11 Simple Changes I Made to Improve My Writing Habit

Writing slips away from me sometimes. Or perhaps it's holding on with all its might as I pull away. I'm not sure which it is, but I knew this month that something had to change. Especially if I were going to publish my novel, The Suicide Tree, this year. I hope these simple changes will help you improve your own writing habit, just like they've done for me. Here's what I did:

1. Joined a writers’ group.

The Yukon Writers’ Society fell in my lap. The original organizer stepped down, so I stepped up! It was a great excuse to get some accountability and to help other locals get into the writing spirit. I’m still very new to having a writers’ group, but I’m definitely feeling encouraged just by our first meeting. Plus, I give our members homework now, which I too have to complete; that prompts me to get into my journal and be accountable to the other members. Here's this Thursday's homework in case you're curious:

• Write out and read your book/short story blurbs to the group.
• Share with us your personal writing day(s) and time for accountability. It's one thing to say, "I want to write this week!" but we reach goals when they're tangible. So you have two weeks to decide on a day and time that you will write. Then share that with us!
• Discuss your obstacles so we can all help each other overcome them.
• Complete the following writing exercise and share with us. (Optional.) If we're going to be serious writers, then we need to exercise our brains. Here's the activity: Write 5 potential book/short story titles you'd like to write and publish one day.

2. Unplugged from social media (sort of).

On Monday, I was going to shut down social media but realized what an issue that would be for potential clients trying to contact me. Plus, it’s kind of hard to completely shut down social media when you . . . coach people how to use it. Ha! So instead, I am embracing the lovely word known as willpower. I’m more cognizant of my constant use of Facebook and its brethren. So instead of checking social media eleventy billion times a day (that’s a joke), I’m replacing that activity with others things, like more work, exercise, writing, or reading.

3. Set a realistic word count goal.

I kept it simple, because I didn’t want to scare myself away. Just 500 words during writing time. That’s it. It’s not too small and it’s not too big. Just right! 

4. Chose a permanent writing time.

This was actually part of our homework in the Yukon Writers’ Society. Basically, you have to figure out when you actually have the time to write without interruption. For me, the end of the day, usually around 8:00 p.m., is the perfect time to write. By then, all my work with Curiouser is done and I’ve had dinner. So I feel like I can truly concentrate on my writing and won't worry about the things I didn't accomplish during the day.

5. Forgave myself for not writing enough.

I am the queen of beating myself up for not reaching goals. I keep harping on myself because I STILL haven’t finished this novel, and I’ve been working on it for two years. I finally forgave myself for not writing as often as I should and for ignoring my one true love: writing. 

6. Awoke my inner editor from its dreary coffin.

My profession wreaked enough havoc on my novel when I first started. I was always going back and forth without finishing, always trying to edit this or that. I shut it out at one point, finished the draft (to some degree), and accepted that all first drafts are terrible. Now, however, I woke the beast and told her to get in there and help me push this novel from mediocre to outstanding. Basically, I'm challenging myself. 

7. Read Writer’s Devotional for early-morning inspiration.

It’s like reading your Bible in the morning, except it’s for your writer’s soul. I’ve not only learned a lot from this devotional, but I’ve also been encouraged by it. If you've never tried a writer's devotional, then I highly recommend giving it a shot. 

8. Bought myself a new journal.

There’s something about a new journal that helps kickstart creativity. I got mine at Barnes & Noble and am excited to break it in with new writing ideas. It's simple, sure; but it makes me feel excited to get back into writing. 

9. Embraced the fun and passion again.

I’m going to comment on this in a future blog post, but one of the key things I learned at the DFW Writers’ Conference was this: Writing is supposed to be fun. You’re supposed to cherish it; so if you’ve lost that love, then you have to rekindle it. It was hard to get back into my novel (again) after an absence. In fact, it didn't feel fun. But once I started, I felt that passion ignite and now I'm back in the game, baby.

10. Channeled my inner college-aged Shayla.

Back in college, I wrote every single day, usually multiple times a day. Every morning at 10:00 a.m. started with writing in my notebook. I’d write about anything, really—story ideas, characters, ramblings, poems. Now? I just don’t do that anymore. My goal is to channel that Shayla from . . . ahem, so many years ago . . . and establish a better relationship with my journal. Thank goodness I have a new one.

11. Changed my Netflix + Hulu passwords.

Okay, I know I could’ve used willpower for this, but it’s so easy to just plop down and turn on the TV without thinking. Especially when it’s lunchtime. Instead, I had my friend get into my accounts to change the passwords so that I wouldn’t get in for a couple of weeks. That way, I can spend more time catching up on writing. Now, instead of turning on Rick and Morty or Scandal while watching lunch, I sit at the table and read while eating.

