Why I Love My Writing Strategy

I’m experimenting with a new writing strategy that will hopefully make me a more productive writer here on Medium.

I will write about writing.

Since becoming a Medium member in December 2019, I’ve read countless blog posts from Startups, Writer’s Shed, Lucky Freelancer and others. Most all the writers have one thing in common they mention; “to be a good writer, you must write every day. I agree. And most writers also mention that if you want to be a good writer; “you must read every day”. I agree.

But the thing that confuses me is how to develop a writing strategy that works for you. If you are like me and work a 40–50 hours per week public job, have household chores to take care of, children, pets or other pressing obligations, then finding time to write is a real challenge. But don’t be discouraged. Please!

It is possible to find your way…your own custom-made style that works for you.

I thought I would outline my new style hoping you may get some rich ideas from me that may work for you.

Lay out your work the night before.

I suggest you have a specific writing space set up for your writing; such as a writing desk, the sofa, or kitchen table, whatever is comfortable for you. Being that writing works for me best in the early morning, I want to sit down at a place where I have my favorite pens and paper laid out for me, adequate lighting, and have the room temperature comfortable. With having to search for my tools before I write is a distraction that sets me back from my creativity.

Get up at 5 a.m.

I get up at 5 a.m. every morning except Saturday and Sunday. The reason I do this is so I won’t be late for my day job as a public school teacher. I leave my home at 6:30 a.m. and report promptly at 7 a.m. But, I enjoy giving myself an hour and a half to get going and wake up. I’ve gotta take my meds, make coffee for myself, and let the dogs go outside to relieve themselves, while I get myself focused on my writing.

Afterwards, I sit at my desk and write for 15–20 minutes, then go sit on the sofa and meditate on the day ahead. @Jun Wv wrote that writing in 15-minute increments helps her write a lengthy long article in a day. I will try her strategy and see how well this strategy works for me. I like the idea.

I usually write in my personal journal recoding quick notes and review what worked and what didn’t work in my writing strategy. You know it’s good to keep a record and reflect back on yourself.

Usually, I command my echo dot to play Merle Haggard on Amazon music after writing for 15 minutes. I’ve been listening to Merle over 50 years and his voice gives me new energy to get moving so I won’t be late for work. It always works for me.

As I’m driving to work, I still think about my blog post that I’m working on.

If a new idea pops in my head…I’ll write it down in my little moleskin notebook.

My little moleskin notebook

I like the moleskin notebooks, mostly because they don’t have a wire binder and they’re comfortable to carry around in my pants pocket. It’s always with me… a writer’s best friend. As I find new inspiration, I immediately write the thought down in my notebook.

Since I believe that all problems have a solution; often times little seeds of thought build and surface into a solution for me.

For example, my new writing habits.

On Saturday and Sundays, I edit and publish my posts

I’m off from my public job on Saturday and Sunday. I allow myself to sleep in if I want to or get up at 5 a.m. and start working on my blog posts. On these two days, I will edit my work and publish. After I take care of this task, I feel like a success. I’ve defeated procrastination and I’m training my brain to be consistent with my writing habits and build my self-confidence. I’m seeing that over time, I may become a faster, excited and aggressive writer.

I write for myself, it’s a hobby of mine. I like the challenge of arranging words and having self-discipline to ease over-whelm and anxiety.

The Final Takeaway

I hope you find your writing path that works best for you. Should you find some good strategies of mine, I wish you to share your success with others.

Thanks for reading.