By Delaney Diamond
I’m a full-time romance author, and I can tell you that writing full-time means I regularly generate story ideas. So many ideas, in fact, that I have a file where I list them and drop notes for future books.
Though I’m excited by many of those stories and can usually get started with lots of enthusiasm, finishing each book can sometimes be a challenge. For one, I get distracted by life—things like illness, appointments, family events, running errands, etc. And of course, there never seems to be enough time to get everything done in a day, which includes putting words on the paper.
I’ve been writing full-time for more than ten years and during that time have learned a few techniques to meet my goal of completing each manuscript. Hopefully, these methods will help you too. They are sprinting, the Pomodoro Method, and scheduling time to write.
Sprinting
Sprinting is one of my favorite ways to get words on paper. Typically, I shoot for 500 words in a fifteen minute period but end up writing much more.
Sprinting is a focused, designated period where you challenge yourself to write as much as possible. Some writers sprint for as little as five minutes, others for as long as thirty minutes.
Whatever timeframe you choose, there are two things you must do:
- Eliminate all distractions so you can concentrate on writing.
- Do not—I repeat do not—edit as you write.
Sit in your chair, set your timer, and write without interruption.
Why does this method work so well?
It’s because you remove the pressure of being perfect. Remember, you’re not editing, you’re simply writing. Also, sprinting can be squeezed into your schedule, even if you have a full day. You can sprint at the doctor’s office while using a notebook and pen or the Notes app on your phone. You can use dictation while sitting in the pickup lane at your child’s school. Or you can squeeze in fifteen minutes of typing on the computer before you head out to work at your day job.
If you track your word count like I do, you’ll be encouraged when you see those numbers increasing toward your manuscript goals with each sprint.
The Pomodoro Method
The Pomodoro Method is similar to sprinting but without the intensity. With this method, you work for approximately twenty-five minutes—a period called a pomodoro—and then take a five-minute break.
Because the Pomodoro Method is so well-known, there are apps you can download to help you manage your time while employing this technique. I downloaded a free one called Be Focused from the Apple Store, with a countdown clock that’s visible at the top of my screen. When the twenty-five minutes are up, the five-minute clock starts, which means I can get up and stretch before I have to start working again.
Why does this method work so well?
It’s great for people who have a long day of writing that seems daunting, because it breaks up the day into manageable chunks. It helps you to stay focused, and some people with ADHD have found it to be very helpful for that reason. Thanks to the breaks you take, this technique can also help you prevent burnout.
Give it a try and watch your word count increase with each Pomodoro interval.
Scheduling Your Writing Time
I highly recommend that you prioritize your writing time by adding it to your calendar and treating it like an appointment. Whether that’s thirty minutes every day or two hours on Saturdays, guard that time and stick to it, the way you would any important appointment.
Why does this method work so well?
Scheduling forces you to sit down and write without waiting for inspiration. Writing then becomes a habit, and you’ll find you have more ideas because you’re consistently writing. Your creative juices automatically kick in.
Scheduling works especially well if you know your most productive time of the day. For me, that’s mornings, so I tend not to schedule appointments or run errands in the mornings during the week because that time is set aside for working on my books.
When you consistently make your writing appointments, you’ll see a gradual increase in word count, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you will complete your book.
Final Thoughts
Writing a book can sometimes feel like an impossible task, but by adopting one or more of the aforementioned strategies—sprinting, The Pomodoro Method, or scheduling—you’ll achieve a steady progression toward completing your manuscript. All three techniques are easy to implement and can fit into any lifestyle. Furthermore, by employing these methods, you’ll avoid the stress of procrastination and cruise through the completion of your novel in a stress-free manner.
Try one or all of these methods and watch your word count increase with each writing session.
Bio: Delaney Diamond is a USA Today Bestselling Author and has been self-publishing since 2011. She has written more than 50 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and also offers self-publishing consultations, leveraging her extensive experience to guide and support authors through the publishing process. Learn more at the For Authors page on her website.
