For many, writing is a "someday" project. We tell ourselves there will be a season when we have more time, space, and energy to write. We convince ourselves we need to learn the craft, take some classes, earn an M.F.A. In other words, we make excuses for why it's not the right time to write. We often put so much pressure on ourselves to produce something that's worthy of being published - whether it's a blog post or a manuscript. And we make demands of ourselves when it comes to word count, pages, or productivity. It's an easy way to procrastinate because we may be fearful of our own abilities, or caught up in imposter syndrome.
If you are waiting for the perfect time to write, it will never come. There is no better time than now. The writer, Louis L'Amour said, "Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on."
Sometimes, we just need to turn on the faucet . The habit of sitting down at a specific time each day will allow creativity to flow a little more with each turn. Write one sentence, then call yourself a writer and get up tomorrow with the same goal. One sentence. Then two. A paragraph, a page, a chapter, then a manuscript. It will flow as you continue to show up and turn on the faucet.
Five Tips to Start Writing NOW
Decide what time of day you will write and put it on your schedule.
Show up and don't put pressure on yourself to write something amazing. Give yourself permission to write what is easy at first.
Set a timer and when it goes off, know that you can walk away (but it's okay if you're on a roll and want to keep writing).
Don't edit as you go. Just write.
Write even when you don't feel like it. Writing will always make you feel better.
Whatever you have written is what makes you a writer. So find your time and space, put words on paper, and know that you are a writer. What are you waiting for?
