Do you write first thing in the morning, before work? After work? Only on the weekends? What if you don’t have an office at home, do you go to a coffeeshop? What if the coffeeshop is too noisy? How do you keep yourself motivated? All of these practical matters are real things to be considered when writing your book. At Dorrance, we support writers at every stage of the writing process, and increasing your productivity is no exception. Here are some logistical, practical tips to help you as you write your book.

Set up a schedule

Finding and honoring the time to write is perhaps the greatest obstacle to writing. If you’re new to the practice of writing a longer work, start simple. Think about your schedule and find a time of day that works for you to write. For example, if you are finished with work and dinner, take time to rest, and have free time in the evening at 7:00 pm, set 7 o’clock as your writing time. Set aside forty minutes to an hour to do nothing else but write every day. If you find yourself with writer’s block, use the time to make character notes or go over your outline. That way you are still being productive on your work at the same time every day.

If committing to write every day is too much for you due to prior commitments, pick a couple of days a week. Once you’ve worked out a writing time that works for you, mark your writing time in your calendar or planner. If calendars and planners don’t work for you, write it on a sticky note and put it in a place you will see it!

Have a designated area to write in

Having a designated space to write in also helps switch your brain to writing mode. This could be a space in your home, or a place outside the home such as a local coffeeshop. Be honest with yourself about what your ideal writing environment should look and sound like. For example, if the local coffeeshop is too noisy for you, don’t suffer through it because it’s close to home. Maybe try a space in your house or apartment or at a local library. Whatever your space is, make sure it is a space you go to write or work on your manuscript only. Leave the space when your writing time is over. This will not only help increase your focus and productivity, but it will also help your brain switch to writing mode for next time.

While these tricks regarding time and place are meant to be helpful, they are also not meant to stifle anyone’s creativity. Inspiration can strike at any time of the day. If you feel motivated to write outside of your normal time or in an unconventional space, always do so! Maybe in your bed at 3 am is your writing place and time – it’s about finding what works for you.

Consider comfort

In addition to having a designated space and time, comfort must be considered when writing. Writing is a stationary activity and as a result can be hard on the body. Use a comfortable, ergonomic seat when you can. Perhaps invest in a standing desk. It is important to assume a posture that works for you and your body, whether you use a computer or handwrite your draft.

Set Clear Goals

Set goals for yourself on a day to day, week to week, or month to month basis. While the big end goal is to finish your manuscript, it is helpful to set smaller goals for yourself along the way. You can set goals related to reaching a certain word count – for example, to write 5,000 words in a week. Other goals can be smaller, such as writing without looking at your phone during your set writing time. Setting goals will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to continue with your writing journey so you can reach the ultimate goal of finishing your manuscript. Reward yourself for reaching the goals if you can with rewards you like.

Practice positive self-talk

Even with all these considerations, it is entirely possible that you fall off your schedule or don’t reach your goal for productivity right away. When this happens, it is important not to talk down to yourself. You are still a writer, and your story still deserves to be told. Simply try altering something in your routine, such as your writing time or place. Reach out to trusted friends to confide in about your struggles. Seek out forums and groups for writers online for support from writers who have gone through similar things. It is highly likely that there are others out there who are feeling similarly as you.

At the end of the day, writing a book is hard work and it can often be hard to maintain productivity. We hope the above tips are helpful for you and lead to a productive writing journey. If you would like extra help with maintaining productivity, consider Dorrance Publishing’s Writing Coach services. Our writing coaches are professional personal trainers for writers who will help you meet your writing goals.

And when you are finished and ready to publish, contact our team!

The post How to Increase Your Productivity When Writing appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name:  Lorna Dickinson

Hometown: Looe, Cornwall, England

Book Title:  I Am a Feather

Genre: Historical Fiction based around real events.

Dorrance Publishing (DP): Describe your book in 10 words or less:

Lorna Dickinson (LD): America’s origin story is not what you think it is.

DP: What made you want to write your book?

LD: Getting frustrated with reading Thanksgiving stories with no basis in fact.

DP: How long did it take you to write your book?

LD: It took years of research, thinking someone must have written this story already then realising if I didn’t write it no one else would.

DP: How do you choose the names of your characters?

LD: I use real names throughout, apart from the young protagonist who is given a popular contemporary name.

DP: What do you do when you have writer’s block?

LD: Sleep on it.

DP: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

LD: The chapter which dealt with the actual Thanksgiving celebration, because I found a historical document in a University library which tells of how before the Pilgrims arrived, the East Coast Indians all started dreaming about music and they all heard the same tune.

DP: If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why?

– One character from your book:

LD: Squanto

– One fictional character:

LD:  Mary Poppins

– One famous person (living or dead):

LD: William Shakespeare

DP: Besides writing, what are your other interests?

LD: Family, Friends, Food, Music and Travel

DP: Do you keep a journal?

LD: Fitfully.

DP: How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

LD: Breathing and smiling.

DP: If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

LD: Sir Ian McKellen, Jason Mamoa, Sacheen Little Feather and Scott Eastwood – a real Mayflower descendant.

DP: What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

LD: The freedom to create the book I wanted.

DP: Five favorite books of all time?

LD: I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou

A Wrinkle In Time – Madeleine L’engle

The Golden Notebook – Doris Lessing

Woman On The Edge Of Time – Marge Piercy

Framed – Frank Cottrell-Boyce

DP: One sentence of advice for other writers:

LD: JUST DO IT!

Are you ready to publish your book? Contact us today!

The post Author Spotlight: Lorna Dickinson appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Hometown: Akron, Ohio

Book: The Dutchess of Woodbridge

Genre: Children’s Fiction

Dorrance Publishing (DP): Describe your book in 10 words or less. 

PH: Story about a kitten that has found a new home.

DP: What made you want to write your book? 

PH: I wanted a story for my grandchildren to read.

DP: How long did it take you to write your book?

PH: It took about one year to write it. Editing and publishing took longer.

DP: How do you choose the names of your characters?

PH: It was based on true life events and characters.

DP: What do you do when you have writer’s block?

PH: I take time off to think until I can get back into it.

DP: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

PH: My favorite part of my book was getting to illustrate it myself. I enjoyed drawing the pictures.

DP: If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why? 

PH: One character from my book:  Rachel

PH: One fictional character:  Mickey Mouse because he’s fun and happy.

DP: One famous person: Jesus

DP: Besides writing, what are your other interests? 

PH: Painting, specifically painting with acrylics and a mop.

DP: Do you keep a journal? 

PH: Yes.

DP: How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

PH: I haven’t yet. I plan to go to a steakhouse for dinner with family and friends.

DP: If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters? 

PH: It would probably have to be an animated movie considering the main character is a kitten.

DP: What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

PH: Friendly staff/conversations over the phone since I personally do not have a computer and have all correspondence myself over the phone.

DP: Five favorite books of all time?

PH: The Bible, Gods Glory, Sun Stand Still, How to Make the Right Decision Every Time

DP: One sentence of advice for other writers?

PH: Don’t give up, no matter how
long it takes.

Are you ready to publish your book? Contact us today!

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