Changing writing habits

Sometimes we fall into ruts when we are writing. It happens, for some people, it happens a lot. For a writer, we often find that if we fall into a rut the words dry up and we are blocked. If your words ever stop flowing, try to see if you have fallen into a rut in your writing habits. The cure is a difficult one. You have to change your habits.

I say it’s a difficult cure because, as everyone should be aware, changing your habits can be quite hard. Stiffen your resolve and do it. The changes don’t have to be big or even permanent.If you write in the mornings, try writing in the evening.Write at noon, if you can. It might help. Perhaps you use a computer to write. If so, try using paper and pencil or pen. That will force you to an extra step of transcribing, but it might help you jog your words.

I often try for exercises. They sometimes lead to a flow of words. Writing exercises can be helpful in that they give you something to focus on. A shift in focus is something that can help you to find the words. That is the goal after all, finding words to express your thoughts.

Look for writing prompts as well. Toasted Cheese has several good ones. Just do an internet search on writing exercises or writing prompts and they should come up. Spend some time meditating before you begin writing. Do whatever it takes to shake up your writing habits and see what happens. Often it triggers the words to come.

Changing your writing habits, even for a short while can be helpful in helping you to find the words to express what you want. Often, when you do that, it turns out that all you needed was an idea. Habits are good, but often you need change to make things come together.

Should you try to write at a different time of day, you may find it colors how you write. Sometimes it helps to simply change where you write. If you write at a desk in an office, try writing at your kitchen table. Or go outside and write in the midst of nature or your patio, whichever you try. Sometimes all we need is a change of sound.Play music and change it up.

The point I’m trying to make here is to just change something. It doesn’t have to be a big change. If changing the font you compose in works for you—great. Do that.

Bringing in a little change can produce huge results. So the next time you are blocked or stuck in some way, make a little change in your writing process and see how that works for you. Good luck.

About pebblepup

I am not one who is comfortable talking about myself but here goes. I enjoy writing, family history, and reading. I decided to do this blog because I wanted to try something new. I decided to make it a weekly blog because I wasn't sure that I could keep up with a daily one, and monthly seemed like I was writing a magazine. I think I did ok with my choices. You'll notice that there are not a lot of graphics on my site. That's because there are graphics plastered everywhere on the Internet and those sites sometimes take forever to load. This blog is a place where you can kick back, relax and be ready to be amused. At least I hope I willbamuse you. This blog is on a variety of subjects from my ficitional cat agency, the FFL, which is monthly, to instructional blogs to editorials, which are my opinions only. I admit that I don't know everything and could be wrong -- I frequently am. Now, stop reading about me and read what I have to say!