1. Don’t write linearly.

Don’t write a story from beginning to end. It should be meant to be read from front to back, but not necessarily created that way. If you have an idea of any chapter, then start there. A good story is not made sequentially, you can start in any part of the story as long as you have the idea of that chapter or scene. Then put it together in the end and you would be surprised how well this works when you put it all together in a whole book. It’s also great for getting a writer’s block.

  1. Have two or more projects on the go.

Writing is a long process, one project can take so much of your time. But if you work on multiple projects, you will be more productive. The key to successful writing is to write as many as you can. And besides, It’s good to be able to move on something else when you feel frustrated, although focus and dedication are steps in completing the project. You don’t have to have a few big projects happening either, write only the project that you can.

  1. Be your own editor.

There is no other person that will edit your work first but you. It’s sometimes hard to edit your own work than to criticize others work. Never assume that you will have someone that will fix your errors. The technique for editing your own work is to let the first draft sit overnight before editing it on the other day. In this way, you will catch the errors more effectively.

  1. Ask for (and take lots of) punishment.

Feedback and criticism to your works are a good punishment. Sometimes it is well worth finding yourself a professional writer or editor asking/paying them to look at your work. Their opinion, feedback, and criticism will give you an idea of what went wrong. Let them go so far as to be cruel too, just so you really get the point. Publishing industry has a lot of rejection and criticism involve and it’s good to get accustomed sooner than later. If you are serious about your writing, then you’ll need to know everything wrong with your writing.

  1. Disconnect.

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, the internet in general. We know that social media and technology are good for promotion, building a brand, and having an online presence. But sometimes, it can also cause Procrastination, distraction, countless and wasted hours. Disconnecting to it during your writing process is a good idea. All those tweets, status and post that you’ve posted might have added up the word-count of half novel. You can still connect to it just make sure you are not spending too much hour for it. Use social media on a right time, like for example “when you are done writing, you can feed and promote it online”.

  1. Learn what good writing is.

Writing is an art. Thus, there are good principles to follow. If you know the difference between the good and bad, then you have no problem. Duke Ellington said it best: “There are two kinds of music. Good music, and the other kind”. The same applies to writing.

  1. Have your own workspace.

Number seven is self-explanatory. I just want to add up some more. The workspace can take your writing into another dimension. Our imaginations are affected by things around us. Having a nice workspace will not only make your writing good. It will also help to release the stress and tension in our mind making us enjoy what we are doing.

  1. Dedicate to the craft.

Serious writing is something that needs a good investment. It’s not just for a Sunday afternoon pastime. Tackle the craft daily and dedicate a portion of your honing skills.

  1. Time management.

Schedule your writing on the best day, and time, where your mind is all set free. Sometimes, what makes things difficult is that it is not in a right time. You don’t need a regimented schedule, but you need to clock in the hours.

  1. Remember the Three “P’s”.

    Patience, Perseverance, and maintaining your sense of Purpose. Always remember that because that is what good writing needs.