Nine questions to get you writing more: 1- Small actions

The Zen Habits blog listed ten questions that can help you take action. In this series of posts I'm going to suggest how to apply nine of those specifically to writing more. You can easily adapt them apply to drawing more, or whatever creative activity you'd like to increase).

1. Is there a small action you can take right now?

Here are eight small writing-related actions you can do right now:

* Read a page or two of writing by your favorite author (you can keep a copy of the work in question in the smallest room in your house...).

* Read a page or two of a good book on writing (for example, Your Writing Coach or Your Creative Writing Masterclass...I don't know why those two popped into my mind...)

* Jot down one thing about your protagonist's appearance, mannerisms, goals, values, or habits.

* In a small notebook jot down one thing you need to decide or figure out about what you're writing, for instance the antagonist's motivation, or where should you set a particular scene. Carry that notebook and a pen with you.

 

* The next time you're waiting for a bus or in a line, get out that notebook and brainstorm the thing you're trying to decide. Write down any ideas that come to you.

 

* Look at and listen to the people around you. Are there any things you see that could be useful for your characters---an item of clothing, an overheard comment, a way of moving, a hairstyle?

 

* Imagine your protagonist or other major character is with you. How would he or she react to whatever is happening right now? It's a good way to get to know your characters.

 

* When you are rewriting, take one page with you and review it when you have spare moments. Jot down any changes you want to make. (Note: do this after you've tackled any big changes--this is more for polishing than basic rewriting).

 

If your problem is that you don't know how to get started, get one of the free "Getting Started Guides" at www.TimeToWrite.com