Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Get to Know You



There's a lot of great software out there.
There are lots of ways to better take advantage of resources you already have available.
Many ways to create good, sustaining, writing rituals.
And to protect your time and writing space.

In almost every single post, I've found myself writing something along the lines of, "This may not be for everyone."

And the reason for that?

Because the best writing hack is You.

What do you want? What kinds of books do you want to write? Which things will most help you achieve those goals? Are you a morning writer, or an evening writer? Do you feel stifled by a daily wordcount, or does it energize you? Do you prefer a longhand notes notebook, or does storyboarding software make your fingers tingle with joy?

The best way to make the most out of your writing time is to pay attention...to yourself. Because what makes your writing time tick isn't what makes mine tick. What works for one person won't necessarily work for everyone.

The key is to know yourself as a writer. This might come through journaling about your writing process, or through trying different things and throwing them out, or simply by experiencing yourself as you write.

But most importantly, it involves writing.

Know yourself. When you do, whatever system you have will be the most "hacked" and the best one there is...

...for you.

Thanks for coming along on my first A-Z! It's been super fun, and I've loved getting to surf around to so many different blogs. I hope to write an A-Z recap next week, with some important new lessons that the A-Z experience taught me about writing, of course!

In the meantime, happy writing.

This month I'm participating in the A-Z blog challenge. My theme is "writer hacks," or 26 shortcuts you can do as a writer to get the most out of writing and the journey toward and through publication. Find out more about it at a-to-zchallenge.com, and hop around to read the other cool blogs that are part of the challenge!

11 comments:

  1. I've come to say HELLO just in time for the finish. Well, we made it. I wish you success in your writing dreams -- may they come true in the best way possible, Roland

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  2. So true. We're all unique and therefore our approached, techniques, themes and styles are all unique too.

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    1. Exactly! It's taken me a long time to figure that one out...

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  3. We are the key to our success. We are the only ones who can tell our story.

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  4. Well done on finishing the A-Z. You've posted some useful and interesting tips. Thanks too for looking in on my blog and making such nice comments. It's appreciated.

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  5. Thank you for your writing suggestions. I have made note of some I hope to try out in the near future.

    I have enjoyed reading your blog! I look forward to reading your recap. :)

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  6. Sorry I'm getting here too late for the Challenge - I will have to go back and check out your tips!

    Every single writer is different but all advice is valid - but it can be adapted to suit yourself!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Nick! And you got it on the adapting! That's how I've stumbled on so much of this.

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  7. Ooh, I'm so glad you put all those links together to past posts--makes it really easy to catch up. Such great and helpful tips--I'm full of appreciation...

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