Jan 27 2009
Are You Wasting Your Writing Energy?
I’ve read about writers who can go on writing for up to 13 hours, day in and day out.
These writers never seem to tire out. On the contrary they speak as if they feel more energized after each bout of writing.
Most of us can only dream of being in that position. At best, our writing energy lasts us for only a few hours, after which we are spent and can’t go on.
Instead of worrying how you can find more energy to write, you should be more concerned about not wasting whatever writing energy that’s available to you.
Here are tips on how you can avoid wasting your writing energy.
Focus on One Project at a Time
If you have many writing projects to finish, stop worrying about them. Only focus on the project you’re working on. Worrying about projects you’re not working on currently will not get them done. It will only drain your mental energy.
Work with a plan to handle your writing projects. Decide when you’re going to do what. With a plan in place, you’ll have very little worrying to do and end up saving precious energy.
Take Breaks Even When Pressed For Time
Your writing energy gets drained when you push yourself too far. Yes, you may have a tight deadline but taking breaks will keep you from tiring out faster especially when you work for a long stretch of time in your excitement to finish your writing project.
You don’t have to take long breaks. Even ten or fifteen minutes away from the desk can work wonders for your energy.
I usually go for a brisk walk for fifteen or twenty minutes before returning to my desk. This never fails to energize me.
Cut out Distractions
Frequent telephone calls. Someone knocking on your door asking you to do something. Your children playing around you.
These may seem trivial and even welcome. But they can all accumulate to demand your attention and concentration, thus sapping your energy.
Work in a distraction-free environment. Get away from your regular writing place if you can’t avoid distractions.
Work in a café or library and return when there are no distractions to demand your energy.
