The notebook trick didn’t work today. Actually . . . I didn’t write at all.
And, I don’t know why.
Actually, I do know why–I just didn’t write. I just, on multiple occasions, hit the point where I could’ve written, and instead of doing that, I just didn’t. Not my proudest confession, but I’ll own it at least.
What I need to do . . . is find my rhythm. Find it . . . and keep it. Figure out a way to settle myself into writing every day.
Because, NaNoWriMo is awesome, but it’s also just training. Writing is an art, and a skill. You only get better if you do it every day.
I have no idea how many words are good for each day (and I imagine that’s the kind of thing that would be different for everyone–the same way some writers can only belt out chapters on a typewriter while others need a computer), but I feel that, no matter who you are, it’s undeniably good to write every day. Sure, when I’m writing all the time, consistently, I can establish break days.
But, right now . . . I need to figure out a methodology.
What is it that makes me want to write? What can I rely on to keep me consistently productive?
I know that going out absolutely helps, but I know that I can’t go out every single day. So, how do I convince myself to write when I can’t go out?
Eh. “Convince.” Wrong word. Motivate. How do I motivate myself to write?
What I’m sure about:
- Being outside motivates me. Why? Possibly because it’s the closest I can come to having an office? I step out of my home, set up shop somewhere else, ready to get to work?
- Having coffee, tea, any staple, hot beverage motivates me too. Why? Because it’s just . . . the writer’s way? Both an incentive of and compliment to the writing process?
- Having a starting scene–an anticipated line of dialogue–also motivates me. And this one’s easy; it’s just always great to sit down with a clear idea of what to write first.
- I like writing in the morning. Why? Because, as the day goes on, I go into Just Got Home From Work, Time to Relax mode. Also because, if I wait until night, the chances that I’m going to feel like I already wasted the day skyrocket.
So, looking at all of this . . . I’m thinking, establish a small workplace at home. Have coffee, my tablet. Start in the early morning, beginning with a line I already have in mind . . . but stop when I still know what’s coming next–try my best to leave an exciting, clear line to begin with the next day.
We’ll see how it goes.
House of Error 
Sounds like you have a plan there – give it a go and see how you do. I too like to go out to write. I do it once or twice a week and really look forward to sitting in these two or three particular coffee shops. I onow that I’ll have at least 2000 words pumped out when I’m in ‘coffee shop mode.’ At home there are many more distractions. One thing I’ve found is that there’s at least a 10-15 minute ‘getting in the zone’ period which is hard work. Something that makes it easier is reviewing the previous writing session. I leave a lot of xxxxxs in the first draft where I haven’t found exactly the right word or I need a character name. In this review session I’m often able to complete those blanks and it has a great motivational effect. Hope today’s session goes well for you. By the way, I’m reading through Aixa the Hexcaster at present and really enjoying it!
Coffee shop mode is the best. In fact, it’s so the best that just reading that comment gave me major withdrawal. LOL Like, “Man, I’ve gotta do it at least once this week,” withdrawal. : )
But yeah, the distractions at home are just killer. I managed to beat it today, but it was rough. Although I think I know why it’s been such a pain with the intro for this book (and that’s likely what I’ll be writing about tomorrow). Regardless, using that “getting in the zone” period to round out your work sounds like an awesome idea; I leave placeholders in my work too, so I’ll definitely give it a shot.
Also, thanks, man. It’s so bizarre to occasionally check and find that, yep . . . That story is still there. Not that I’m expecting it to disappear, but it’s still out where anyone can see it. So weird.
Anyway, I hope your writing’s been going well, man!