How not to stall with your writing

One of the toughest parts of writing for me has been to consistently stick with the process. I tend to have lots of story ideas and want to start on those as soon as they come to me. That used to feel exciting enough that it would allow me not to focus of being stalled on writing projects that I had already started. But what I've realized over time is that it's fine to jot those ideas down, but to launch into writing a new novel every time the idea for one comes up becomes a distraction from completing the manuscripts I am already in the middle of. I've found a few strategies that help me make progress and avoid stalling on writing projects.

1) Write often.

I know. Simple right? Well the issue is I used to make this complicated. I used to believe that if I didn't have anything in mind to write, what was the point of sitting down to write? But I've learned that if I sit down the words will come.

2) Have dedicated writing time.

You have time for the things that are important to you. Bottom line. I have the time to write if I want to write. It's more a matter of how to extract the time you do have to write. Abstract ideas have to be made concrete. This is true for making time for writing. If you say to yourself "I'll have to find some time this week to write," that is a recipe for not writing. In order to make writing happen, I have to be specific. For example, I would think through my week and decide what day I had 20 minutes to write. I was specific about the day, time of day, and amount of time. This allowed me to set a specific intention. When I started doing this, I gradually increased, probably doubled, how much time I spent writing in a week.

3) If I can't continue the story, then I edit.

I have learned that I make more general progress by not focusing on editing while writing. But when nothing is coming to mind to write, I hold myself accountable to writing by focusing on editing what I've already written. This may mean focusing on proofreading grammar, or editing a particular element such as using active voice, describing the scene, or removing unnecessary words. Doing so allows me to continue to make progress.

4) Keep learning about writing.

The more I read about writing, the more I want to, find time to, and have ideas for writing. It is beneficial in so many ways to keep your learning fresh and continual about writing. I read about writing through books, blogs, social media quotes, and anything else I can get my hands on. It is like fertilizer to my writing soil.

5) Read.

I have been learning this year how to find the time to read more. And I read a range of genres. Doing so has improved my dedication to writing tremendously. Reading helps with my flow of ideas, my desire to improve, my respect for the art of writing, and continuing my learning.

These strategies have allowed me to be the most consistent I've ever been, outside of required writing for schooling and work, with writing. Though I'm still not writing as much as I would theoretically like to, I'm happy with my progress!