NONFICTION NINJAS
  • Home
  • Meet the Ninjas
    • Michelle Medlock Adams
    • Lisa Amstutz
    • Stephanie Bearce
    • Nancy Churnin
    • Susie Kralovansky
    • Wendy Hinote Lanier
    • Pat Miller
    • Christine Liu Perkins
    • Peggy Thomas
  • Ninja Notebook
  • Contact

The Reluctant Writer

12/12/2018

0 Comments

 
by Wendy Hinote Lanier
Picture
I hate writing. I love having written.
The above quote is often attributed to Dorothy Parker although there’s no evidence she ever said it. But lots of other writers have—including me.

Sometimes writing is easy. It just flows out of you. But if we’re honest, most of the time writing is the result of hard work and more than a few tears. It doesn’t come easily. And there are lots of times when you’ll do almost anything (remember that drawer that hasn’t been cleaned out in years?) to avoid it.

I have to admit, I’m a champ at avoiding my writing tasks. I’m so good at it, I’ve had to find ways to force myself into positions where I MUST write. I share a few of them here in the hopes it will help you become more productive, too.
​
  • Make a list. It’s my number one strategy for getting things done. The trick is to put the list where you see it often. I usually make lists of things I want to get done in a week or a month. The satisfaction of being able to cross off an item tends to fuel the desire to cross off the next one. And before you know it, the list is complete. (Shhh. Don’t tell anybody, but it’s really just a simple version of goal setting.)                                                                                                                                        
  • Set a timer. Promise yourself you’ll put in just X number of minutes a day. Set the timer and get busy. Chances are, when the timer goes off you’ll keep going.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
  • Change your setting. Sometimes you need to get out and write somewhere other than your home. Libraries and coffee shops make great places to write. Or maybe the best thing is to go where there’s no wi-fi. Just take your laptop and go!                                                                                                   
  • Make a commitment. Deadlines are wonderful motivators. Sign a contract for a project or enter a contest with a deadline. Once you commit, you’ll have to follow through.                                                               
And finally:
  • Find your tribe. Join the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators,  find a critique group, or join a writer’s group. Find the people that will encourage you to move forward. You’ll be glad you did.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Authors

    We are nonfiction authors who support readers and writers through our writing, author visits, and workshops.

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    Disclaimer

    The Nonfiction Ninjas are a group of writers with diverse ideas and a strong belief in The First Amendment. The views expressed in each post are those of the author and may differ from others in the group.​

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018

    Categories

    All
    Agent
    Andrea Somberg
    Back Matter
    Bibliography
    Biographies
    Book Dummy
    Bookstore
    Breaking Writers Block
    Deadlines
    Editing
    Ghostwriting
    Holidays
    Holiday Stories
    Humor
    Inspiration
    Magazines
    Market Analysis
    Mentoring
    Mentor Texts
    Middle Grade NF
    Nonfiction
    Organization
    Picture Books
    Primary-sources
    Questions
    Reluctant Writer
    Research
    Rhyme
    Seasonal Stories
    Twitter Pitches
    Word Count
    Work For Hire
    Writing In Sprints
    Writing Protocol
    Writing Strengths
    Writing Tips

Copyright @2021
  • Home
  • Meet the Ninjas
    • Michelle Medlock Adams
    • Lisa Amstutz
    • Stephanie Bearce
    • Nancy Churnin
    • Susie Kralovansky
    • Wendy Hinote Lanier
    • Pat Miller
    • Christine Liu Perkins
    • Peggy Thomas
  • Ninja Notebook
  • Contact