Writing - When You Don't Really Want To

Keeping a writing schedule is hard.

That's why I don't keep one. Instead, I try to dedicate a specific amount of time each day to writing. Not a certain time. Just a certain amount.

For some, this is hard enough. Keeping your mind focused and willing to write is hard, but unfortunately, it's the name of the game. Some little ways to keep you going:

1. Imagine the end result and how good it will feel when you accomplish that result. If it's a fiction piece, imagine showing it to your friends and receiving their praise. If it's a non-fiction article for a site like Associated Content, in which you are paid for your writing, set a financial goal each month that you want to reach with your writing.

2. Treat yourself for a job well done. If you make your goal of writing for the day, give yourself a little treat. Treat yourself to an hour of uninterrupted reading time with that novel you've been putting away or pop in a completely self-indulgent movie you like.

3. Turn off the television, the phone and, if you can, the internet. This will make it more difficult for you to get distracted.

The biggest thing is, when you don't make those goals, don't berate yourself. That will only work against you in the long run. Shake it off and make that goal tomorrow.

Grammar For Writers

On Oprah today, I discovered a website dedicated to helping writers and everyone else improve their writing.

Grammar Girl is a blog dedicated to helping all of us improve our grammar. With audio tips "lessons," Grammar Girl's quick and dirty tips are easily understood.

There's always something I'm messing up on grammatically, so this website is a bit of pirate's booty on the web for me.