If you’re looking for writing tips, then you’ve probably heard all about having a dedicated space for writing and establishing a routine. While there’s nothing wrong with these ideas (in fact, I’ve found them rather useful myself) I’ve realized over the years that there are some very small things I do that make a big difference. These things are so small that they might not seem significant, but I’ve found that they’ve made a huge difference in my productivity.
Auto-Save Features: I’ve always been a big fan of Microsoft, and I was thrilled when Office got an auto-save upgrade. Every time I start typing, Word is backing me up. I did a decent job of saving my work on a regular basis, but if you’ve ever lost an amazing paragraph that you could never make right again, then you know where I’m coming from. This feature is becoming pretty common on word processors, so use it. Automatic cloud-based backup is also essential.
Timers: I used to sit down at my computer and feel as though I needed to force my way through several hours of writing before I deserved a break. I could do it, but it left me feeling burnt out. My body was stiff from sitting still so long, and I was constantly looking for reasons to avoid my work.
I’ve found, however, that it’s much more effective for me to get up and away from the computer regularly. I set a timer on my computer for an hour (and I really try not to look at it), after which I get up and move around for ten minutes. Do whatever works for you during those ten minutes: clean the bathroom, take your bearded dragon for a walk, or see how many sit-ups you can do. Just get away from your desk and move your body. It’ll keep you from getting stiff and sore, and I find that it refreshes my mind and lets me come back to my work with more enthusiasm.
Time for walkies!
Good Health: I know, it doesn’t seem like it should have much to do with writing. And there’s no doubt that some great writing can come from going through very debilitating situations. But overall, I’ve found that the better care I take of myself, the more energy I have. That makes it easier to get the creative juices flowing without falling asleep at my keyboard. Take your vitamins, eat right, and don’t OD on coffee just because you’re a writer.
Background Noise: Something can be said for silence, but I really prefer to have some music going when I write. Since I don’t like anything with lyrics, I go for soundtrack-style stuff. On Pandora, I like the Blue Man Group and Audiomachine. YouTube also has some great stuff, and you can check out my playlist here. It’s even more effective with headphones to better drown out the chaos around you.
What little things do you do that help your writing? I’d love to hear about them!
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Ashley O’Melia is an independent author and freelancer from Southern Illinois. She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University. Her books include The Wanderer’s Guide to Dragon Keeping and The Graveside Detective. Her short stories have been published in The Penmen Review, Paradox, and Subcutaneous. Ashley’s freelance work has spanned numerous genres for clients around the world. You can find her on Facebook and Amazon.
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Ashley O'Melia, Author 
Good evening, I really enjoyed your post & I definitely will be setting a timer. Thank you!
Thanks! I hope it helps! What kind of writing do you do?
Good morning Ashley! We write about how to make it fun to have a healthy lifestyle. Soon we will be adding travel adventures & funny occuences. Lol. 😊
Sounds fun!
I agree with all of your tips!!! Except for the background noise. Unfortunately, I get distracted too easily if I have noise in the background so I tend to write more efficiently in silence. Great post!!
Thanks! I sometimes do well with silence, especially if I’m editing. But I get bored with it eventually. 🙂
For me, if I have background noise it has to be music. The music has to be connected to the story I am writing. I try to think of what type of music the character might hear in their life. That helps me to envision who the character is and what the world is like.
Great tips 🙂 I use a timer all the time, and tend to write in 15 minute bursts followed by 5 minute breaks!
I love your bearded dragon 😀
Thanks! He’s named after the main dragon in one of my books. He’s a snob, though. 😆 Sometimes it’s a lot of fun to beat the clock!
Aww that’s awesome 🙂 I have dragons in one of my works in progress too, but my main one’s a combination of playful and judgemental! Nothing beats dragons though 😀
I was just talking to my brother about listening to music while writing. I personally find it difficult to listen to music with lyrics while I write because I can’t focus on both the music and the writing at the same time. I’m thinking of making myself a lyrics-free playlist, do you have any suggestions for me? 🙂
I’ve included a link to my YouTube playlist for writing music in the Background Noise section of this post. I add to it all the time, and it’s all lyric-free!
I’ll have to check it out! 🙂
A lovely post. I find writing in short bursts works for me and like you I do other things to break up my writing day. 🌼
It really seems to make a difference. Thanks for stopping by!
When I want to write, I remember 12 other things I haven’t done! Setting aside time definitely helps. That and carrying a notebook everywhere 😃 Thanks for stopping by 🌷
A notebook is always a must! Happy writing@
Good tips, Ashley. I actually prefer peace and quiet for writing, and enjoy it most on peaceful mornings, or when staying up very late at night. Thanks very much for following my blog, which is appreciated.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks, Pete! I can sometimes do very well with silence, but it can be almost ominous other times!
This post is right on the money. I especially agree with the part about taking care of yourself. Your brain is an organ, you have to take care of it! 🙂
Thanks! I have had a terrible habit of burning myself out, but I’ve gotten better in recent years.