Daily writing will make you a better writer.
That’s the blog distilled into one sentence. If you get that, act on it now then you can click out.
All the best with the daily writing.
Oh, you’re still here?
In that case, let’s get into it, shall we?
Cool.
Here’s a bit of backstory first.
I was working with someone on a script.
The content of the script wasn’t really that important, but it was more about how we worked together.
We were doing drafts it in relays, they would write a bit, I would write a bit. It would go back and forward like that until we had a first draft completed.
It never got to the first draft.
The project was fun while we worked on it, going back and forth with each other.
Then it all went quiet.
There was no reason to chase them up because, to be honest, there were other projects I had to work on.
I got in contact with them to see how they were getting on in general.
Then that’s when they dropped the WB word, “Sorry, came down with a case of writer’s block,”.
Here’s the thing, it doomed the writing relationship.
It probably won’t progress any further.
Why do I say that?
It’s because they mentioned “it”.
Whisper it: Writer’s block.
You probably know what I’m going to write next. In fact, you’ve already imagined me saying what I’m about to say.
Let’s get on with it, shall we?
Writers’ block does not exist.
I know, such a cliche. Imagine that.
Here’s the thing, you may have said that you have writers’ block but be real with yourself.
You know you don’t.
You know in your hear it doesn’t exist.
Writers’ block is an excuse you tell yourself, so you don’t have to put in the work.
I know you’re going to plead, you’re not making excuses, you genuinely have writers’ block.
Yeah, whatever, I’m sure you’re different.
You know how I know you’re talking out your ass.
I know because writers’ block is the same excuse I told myself.
There is only one way to make yourself realise that writers’ block is a load of shit.
You do this by forming a daily writing habit.
Daily writing
How do you do that?
You write every day.
Simple as that.
Set time aside and start daily writing.
Now I’m not expecting you to write a novel every day although, you could do that if you wanted.
When you are forming the start small.
Like real small, as in setting yourself a word count and then half it.
That’s what I did.
The most wonderful Saba Ahmad was writing 25-word poems every day. She was seeing massive returns on her blog. That inspired me.
I wanted to do that.
I wanted to write around 1000 words a day.
Part of me knew that if I didn’t hit the mark, then I’d beat myself up and claim “writers’ block”.
Halved the number of words to 500. Then because I am super lazy thought to myself, you know what I’m going to make this even easier so I cut it down to 300 words.
Why 300? Because that’s the minimum amount, you need to have it rank on SEO.
Then I wrote the 300 words at the start of September last year.
Then I did the same thing the next day and the next and the day after that. After a while, I realised that I had written every day until the end of the year.
It was also published online, if I didn’t post, then there was no accountability.
Now, let me be clear, I broke the habit throughout most of January but once February hit I was back at it and all the harder too.
That wasn’t even the best part.
You want to know the best part?
The secret bonus that no-one tells you about.
Daily writing secret bonus #1
You’ll write more.
I started to write more than 300 words. The word count kept going up and up. Kept pushing myself that little bit further each time. Soon It was up to 500 words, then 1000.
Look at my current word count log book.
Once I started logging how many words, dated and time it, my progress went through the roof.
Daily writing secret bonus #2
You’ll be able to plan projects better.
Now when you time yourself, you know roughly how long it takes you to write something. You can plan out projects more accurately. You can get back to people with accurate estimates.
For example, don’t know when, but I know at some point this year I am going to have a 10k word day. I cannot wait.
The other gift daily writing will bestow upon you?
Daily writing secret bonus #3
You’re writing is going to become so much better.
You will have to learn how to write better too.
Don’t know where to start?
Highly recommend you read Ca$hvertising. Writers from all disciplines can learn from this short and sweet book.
Practice daily writing for 30 days. Then compare the first day and the last.
You’ll see what I mean.
Conclusion
Do you think I worry about writers’ block? I’m about to crush a new personal best I don’t have time to think about writers’ block.
Writer’s block is bullshit.
I know because I used to allow myself to believe in it.
You’re allowing yourself to believe in it too.
Start a daily writing habit today, and you’ll crush your writers’ block.
****
Did you like what you read?
If you did would you mind signing up to my email because you’re a legend.
Thank you and have a great day,
Kieran
