1. If possible, write on something that is NOT connected to the internet. That way you aren't tempted to check Facebook/Twitter every 5 minutes. Or less.
2. If you are writing on an internet-free laptop, make sure it isn't in the same room as the internet connected one (see 1).
3. If you can't accomplish 1 and 2 for physical/financial reasons, try to allocate yourself specific times of the day to Tweet/update your Facebook. Do not weaken.
4. Unless specific, dickering about on Google is not 'research'.
5. Checking your Amazon rating and sales figures every two days is liable to lead to suicidal feelings. Ditto reading posts from other writers who do this.
6. Ditto reading the 'I wrote a whole novel today - go me!' claims on social media
7. There is no such thing as 'Writer's Block', it is just a posh excuse for not writing.
8. The only way to write a book is to write a book.
9. If you are not constantly awash with doubt/fear/insecurity/self-loathing/envy/anxiety/panic, you probably aren't a writer.
10. Follow your dreams by all means. But make sure you have a day job.
10. Follow your dreams by all means. But make sure you have a day job.
And if you publish, never, ever read reviews of your book on GoodReads.
ReplyDeleteOr anywhere else..... and Do Not Moan If You Get One Star Reviews! Suck it up!
DeleteLove number 4 - I probably do more dickering than research, which is possibly why it takes me so long to write a book :)
ReplyDeleteFinally! Some heartfelt, honest tips. Love it. o,.,o
ReplyDeleteI think most of us 'real' writers tell it how it is!
DeleteGreat tips! I think you need to accept the fact that you are writing primarily for yourself and not try to please some audience or fit into some genre. Once you can accept that fact, then you become a little less suicidal!
ReplyDeleteThe voice of experience...
ReplyDeleteOh indeed!!!!!!
DeleteHa, yes! To all of them, although I'm not able to write on something that doesn't have social media, but I can turn the WiFi off, and do sometimes :)
ReplyDeletein theory I can write on both...but I never get anything done on the internet desktop!
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