building a writing routine that works: the tutorial 📝🎧

Summary

In this video, the speaker addresses the challenges of starting a writing routine and offers practical tips to overcome writer's block. They emphasize the importance of identifying the right time and place for writing, minimizing distractions, and creating a conducive environment. The speaker also suggests various warm-up exercises to ease into the writing process and recommends focusing on the quality of writing over word count. They encourage writers to find alternative ways to measure success and celebrate small victories to maintain motivation and productivity.

Takeaways

• 📝 The blank page can be intimidating, but establishing a productive writing routine can help overcome this.
• ⏰ Identifying a consistent writing time, even if not every day, can be beneficial for maintaining a writing habit.
• 🏠 Finding a dedicated and distraction-free place to write is crucial for staying focused.
• 🎧 Using headphones in a coffee shop can create a focused environment away from home distractions.
• 📱 Keeping the phone out of sight can reduce the urge to check it and maintain writing momentum.
• ✍️ Handwriting notes or doing a quick warm-up activity can help transition into 'writer mode'.
• 🔍 Exploring different starting points for a chapter or scene can reveal more engaging entry points for the story.
• 🎬 Viewing the story like a movie and considering the most interesting 'shot' can enhance narrative perspective.
• 🚫 Avoiding constant word count checks can reduce pressure and allow for more natural writing flow.
• 🏆 Celebrating non-word-count achievements like tackling a difficult scene can boost writing morale.

Q & A

What is the main challenge the speaker addresses in the script?

The main challenge the speaker addresses is the struggle with productivity and focus during writing time, especially when facing a blank page.

What does the speaker suggest as the first step to improve writing productivity?

The first step suggested is to identify your time, meaning finding a time that works best for you to write, even if it's not every day.

Why does the speaker recommend identifying a specific place for writing?

The speaker recommends identifying a specific place to minimize distractions and to create an environment conducive to writing.

What is the significance of the speaker's preference for writing in a coffee shop?

The speaker prefers writing in a coffee shop because the effort of going out of the house helps her focus and make the most of the writing time.

How does the speaker suggest dealing with the phone while writing?

The speaker suggests either using the phone for playing music or leaving it out of sight in a purse to avoid distractions.

What warm-up activity does the speaker recommend before starting to write?

The speaker recommends handwriting a few notes or expanding on the existing outline to get into the right headspace for writing.

Why is exploring different starting points beneficial according to the speaker?

Exploring different starting points is beneficial because it can lead to a more interesting narrative and help overcome writer's block.

What advice does the speaker give regarding word count during writing sessions?

The speaker advises against focusing on word count, as it can be detrimental to self-esteem and the quality of writing.

How does the speaker suggest measuring success during a writing session?

The speaker suggests measuring success by the time dedicated to writing, tackling challenging scenes, or the quality of lines written, rather than just word count.

What is the overall impact of incorporating the speaker's suggestions into one's writing routine?

Incorporating the suggestions can lead to improved writing quality, increased productivity, and a more positive approach to writing.

How does the speaker feel about the community and support for her channel?

The speaker expresses gratitude for the growing community and support for her channel, appreciating the engagement and feedback from viewers.