Are you treating your writing as a hobby? Do you only write when you feel like it? Many writers making the move from hobby writing to professional writing must begin writing more than they have ever before while they develop the discipline to write on demand.
The difference between a writer and a hobbyist may be as simple as learning to write even when you do not feel like it.
If you are switching from a hobby to a writing career these three tips will help you start writing more.
Writing More With Production Goals Daily production goals give you a plan and a focus that help you gauge whether you are on track.
Some writers track word count while others track completed tasks like revision pages.
Having a list of small tasks on your to do list will help you push through larger works.
Article writers and bloggers set daily goals for total posts or articles.
Do not forget that you will also have to spend time on research, marketing, and other business tasks.
Making money from your writing requires you treat your writing as a business and plan how much work and what tasks you will complete each day.
Writing More With a Timer Many writing tasks do not easily lend themselves to a checklist.
Responding to e-mail, networking with potential clients, and researching projects will eat up an entire day if you are not careful.
Assign these tasks to a time period and then set a timer to ensure you do not neglect your other responsibilities.
For example, allow yourself fifteen or twenty minutes to research a subject.
Set a timer and when alarm goes off you can check that research task off your list.
If you were unable to complete your research in the time allotted, you can add another block of research to your to do list.
Over time, you will get better at predicting the time you will need for research, but in the meantime you will save yourself from the temptation of endless internet surfing.
Planning the time you will spend on tasks like this will help you stay on top of your to do list and keep producing finished work.
Writing More with an Accountability Partner If you find your discipline slipping, you may want to team up with an accountability partner.
This is someone you check in with on a regular basis who will help you stay focused on your goals.
Sharing your progress with someone else will not only prevent you copping out on yourself but will also give you someone with whom you can celebrate your victories.
Daily or weekly contact with an accountability partner will help you stay true to the high standards your career will require to succeed.
Shifting from part time to career writing will force you to create a new relationship with your craft.
As you practice setting and meeting professional goals you will find you are writing more and developing the discipline necessary for a freelance writer.