Episode at a glance:

 

[2:07]  Rule # 1: Write Every Day

It’s far more important for you to write consistently, than it is to write every day. Because for most of us, every day isn’t attainable. And if you’re overwhelmed already, with a full time job, and kids and family, you’re more likely to quit because it’s not sustainable. Learn how to integrate writing into your life in a way that works for you. You’ll get crystal clear on what’s important for you to give your energy to, and what’s not.

[9:57] Rule #2: Word Count Measures Progress

So often writers will set a goal to reach 1000 words per writing session or 500 words, whatever the number is. But writing isn’t linear. A lot of the writing process is pruning your material. It’s about cutting the excess – the irrelevant details and scenes that have no connection to your protagonist. So it’s far more important to focus on the process, not the result. I’m all for setting goals. But the word count goal is a false measure.

[13:12]  Rule # 3: Outline First

Many writers falsely believe that outlining is going to give them the roadmap and cut down on rewriting. They think the outline will give their story more focus. But that’s just not the case. Because you can outline all the surface events you want. But those plot points and story beats mean nothing if they’re not affecting your protagonist. And if they’re not affecting your protagonist, they’re not affecting your reader. Learn where both pantsers and plotters go off the rails of their story and what to do instead.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 11: How to Make Time to Write When You Have No Time

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