Hey so I'm really into writing can you give me any tips to stay focused
ok honestly i’m the worst person to ask this because i get so unfocused whenever i write lmao but here are some tips under the cut
accept the fact you are gonna get distracted. whether it be by tumblr or by other things, and this is a fact especially if you use microsoft word to type or google docs like I do because it’s the internet and you will stray off. and that’s okay. i get distracted all the time and i know people always say eliminate all distractions but sometimes that doesn’t always work because even then you might not be in a mood to write. even if im sitting in complete silence with no one around me and the tv off, i still can’t write.
going off that, find the environment that best suits you to write. do you like writing in the morning? afternoon? night? figure out when your best ideas come on to the screen/paper. for me, it’s usually after i shower (my best ideas come when im wet lol). also figure out whether you’re one of those people who likes to listen to music when they write, or likes complete silence, or is ok with a little noise. stick to a schedule if you have to, tell yourself youre going to write AT THIS TIME everyday (or every other day or w/e) for THIS LONG and stick to it. even if it means you’re only writing like 100 words each session. it will help and you will write more as the days/week go by. So yeah, make time for writing and find a place to write.
Take breaks. THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT OK. bc im the type of person who probably won’t get up until i finish something or reach a certain word limit and that’s so bad bc it fries your brain and omg. take breaks. DRINK LOTS OF WATER. pls take care of yourself lmao.
Don’t edit as you write. i admit i’m so bad at this bc i always edit as i write but if you’re having trouble writing don’t edit your work as you write. bc then you’ll see all the errors or you won’t like what you’re writing and then that lowers your momentum and you don’t feel like writing anymore. So just write whatever you have on your mind and edit later (or write a whole scene or two and then edit after that but do not stop mid action and scroll up and read over your work for the love of god.)
Before you write, brainstorm. I’m not this type of person, but I know a lot of writers who are and they like to pretty much plan out what they’re gonna write (idk how they do it but it’s like bullet points i guess on a separate doc? idk im the type of person who just sits down and writes i like..can’t brainstorm on paper) But yeah, basically keep notes of what you want to write and key plot points of your story so you don’t end up straying off and it keeps things organized and precise, especially for longer type works.
Write out of order. don’t feel like writing the beginning of the story yet? Write the end! or write the middle, or write the kissing scene or just write any other scene you like. this helps a lot because you’re writing what you want to write and it also keeps you productive and the ideas flowing.
ok i’ve ran out of tips but hopefully that helps in some way??? <3 good luck on your writing!! :)
