Do you need to make a living as a writer and earn an income but suffer with regular writing procrastination?
I’ve a few resources you can try that have been game-changers for me. During six weeks of using them, I’ve written two short stories (a genre I’d never tried before), two web features, a health story, and edited a ‘real life’ interview.
The health story pitch – and subsequent feature – was accepted by the Editor of the UK Daily Mail’s Femail section. ‘Femail’ comes out on Thursdays, ‘Good Health’ on Tuesdays. The articles are extraordinary personal experiences, overcoming hardship, unusual family situations, successful weight-loss journeys or managing health issues. They pay upwards of £750.
UK’s monthly Prima magazine accepted my short story. They accept one a month and pay £100. Best of British magazine will be using my interview. My web feature will be appearing on FundsforWriters ($100).
My bank balance has a healthy £1,000 from this short period. I’ve got my focus and motivation back, too. Here’s how.
The Pomodoro technique, a way of writing in forced time-management chunks, has been around for years. While this is a great idea for writers, it can be difficult to manage alone if, like me, you’re easily distracted.
So turn to groups. I’ve tried out two different types of groups who use this technique, but with a modern twist. One in person, and one online.
Shut Up & Write has been around since 2007. An in-person group, it’s worldwide, free and a non-profit. Attend one or start one up like it. The aim is to write in timed segments but in silence, only alongside other writers. An added bonus is meeting outside the home at a relaxed meeting venue.
Don’t worry if you’re lost for ideas. The organiser provides prompts. If you lack total inspiration you can even try journaling. I’ve found this a useful tool to get words down on paper for a future short story.
Silence in company is a rare thing. In this group you’ll immerse yourself in writing for ninety minutes with short breaks in between to discuss progress.
Some people write on laptops, some scribble in notebooks. There’s no pressure to own the latest tech or create a masterpiece.
Alternatively, if you prefer to write at home but still in timed segments ‘with others’, try author Abbie Emmons’ weekly ‘Write with Me’ live-streaming session on her YouTube channel, @AbbieEmmons.
Abbie sits at her own computer, sets an on-screen timer for twenty-five minutes and invites you to start writing with her. Join in the live chat after where she works through your comments and answers questions. This type of resource offers support for those who like more interaction. It then continues for two more twenty-five minute chunks.
Benefits to both these types of resources:
• they prevent you getting distracted from writing,
• they provide a regular weekly writing focus,
• you push yourself harder with others than alone,
• you train your brain to become more focused, especially in an age of screen scrolling,
• you and the others share a common goal,
• you could meet a new writing buddy or lifelong friend.
For more mutual support, join worldwide Meetup and try groups such as:
- Worldwide Writers Association (USA)
- Creative Writing for everyone
- Worldwide Creative Writing Collective (Los Angeles)
Or check out Facebook groups:
The London Writers’ Salon is another global creative writing community. Join their online Writer’s Hour for silent, dedicated writing across four different time zones (London, NYC, LA and Melbourne).
Procrastination is solved. There are no gatekeepers, time becomes a bubble, support is quiet, and focus is absolute. At the very least you’ll write something with potential to earn a few dollars.
BIO – Abby Williams is a UK published freelance writer (www.abbywilliamsfreelancewriting.com). She still feels like a newbie writer, but one now with some experience. Her goal is to remain interested in life, people and latest trends so she can help solve readers’ problems, entertain and enlighten. That way, she feels she will always have something to write about.
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