I attended FenCon 2019 and went to a couple of panels by science fiction and fantasy authors that I thought had useful information for writers.
by Lalo Hernandez via Unsplash
Panelists
- Shana Swenson, 20 books published
- Mel White, NF and fiction
- Paul Black, 7 books
- Jan S. Gephardt, author/illustrator
- Patrice Sarath, 5 novels
- Tex Thompson
Distractions are related to priorities.
Make a quality decision that this is worth doing.
Take advantage of the tools available.
10-Minute Novelists is a Facebook Group. They write for 10 minutes at a time.
Habitica, the app, can help you game-ify your life
365 Writer (paid to join)
NaNoWriMo (Mel White wrote her dissertation using this)
Know the story length and set goals for success.
Make it a habit.
recommend James Clear’s Atomic Habits on the science of habit building and the importance of environment
Habit stack. Build on top of an existing habit.
by Hanna Olinger via Unsplash
Establish your environment.
Work has its own dedicated environment.
Avoid places with non-work vibes. Vibes are free. You can establish vibes.
Write 3 or 4 books in my pantry because that was the only available space.
Use ritual.
Form a pattern of behavior.
Ritual can help you get started right each time.
a ritual should be soothing and meditative–not games like solitaire.
by Damian Zaleski via Unsplash
Set goals you can reach.
Writing and creativity are not science.
You have to know your limits.
Consider a timed sprint. Decide to write for a very short time (2-4 minutes) so that you can be successful. Repeat that. Build on it.
Take it slow.
Write to your limits.
Remember WHY you’re writing.
Don’t make it drudgery.
Malvestida Magazine from Unsplash
Schedule
Schedule writing
Schedule distractions
Schedule your day job
Make writing an appointment.