10 Daily Habits Writers Should Cultivate
1. Read; not just your genre, but a wide sampling of styles, subjects, and voices. Read for pleasure. Read to learn.
2. Move your body. Walking and exercise are great ways to work loose the log jams of the mind. In addition, since writers tend to be sedentary, it helps keep your body fit.
3. Breathe. Practice breathing every day, not in a new age way, but to become aware. Breathe deeply to nourish your body and to connect with the present. Let your thoughts wander. Sometimes you get the “click” just through breathing.
4. Cross Pollinate. Take in art in all its forms: dance, painting, music, you name it. Enrich your writing compost pile with a variety of art experiences for your mind and senses.
5. Get enough sleep. Seriously, it will help your mind stay alert and ready to write.
6. Pay attention. See the world around you in terms of the five senses and with a writer’s eye.
7. Laugh. See the humor and joy in everyday life. This makes you a more positive person, is fun, and releases tensions.
8. Stretch. Long periods of time spent writing or thinking can be hard on your body. Stand up, stretch, work the kinks out. It is not a coincidence that moving the body can also frequently move your mind, bringing you the perfect phrase or fresh idea.
9. Cultivate support from your loved ones and mentors.
10. Write daily. Set a time or page goal. Work from a prompt or free write. Write every day without fail.
Oh, what a great post! I think “moving” is the best for me. When it is nice weather, I do most of my planning and thinking when I’m walking to the park with my little girl.
Definitely something to aspire for. Personally, I have to stay away from the reading b/c I can’t put a book down once I pick it up. Seriously crunches my writing time.
Hmmmm, number 9 just seems to strike a certain chord with me. Thanks for all the encouragement.
@Lady G Yeah, I can be really stuck, but getting up for a walk or even to do housework can usually fix it.
@Amber I’ve slowed waayy down reading lately, but still fall asleep with a book in my hand, lol.
@Sal Any time. Need more? Got a whole bunch with your name on it.
um yes…number two has been distracting me from my writing goals, i think
no abs yet, but i’m focusing with diligence.
great list! love it
~A
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