By Christen Krumm, @christenkrumm
It’s the age-old question. How can I get more writing done? The easiest thing to tell you is to take a page from Nike’s book and “Just Do It,” but I don’t think that’s necessarily what we need to hear.
I’m always looking for that secret series of events that will magically help me to get more writing done. In truth, I’m probably wishing to have a few more extra hours in the day, but we all have the same twenty-four hours. I’ve compiled my top four (and a bonus) tips for getting more writing done when you sit down at the blank page.
Four Tips to Get More Writing Done
Schedule your writing time. I know there is nothing new about this tip. I want to go further by saying the earlier in the day, the better. Especially if you also work full-time. I currently work full time, and after working a full day, there just isn’t much left over when I meet the page (whether for drafting or editing). I like to set aside an hour each morning before I start work, and I also have one full day during the week (either a weekday or on the weekend) to focus on writing. Even if you can only spare twenty or thirty minutes a day, schedule that time into your day, and then treat it like you would any other appointment. Don’t skimp on yourself. Promise yourself this time, and then show up.
Put your phone in a box (or better yet in another room). I’ve fought this one everything in me. But the truth is, as soon as I finish a sentence or hit a snag in my manuscript, I reach for my phone for just a quick scroll on the Gram. This breaks any flow you may have had (or started getting into) and chances are, you’ll end up scrolling for longer than you wanted or planned. If you absolutely must have your phone with you, put it on Do Not Disturb, and use an app like Forest (If you get the chance to download Forest, use the code 56JTH3ESG to connect with me + we’ll both get extra coins!)
Use writing sprints. Whether you have all day, or you only have ten minutes, writing sprints are your friend. The brilliant thing about writing sprints is you can do them by yourself or with a friend. You can join a Discord server that runs sprints with a bot (it’s my favorite) or you can run with a timer. The goal of a writing (or editing) sprint is to put your head down and work for the allotted amount of time. My favorite sprint length is fifteen minutes, but I’m playing with Pomodoros (twenty-five minutes of work, five-minute break). There are many great (free) Pomodoro timers on YouTube (as a Swiftie, this is one of my favorites).
Know your why. Always, always, know your why. When you get to the point that you want to quit (you will get there) if you know your why, it will give you the strength to push through and keep going instead of quitting for forever. If you can fit your why on a Post-It Note, write it down and post it where you can see it — either on your laptop or on your desktop (or both).
Pray every time before you sit down to write. Yes, I know I said four tips, and I’m giving you five, but you can consider this a bonus. As authors, we have the amazing opportunity to create with our Creator. Why wouldn’t we first invite him into our space? Ask Him to come alongside you.
I hope these tips will help you get more writing time in your day. Remember the most important thing you can do to get more writing done is to show up, get in your chair, and get the writing done. Cheering for you.
Lyla Taylor has built a social media empire around her Ruby Rose brand. Yet, one wrong post causes her carefully constructed world to collapse. With no other options, Lyla agrees to a six-week reset in rural Montana in what she believes will be a high-end spa. Lyla couldn’t have been more wrong. When her first night on the Milner farm is interrupted by unwelcome guests of the raccoon variety, Lyla is ready to throw in the towel and head back to civilization.
Amishman Reuben Milner may crumble if one more thing is added to his to-do list. After the passing of his dat, Reuben has stepped up to be the man of the family. Reuben has no time to rest with his mem and four sisters still living at home. Not to mention, his secret career as a novelist isn’t exactly in line with a devoted Amish lifestyle.
Reuben doesn’t see any way out of his double life when the elders start pressuring him to join the church. And while the rental of their dawdy house brings in much-needed funds, it soon becomes evident that their high-maintenance guest will add to his workload and stir up fond affections that Reuben must squash down.
When the Milners need help sprucing up their rental, Lyla is quick to jump in, taking her mind off the problems she left behind. But the more Lyla works on the rental with Reuben, the more she wonders if her former life is worth returning to. Yet is it the simple life that Lyla’s heart longs for or a particular guarded Amishman with secrets of his own?
Christen Krumm is the author of the YA romantic comedy, It Happened at Christmas, and her adult fiction debut On the Golden Cliffs. She probably drinks too much coffee and creating stories is her favorite. During the day she runs CK Productions — a virtual assisting business specializing in author assisting and podcast production. Her favorite color is green (or black). She likes big glasses, happy mail, and pretends she likes to run (she doesn’t). She lives with her husband and three wildings in a small Oklahoma town. Connect with Christen at christenkrumm.com and on Instagram @christenkrumm.