Becoming a disciplined writer is a practice. Do you struggle with becoming a disciplined writer on a regular basis and do you wish you could be more focused? Do you ask yourself, “Why is it so hard to write when I really do want to write?” You have to decide to become a disciplined writer

Becoming a disciplined writer is a practice.

Do you struggle with becoming a  disciplined writer on a regular basis and do you wish you could be more focused? Do you ask yourself, “Why is it so hard to write when I really do want to write?”

You have to opt for becoming a disciplined writer

The good news is that while it may be hard at first to write, getting on a schedule can make it easier by the day. That’s right: a commitment to writing on schedule may be the clincher you need to succeed.

“But what if I don’t feel like writing one day!” you insist.

My answer is always the same: “No problem! On the days you feel like writing, you write. On those days you don’t feel like writing, you write just the same.’

Now, how complicated can that be?

A real-life example from one woman on becoming a disciplined writer

The following is from an e-mail we received from a coaching client.

“Having written every day now for months, I’ve seen a change in how I approach my work. I used to write every day out of duty, knowing that, if I did, I would be pleased with how my stories were adding up. I had a strong sense that it was the right thing to do.

“Then something unexpected happened. I noticed how good it makes me feel now to write as much as I am. If I don’t write on any given day, there seems to be something missing. I find myself getting up in the morning wanting to write first thing. I look forward to writing and, if something happens that I can’t write right when I get up, I keep thinking of when in the day I’ll be writing. I’ve got to get my writing in. It’s like missing a meal and thinking all the time about when you’ll be eating again!

“Writing my memoirs is not a duty any more—it’s a wonderful opportunity in my day that gives me great peace and joy.

“If a writer wants to write more easily and enjoyably, s/he ought to get on a writing schedule.”

Elements of a writing schedule

To be effective, your writing schedule—your path to becoming a disciplined writer—ought to have:

• regularity—occurring either on the same days and/or at the same times.
• long enough to make some headway
• be at times that are realistic

Action Steps

1. Create a writing schedule. Decide at what time you write best and set yourself up to write at least three hours a week for the coming four weeks (one month)—one hour on three different days or one and half hours on two or three days of any given week. (Of course, if you want to write more than three hours per week that is even better.) It’s up to you to decide but, whatever you decide, honor your commitment (unless your commitment is to do nothing—in that case, I urge you to break that commitment!)
2. At the end of one month, assess whether you have increased your production, have a much greater sense of satisfaction, and are on your way to becoming a disciplined writer. (I already know the answer—and I bet you do, too!)
3. Continue your schedule as long as it works for you.