Now that I have given you a pep talk on writing, I would love to establish some things that you really need. One is a desire to work on your project even when everything seems like you aren’t getting anywhere. Everyone feels that way from time to time.
Have a space to write. Every space is not created equal. Having the television in the room is a distraction. A crowded corner of your kitchen counter may not be ideal. If you choose your bedroom and you have kids, you may not be able to see what they are doing.
Personally, I write on the dining room table. When I was growing up, the kitchen table was for eating, but the dining room table was for homework or for company to eat. Now that I’m retired, I find it most familiar to use the dining room table, even if I do have company over. I am close to the kitchen to keep my eyes and ears on the stove. It has nice, bright windows and, of course, lights for night-time writing.
A nice, comfortable chair. I admit that when I started, I was writing for too long, and my legs went numb. I bought a nice desk chair on sale, and it makes for an extra dining room chair. I have a timer from someone called the “Fly Lady” so I don’t go over an hour. Remember, sitting is the new smoking. Any timer will do. Get up and walk around.
Try to establish an everyday pattern. I choose to do my housework early in the morning, and later, when less energetic, I am happy to sit and write. Sometimes I write at night with a laptop.
I would suggest a quiet place, phone off for fifty minutes, no television, in your comfy chair, at the area of your choice, with a sign that says, “Onlookers may be written into the story!” That’s the ideal, but life is often inconvenient. Allow for the crazy and try to get to your pattern as often as you can. Make a habit of it. I dare you!
