If you were to interview the most prolific authors of all time, you’d no doubt discover that many of them have unique routines and tips to share with budding authors. What works for one writer, however, may not be a good fit for another. For example, Kurt Vonnegut (who was, perhaps, not as prolific as some but, in fact, penned 14 novels before he died) refused to eat breakfast until he had written for two and a half hours. Others say eating protein before writing each morning is a better way to go. So, which life hacks will help you improve as a writer?
It’s all trial and error. In this post, you’ll find several tips from published authors who swear by their routines and tricks of the trade. If something strikes a chord with you, give it a try. It’s true that your lifestyle, diet, mental and emotional state, etc. can have a significant impact on your writing, for good or bad. Perhaps these suggestions from other authors might help you avoid the dreaded writer’s block and become more productive.
Life hacks to improve productivity as a writer
Hunter S. Thompson, famous for his immersive style that blended fiction and non-fiction, would write passages from his favorite books. He thought that it helped him know what it felt like to have quality writing pass through his own hand. Keep in mind that this form of writing is for training purposes only—never plagiarize!
English playwright Samuel Johnson used to say that most of a writer’s time should be spent reading. Remember this when you’re testing life hacks to improve your writing skills. The best writers are typically avid readers. In addition to reading for pleasure, international best-selling author Robert Greene recommends reading for research before writing your next book. He said that trying to research while simultaneously writing a book is never a good idea because “trying to find where you’re going” while doing it usually gets you lost.
Skip the details when writing a draft
Essayist Joshua Wolf Shenk advises authors to get through their first drafts as swiftly as possible. You can fill in dates, numbers, and other specifics afterward. Think of the first draft simply to create fluid thought. Get the wheels of the story turning. There will be plenty of time for revisions and refinement later.
Running is among the life hacks that might help you become a better writer. One novelist said that he would run to leave one world (writing) behind and enter another (running). If running isn’t your cup of tea, try going for brisk walks everyday instead.
