7 Writing Habits for Beginners
1. Read more books
The first step to building a solid foundation for writing is to read more books. Reading helps us expand our knowledge base and understand different perspectives on different topics.
If you read only once a week, then read something different each time. If you read the same thing over and over again, add some variety to your reading. Try new authors, genres and even formats. I recommend focusing your reading on fiction rather than non-fiction, as fiction tends to be more creative and imaginative. Focus on anything that interests you and make a note of any interesting facts you come across. Reading something different every day will improve your vocabulary, knowledge and insight into the world around you.
2. Write (nearly) every day!
It may seem like a small thing, but starting the day with writing can be extremely beneficial. Each exercise session should last at least 20 minutes, but longer periods are always useful. Some people start their day by reading emails, others write down their goals for the day, others just write down how they feel. You get what I mean...
Personally, I find that writing helps me to recover from the stress of the previous day. When I write, I can clear my head and come back to reality with a new perspective. When I'm done writing, I feel refreshed and ready for whatever comes my way!
3. Keep a journal/diary
I know it sounds like a cliché, but it's long been proven that keeping a diary is useful. Here's why:
- Keeps your mind sharp - Studies have shown that people who write something down remember it much better than those who don't. This is because memory suffers when you're constantly thinking about something. When you write something down, you simply add it to your long-term memory.
- Improves brain function - Journaling stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which increase alertness and concentration. These substances work together to provide a sense of well-being.
- Improves memory - You may not be aware that your thoughts are stored as memories in your head. A good way to develop this skill is to keep a diary. This allows you to make notes about your day, including events, feelings and emotions. Research has shown that people who keep a diary are better at remembering details. They're able to find information more easily and remember what they've written down.
- Controlling stress levels - When we don't think about stressful situations, we don't let them overwhelm us. We become more relaxed and our body produces less cortisol (stress hormone).
- Gives insight into yourself - A daily prompts you to reflect on what you are doing, what you have done, how you felt, and so on. It allows you to reflect on your life and experiences. Looking back at old entries gives you insight into yourself and how you felt in certain situations. You get to know yourself better.
4. Set yourself a word count goal
If you want to improve your writing habits, you should set yourself a word count target. This will force you to write regularly, even if it's just for ten minutes at a time. Once your brain is trained to write regularly, you can increase this to 20 minutes. After a while, you will crave this kind of consistent writing practise.
5. Take time every day to write.
Plan your daily schedule in advance so you know how much time you can devote to writing. If you work full time, it is best to set aside 30 minutes to 1 hour a day for writing. Even if you only have 20-30 minutes, try to write at home first before going to the office.
6. Learn something new everyday
Learning makes us smarter. Whether it's learning about new skills through self-directed learning, in school, in online courses or simply by watching YouTube videos. Learning is important because it makes us more knowledgeable, creative and productive. If you don't learn something new every day, you close yourself off to personal and professional development.
7. Be organised
The last point: be organised! We all procrastinate sometimes, but being organised throughout the day can really keep you on track and productive. Get a calendar or planner where you can write everything down throughout the week. Whether you use paper, pen or technology, you should find a way to keep track of your day.
Writing tools
FocalFilter | Anti-Distraction Software
- You can add up to 50 websites to block and set the blocking time between 5 minutes and 24 hours.
750words | Write every day.
- A daily challenge to write 750 words a day.
Strides | Goal Tracking App
- Strides is a goal setting and monitoring tool that allows you to track your goals and habits in one place.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/strides-goals-habits-tracker/id672401817
Squibler | The Most Dangerous Writing App
- This simple tool "forces" you to write continuously for 5 to 60 minutes (the choice is yours), and when you stop, it deletes everything you've written. But don't worry, your story won't be deleted. You can save it as a Word document and continue writing and postponing there.
https://www.squibler.io/dangerous-writing-prompt-app
Copyright ©2022 by L. Lewis