Written by: Suzanne Lieurance, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
If you want to become a professional writer, it’s important to start a regular writing practice.
This can be difficult if you have a regular day job right now, but you’re hoping to eventually transition into full-time (or even part-time) writing.
However, with some planning and dedication, it’s entirely possible to start writing on a regular basis even when you’re working at another job.
Here are some writing tips to help you get started:
Set Clear Goals: Define why you want to establish a writing practice. Having a clear purpose will motivate you to find time for writing.
Prioritize and Schedule: Look at your daily schedule and identify pockets of time that you can allocate to writing. This might mean waking up a bit earlier, dedicating your lunch break, or finding time in the evening. Even short sessions can add up over time.
Create a Realistic Routine: If you’re working long work hours at your day job, it's important to set realistic goals. Start with a small and achievable writing goal, such as writing for 15-30 minutes a day. Consistency is more important than the duration of each session.
Eliminate Distractions: During your designated writing time, eliminate distractions as much as possible. Turn off notifications, find a quiet space, and let others know you're not to be disturbed during this period.
Use Productive Breaks: If possible, use short breaks during your workday for quick writing sessions. Even 5-10 minutes can help you jot down ideas, outlines, or even a few sentences.
Carry a Notebook or Device: Keep a small notebook or a writing app on your phone/tablet with you at all times. This way, if you have a moment of inspiration or downtime, you can capture your thoughts.
Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that some days might be tougher than others to find time to write. Be forgiving of yourself, but also make a conscious effort to find even a few minutes when possible.
Set Up a Method of Accountability and Support: Share your writing goal with a friend, family member, or writing group. Having someone to hold you accountable can help you stick to your commitment. (Note: The Monday Morning Shove is really good for this. Check it out!)
Try Batch Writing: If you can find a longer stretch of time on your days off, consider doing batch writing. Write multiple pieces or sections at once. This works really well for blog posts because you can schedule them for different dates and times.
Be Flexible: Life can be unpredictable. If your work schedule changes or unexpected events arise, be willing to adjust your writing routine accordingly without feeling discouraged.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, even if it's just a few lines written on a busy day. Each step counts toward building a consistent practice.
Experiment and Adapt: Over time, you'll learn what times of the day work best for your writing. Experiment with different approaches and adapt your routine accordingly.
Building a writing practice takes time and dedication.
The key is to start small, stay consistent, and gradually expand your writing time as your circumstances allow.
Try it!
Suzanne Lieurance, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Suzanne Lieurance is an award-winning author, freelance writer, ghost writer, writing coach, speaker, online content creator, and CEO of WritebytheSea.com. She has written over 40 published books and her articles and stories have appeared in various magazines, newsletters, and newspapers, such as Family Fun, Instructor, New Moon for Girls, KC Weddings, The Journal of Reading, and Children’s Writer to name a few. Her mission as a coach is to help those with a passion for writing become the writers they’ve always wanted to be.
