How to Battle One of a Writer's Worst Enemies—PROCRASTINATION

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I have confession to make. I am and world class master at procrastination. If I'm on a deadline I can find more things—non writing related—to keep me away from the computer. Some of my favorites include:

• Cleaning out my shoes
• Organizing my craft closet
• Deep-cleaning the bathrooms
• Rearranging my phone screens and apps
• Planting a garden (did I mention I am not and have never been a gardener?)
• Scheduling a mammogram (okay this one IS important, but normally I should have done it months earlier and I'm now using it as an excuse)

I think you get the idea. 

Don't get me wrong though. I love writing. And I love talking about writing.

Sitting around with other writers, discussing all things literary is one of my favorite things. It’s one of the reasons I love attending writing conferences.

But there are people we know who like talking about writing so much that’s all they do. They join writers groups, critique groups, even take classes. 

The one thing they don’t do is write. And if we're not careful, we can slip into this trap. 

Writing is hard work. Avoiding it is often easier than just sitting in the chair and banging out words. There comes a time though, when we have to just quit procrastinating, sit in the chair and write.

My 9 Tips for Battling Writing Procrastination

1. Set a goal. I play games with my goals. Sometimes I’ll set a time goal—I’m going to write for an hour—no matter what. Sometimes I’ll set a word count goal—I’m not going to get up until I’ve written 1000 words.

2. Set a reward. I try to avoid food related goals, but truthfully, nothing helps the words flow like the promise of chocolate. However, the promise of a new pair of shoes after turning in a big project also works for me!

3. Break your project into manageable pieces. Don’t tackle a hard goal all at once. Break it into small manageable bits. This will help you see the progress.

4. Turn on the music. For me, music (instrumental—no words) helps me get in the groove.

5. Change the scenery. When I hit a wall, it helps to go around it—literally. If I’m in my office, I may move to the dining room or even the back porch.

6. Turn off the Internet. Or at least log off your social media. It’s tempting to ask for support or commiseration on Facebook, but it can lead to conversation. And the only words you need are the ones that show up on the page.

7. Schedule a Write-in. Get a friend or two and hold each other accountable. If you can’t meet in person, get together online, through Skype or a Google Hangout.

8. Take part in Writing Sprints. Lynn Blackburn is a huge fan of this (as are others) and here's her blog post, Do You Participate in Writing Sprints? 

9. Throw up on the page. NO, not literally. But I’ve found that sometimes I have to write junk before I can get to the good stuff. So go ahead and write crap, get it out of the way and keep going. Chances are there is something useable in it.

Now I’d like to hear from you. What tricks have you found to keep yourself in the chair banging out words?

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How to Battle One of a Writer's Worst Enemies—PROCRASTINATION from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.