I would love to hear the changes you've made to get back into writing. Share them in the comments so we can all help each other!

An expert editor, seasoned writer, and author-centric marketer, Shayla Eaton works one-on-one with self-published authors, having edited three hundred books. She is the president of Curiouser Editing, where she offers top-notch publishing guidance for authors and their books.

Want to learn more about publishing, writing, and marketing? Sign up for the Curiouser Editing newsletter to receive the Pre-Publishing Checklist: A To-Do List for Indie Authors, extra authorly freebies, our favorite resources, and weekly value-packed emails.

Get Picked to Speak—An Essential Guide for Newbies

“If you don’t know what you want to achieve in your presentation, your audience never will.” —Harvey Diamond

Do you wish to move your career forward, grow your business, promote your book, connect with new clients, or highlight your message? Then you might want to consider public speaking.

Get Picked by authors Aurora Gregory and David Pitlik delivers a fresh perspective on tried-and-true methods, steering you away from the pitfalls of public speaking so you can get picked to speak.

Whether you’re looking to build your resume, strengthen your LinkedIn profile, or kickstart a new career, Get Picked will teach you how to find conferences that work for your expertise, how to effectively pitch to them, and how to deliver a compelling speech worth listening to.

Their in-depth, proven methods for writing an irresistible speaker proposal keeps you ahead of the game—because they’re ahead of the game. From writing session titles to creating drama to constructing a session story, you’ll never have to guess if your speaker proposal is worthwhile.

All their instructions are well written and easy to understand, and I appreciated the humor throughout the book to keep me entertained, which came as no surprise to me since David Pitlik spent seventeen years as a TV comedy writer. The resources on writing a speaker bio, speaker submission samplers, and dos and don’ts were a fantastic surprise, once again making this book so valuable to me as a pitching speaker.

If you’re ready to head into the speaking arena, then Get Picked is the perfect companion for any new speaker.

You can purchase their book here or visit their website here.

“Speaking at conferences is, hands down, the best way to raise your profile, be seen as an expert, and win business. Rather than focusing on one-to-one marketing methods, you can leverage your time by speaking to hundreds of prospects at once (usually, for free!). Get Picked  is the book I wish I had written on the topic. Grab this fluff-free guide to getting your name in conference programs and implement the savvy advice today. Your business or career will thank you.” —Lori Nash Byron, CEO, Famous in Your Field

Arm Your Authorly Arsenal: 10 Weapons for Novelists

As novelists, our weaponry usually consists of a piping cup of coffee, a valiant iTunes playlist, and a mighty thesaurus. But like any weapon-wielding warrior, we need to arm our arsenal with only the sharpest tools. I present to you, heroes and heroines, the ten must-have books for novelists.

1. Writing Deep Scenes

I feel like I’ve been without my armor as a novelist this entire time because I only recently discovered this magical scroll last week. Action, emotion, and theme are three concepts discussed in this resource to help you create memorable scenes.

2. A Writer's Guide to Characterization

Want to understand why your heroine stays locked away in her castle every night? Want to learn why your hero is a total jerkface to his minions? This book digs deep into your characters’ personalities, and I’m in love with the quizzes that help you choose the right archetype.

3. Your First Novel

Before you become a knight, you must become a squire. Your First Novel is a must for beginning novelists who need a walk-through.

4. The Emotion Thesaurus

Conquer any dialogue battle with Angela Ackerman’s Emotion Thesaurus. I wield it often, and you should too.  

5. The Novel Planner

Don’t expect to defeat the dragon if you don’t have a strategy. This planner has calendars, weekly tasks, and outlines to help you in your journey.

6. The 3 A.M. Epiphany

Want to be a strong, mighty writer? You’ve got to exercise that brain. Get creative and ward off writer’s block with The 3 A.M. Epiphany.

7. Bird by Bird

Everyone needs a muse, and Anne Lamott is the creative influence you need to stay inspired.

8. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Long live the king (Stephen King)! Learn more about the craft of writing. But beware of adverbs, for they pave the road to hell.

9. Writing Day In and Day Out

When you’re ready to raise the white flag and call it quits, Andi Cumbo-Floyd gently lifts your weary chin to her angelic face and whispers, “You must keep writing, noble one. Let me show you.”

10. The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Novelists

Think of this book as the War of Art for novelists—know yourself, know your enemy, only fight when you can.

What’s in your authorly arsenal? We’re always looking for books to help us conquer writer’s block and other afflictions.