The Writing Coach - Column from Woman’s Way Magazine

Week 5

Welcome to week five of The Writing Coach, the column that gets you writing.

This week I’m going to talk about staying motivated. All writers have off days, myself included, but it’s important to develop a ‘writing habit’ if you want to finish a whole book. As Clare Dowling says in this week’s writing tips ‘writing is a craft and the best way to learn it is to practice.’

How do you stay motivated?

All writers find writing a whole book tough going. Short stories are a little easier as they aren’t as long, but they are still difficult to finish. Keep telling yourself that the hard slog will be worth it in the end. As Woody Allan says ‘90% of success is just showing up’.

Most people never actually finish a book; imagine how satisfied and proud you’ll feel when you finally do.

If you’re finding writing difficult and need some encouragement, here are some suggestions -

1/ Keep a writing diary

Every time you’ve finished writing, jot down how many words you’ve managed and how you feel your work is progressing. If you respond well to deadlines, keep deadlines. For example: Monday - write 500 words, Tuesday - finish Chapter Two. If you’ve stuck to your deadlines reward yourself with some television or a bar of chocolate.

2/ Email fellow writers

Many writing websites and book websites have on line forums where you can chat to other writers. Try the Irish site www.writeon-irishgirls.com for example.

3/ Join Irish Pen

Anyone interested in writing can become an Associate Member of Irish Pen, the Irish writers’ organisation. They run regular events where you can meet unpublished and published writers. They can be contacted at 01 - 6239133.

4/ Attend writing workshops and talks

Many libraries host regular events for writers. Check your local library for details.

If your writing has come to a standstill and you need some practical help the following might help -

1/ Ask for advice and/or encouragement from a respected friend or work colleague; someone who loves reading and who will give you an honest but kind opinion.

2/ Join a writer’s group

Many libraries host regular writers’ groups.

3/ Contact a writer’s advisory service

For a more professional opinion on your work, the following advisory services come highly recommended - www.storytracks.net and www.hilaryjohnson.co.uk.

On the Practical Side of Things -

Even if you don’t feel like writing try to do something writing related: research, editing, making notes. Sometimes you may be simply too mentally tired to write, never force yourself.

As I’ve said before never use ‘I’m too busy’ as an excuse. Your house will probably be less tidy, the loo seat won’t get fixed in your life time and sometimes the dishes will sit in the sink for the evening, but these are the sacrifices a writer has to make!

Once you’ve set your writing time aside try to sit down at your desk regularly so your story will stay fresh in your mind. If you can’t write every day, think about your characters and your plot when you can.

Try to write at a desk or table in a well lit and if possible quiet area. Buy yourself nice notebooks and coloured pens- these small things make writing more of a pleasure.

If possible get your hands on a computer. There may be local businesses who are getting rid of computers - you could always ring around and ask. Or a friend or family member might have one you can ‘borrow’ - I got my first computer this way. Or you can pick up a computer reasonably in Buy and Sell. Typing directly onto a computer takes a while to get used to but it makes writing so much less painful - plus you have spellcheck!

How long should my book be?

Good question! That depends on the type of book you are writing. But generally (take a deep breath) most successful commercial novels are between 80,000 and 120,000 words long. That’s a lot of words.

How long does it take to write a book?

The old expression ‘how long is a piece of string’ springs to mind. Each writer is different. Commercial fiction writers are often contracted to write a book a year. If you can manage to write 2,000 words a week for example, it will take you just under a year to write a whole book. Try to find a writing pace that suits you and your lifestyle. And don’t forget - there will be more details of the Woman’s Way Short Story Competition soon - another reason to stay motivated!

Good luck!

Sarah