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(Before we start, I have a question for all of you seasoned WordPress users: Does anyone know why my post drafts would suddenly have a different font and very tiny text? It’s still the block editor but the text just looks different. As far as I know, I didn’t change anything. It’s throwing me off! Anyway, any ideas would be super helpful – I already scoured Google to no avail. Thanks in advance!)

So, you’re here because you want to write more. We all do! Since every writer is unique, I’m sure that many of you have already found your own tips and tricks to help you write more each day. One of mine is to write throughout the day whenever I can. It’s an easy way to use time you already have to increase your word count bit by bit.

Here’s what it looks like:

1. Always carry something to write with

A phone. An iPad. Maybe even a Bluetooth keyboard with one of those devices. A notebook. Whatever your favourite portable writing method is, carry it with you always. You never know when you’ll be waiting in line at the bank, sitting there at work doing nothing after you’ve finished your lunch, or waiting on a friend to arrive and meet you at the coffee shop.

Don’t waste these moments. Even if you only write down a few words or an idea for your next chapter, it’s still something! And these moments add up, too. By the end of the day, you might have written a few hundred words or more.

Don’t just say “I have my phone all the time” and be done with it, though. Not everyone likes writing on their phone, and if you try to use that as your writing implement when you’re not a fan of writing that way, you won’t be motivated to write. Make sure whatever tool you carry around is one you actually like to use.

That’s one of the reasons I love my reMarkable. It’s easy to carry anywhere I go, I’ll never run out of space on it, and my handwriting converts almost flawlessly to typed text. (Again, I’m not getting paid to say this – I genuinely think it’s a revolutionary device!)

2. If you find yourself without something to do, write!

Don’t waste time. This is very different from taking time to rest; rest is not a waste, it’s intentional time. Wasting time is sitting there doing nothing or mindlessly scrolling on your phone without purpose. Instead of doing nothing, be a little productive and write. These moments are opportunities to get things done even for just five minutes or less. We all need brain breaks during work, but some of that spare time can be used to make progress, too. Find your perfect balance!

3. Learn to adapt

There’s wisdom in having a place like your home desk or office where you can always focus, a place with no distractions. But always writing in one place isn’t going to help your imagination, either, as we talked about on Monday.

Learn to write no matter where you are. Your creativity is not limited to one place – that’s what’s so wonderful about it! It might take some practice, as you’ll find distractions aplenty in the world outside your door, but the key is to take that same focus you have at your desk and apply it anywhere. Maybe you need to plug in some music to shut out the noise, and that’s okay. Do whatever it takes to make your writing sessions flexible.

Writing more is easier than you think. You just have to be smart about the time you have and use the little moments to add slowly to your word count. So grab that notebook or phone, and write!

Happy writing!
-E.J.

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Photo by Brent Gorwin on Unsplash