It’s back to school season again and it always excites me. I love new pencils, notebooks, and accessories. The promise of something new is intoxicating.
It’s also a good time to review my writing schedule and get back on track from the summer fun.
I’ve established a daily writing practice since last November. So, this was my first summer writing regularly. I found it to be challenging to get the words in with competing schedules and kid’s summer camp activities. I got the words in but it took a lot of creativity to do it successfully.
Now that school is back in session, I have re-booted my writing schedule again. Back to daily morning writing sessions and more weekend time to get in some extra words. This summer I have learned some things about what works for me as a writer.
I don’t need a lot of time to get the words in. Sure, its great to have several hours at my disposal to write but I can get the job done in 15 minutes when needed. Get a few words down and then move on with my day.
When I’m not writing, I’m thinking about writing. I use an app to track story ideas when I’m on the go.
I never stop reading. A few minutes a day at least keeps me inspired.
Creating and maintaining a routine is key—at least for me. Putting myself and my writing first for at least a short time each day is good for my self care also. Writing seems to clear the cobwebs out of my active brain.
In dialectical opposition to creating a routine is to not be critical of myself when I fall short of my goals. Giving myself a break to enjoy life, especially in the summer, knowing that I will be back on track soon, helped a lot.
So, as the back to school season is in full swing, I have my laptop charged, my ideas ready, and stories ready to write.