The Reluctant Writer

by Wendy Hinote Lanier

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.
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• 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.