I've done both of the things you suggest in your "sidle up" list and find them quite effective! I also sometimes give myself a smaller task (like, write one sentence) or give myself a short time limit (30 minutes).
I journal by hand about the writing first. Where I'm at, what difficulties I think I might have OR solutions I've thought of for the next few scenes, etc. Then I start to write a scene by hand and once I feel flow kicking in, I switch to the computer and start typing.
I like this. There are times when I find it really frustrating that the writing "just doesn't come" - particularly if I feel I should be writing about something right now (eg responding to something topical in the news). But I'm trying to flip this on its head and acknowledge and celebrate the times when it just comes naturally - and like with trying to think through problems, ideas for something to write or a structure for my next newsletter often come when I'm outdoors - for a walk, a run or on my bike. So whilst there are times when the "discipline" of sitting at my desk might help, I'm understanding more that that often just doesn't work - and doing something else will often help me move things on.
Thanks Rob! I think like many things in life this is all about balance. Sometimes you do need the discipline of sitting at the desk. Other times you need the space to come up with ideas. The key is to notice what your personal preferences are - it seems like you have. In many ways we need to redefine what 'work' looks like. Sitting at your desk in a fugg because you can't write feels like work but isn't. Going outside for a cycle might feel like down time but often, that's when the best ideas arrive. Good luck with the newsletter it's great :)
I love that! I've heard of people doing things like changing the font on screen to white so they can't read or judge or even covering their face while they type. These kind of constraints are brilliant.
I've done both of the things you suggest in your "sidle up" list and find them quite effective! I also sometimes give myself a smaller task (like, write one sentence) or give myself a short time limit (30 minutes).
Hey Sam - yup perfect! Anything to get you going and ease yourself in. Love that approach. Good luck and thanks for commenting.
I journal by hand about the writing first. Where I'm at, what difficulties I think I might have OR solutions I've thought of for the next few scenes, etc. Then I start to write a scene by hand and once I feel flow kicking in, I switch to the computer and start typing.
Love that approach Jamie :) Easing yourself in really works as it dials down the pressure. Good luck!
I like this. There are times when I find it really frustrating that the writing "just doesn't come" - particularly if I feel I should be writing about something right now (eg responding to something topical in the news). But I'm trying to flip this on its head and acknowledge and celebrate the times when it just comes naturally - and like with trying to think through problems, ideas for something to write or a structure for my next newsletter often come when I'm outdoors - for a walk, a run or on my bike. So whilst there are times when the "discipline" of sitting at my desk might help, I'm understanding more that that often just doesn't work - and doing something else will often help me move things on.
Thanks Rob! I think like many things in life this is all about balance. Sometimes you do need the discipline of sitting at the desk. Other times you need the space to come up with ideas. The key is to notice what your personal preferences are - it seems like you have. In many ways we need to redefine what 'work' looks like. Sitting at your desk in a fugg because you can't write feels like work but isn't. Going outside for a cycle might feel like down time but often, that's when the best ideas arrive. Good luck with the newsletter it's great :)
My "sidle up" trick is to write in a tiny notebook that can only hold 1-2 sentences per page.
I love that! I've heard of people doing things like changing the font on screen to white so they can't read or judge or even covering their face while they type. These kind of constraints are brilliant.