I’m tired. I’m not inspired. Everything I tap out is garbage. The stars aren’t right.
Well, tough. Ditch the excuses and get writing. Writing is a habit (OK, it’s more than that), and it’s definitely something that you need to do every day.
It doesn’t matter if you write 100 word or 1,000. Just get them on paper or on screen. If they don’t come out in the way you want them to, edit them later today or tomorrow. Remember that editing is one of the keys to good writing.
If you find excuses not to write, those excuses will quickly become a habit. A very bad one. If you don’t write every day, you won’t improve. Worse, you’ll miss deadlines and maybe even lose gigs — whether now or in the future.
Ask yourself whether you’re serious about writing. If you are, then write. Even if you don’t feel like it.
Scott, my father used to quote an old typing exercise:
The chains of habits are to small to be noticed until they’re to strong to be broken.
I can still hear his voice.
@Anne: Now that is good advice. Better than someone yelling at you in their best drill sergeant voice.
Thank you so much for your website! I’m just starting as a freelance writer, and I’ve been perusing websites such as yours for tips. What I do now when I can’t think of a proper sentence is just write to keep writing, and I’m finding that it helps me think of better sentences later. It’s the idea of simply seeing words on a page that helps.
Just what I needed today. I just posted a link to your article in my blog… check it out if you want to. I don’t have many writers following, but your words are wise advice for anyone who is dragging… Just Do It! Thanks.