where my love for Post-Its becomes beneficial instead of just … weird.
Create clear goals.
I want a literary agent. It’s been over a year since I finished Lightning Strikes and I have received many, many rejections. So by this time next year, I hope to have secured a small but prestigious press for publishing my manuscript. But drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes while reading in a cozy scarf and thick-framed glasses will not make me a writer. Saunders says, “You should always aim to work smarter, not harder, but as a writer, you won’t get very far if you don’t write. Be firm but realistic.” No matter what. the writing needs to get done. Using a reward system can benefit productivity, and it’s always a good idea to be good to yourself.

I do have a blog post or two dedicated entirely to preparing for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Between that and these seven habits, I believe my writing life will change for the better.

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