Writing Work Habits Are Habit-Forming

You are the only one who can determine which place, time, and tools give you the best support as a writer. Some writers work best in pen and ink, others write best sprawled on their beds, while others can only write at the keyboard. Some writers start sharply at 8:00 a.m., rely on hard chairs, clean tables and a handful of number 2 pencils.

The place where a writer writes is extremely important; when choosing a place to write, keep the following tips in mind:

• Keep distractions minimal

• Control interruptions

• Have access to notes, journal, textbooks, sources and other materials

Time of day and tools a writer uses can also affect attitude and efficiency. Whatever time a writer chooses it should always be regular and at least three days per week.

Writing tools such as pen, pencil, paper, legal pads, note cards, notebooks, and computer should also be comfortable for you, the writer. Try a combination of tools and as you try different tools be aware of how you feel and if the tools make you more effective. Feelings comfort help to establish rituals that lead to regular practice which leads to more effective writing. Rituals help you get started writing.

When writer's block appears try these techniques:

• Start anywhere, quickly; if the first sentence is hard to write, begin with first thoughts that into your mind, or a good example from your experience to get you going

• Write the easiest parts first

• Keep moving

• Quit when you know what comes next

A very important strategy is to take a break from the past and begin with a fresh image. Writing rituals should include positive images about the writer you are right now and realistic expectations about what you can accomplish.

• Visualize yourself writing. As you plan activities for the day, visualize yourself writing at your favorite place. This helps maintain a positive attitude.

• Discover and emphasize the aspects of writing that are fun for you. Is it discovering the idea, getting a paragraph organized, clearing the unnecessary words out of your writing? Whatever it is you like best concentrate on those parts; it will help you make it through the tougher parts.

• Set modest goals for yourself

• Congratulate yourself for the writing you do

Keep a Journal

Many writers keep some kind of journal or notebook to write down their thoughts, ideas, plans, and important events. Other types of journals may include:

• Weblogs

• Blogs

Journals and blogs can be a place for daily writing. Keeping a private, written journal allows you to later select what you want others to read. Blogs are there fro others to read and respond to. Use your journal or blog as a part of a daily writing ritual. Write in your journal or blog:

• Notes and ideas

• Bits and pieces of experience

• Responses to essays or books you are reading

A journal or blog can be for formal assignments or just a place to practice. Journal entries fall into three categories:

• Reading entries

• Write-to-learn entries

• Writing entries

All three categories of journal entries help you:

• Warm up

• Test ideas

• Make writing plans

• Practice rhetorical strategies

• Solve specific writing problems

All three categories also help you take advantage of the unique relationship between thinking, writing, and learning. Writing helps you learn what you know and don't know. Whatever are your particular writing work habits is what becomes habit-forming. Practice those rituals that will create a more efficient writer.

Source: The Prentice Hall Guide for College Writers by Stephen Reid