Are You Prepared

I’d like to take the time to say a special “Howdy” to all my fellow She Writers participating in the B&W Blogger Ball. Enjoy!

This post is a continuation of last weeks post on being prepared. Last week I explored being prepared as a mother, today I’ll discuss how I stay prepared as a writer.

Me, the Writer

Writing for me isn’t a hobby; I treat it as a profession. I devote at least five hours every day, with the exception of Saturday and Sunday to writing. Most of my writing is accomplished while my family is away at school and work.

How do I prepare for my day?

Before I sit at the computer to start my writing day I know exactly what I need to do…be it revisions, blogging, honing my craft….I’m prepared to accomplish it. Knowing what I'll do before I sit down aids me in staying focused and remaining productive.

I have a clean and tidy work area – nothing on my tiny desk to distract me from my task…that includes my very thrilling novel I’m reading right now. Every writer is always reading a great book. Right.

I have all the tools that I may need for my workday positioned around me so that I can find them easily. The two most important things I use when I sit to write are a dictionary and thesaurus. I have a link saved for the online Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus. In addition, I have both in book forms by my computer in the event I’m unable to get online.

I have bookmarked helpful websites for revisions for easy access. The favorites feature online is great. I can easily find a website or blog that I found a useful tip - just point and click.

And I’m realistic. I know that once my children and husband are home very little writing will get done because they demand most of my time. Many writers do not have the luxury (I won’t always) of full time writing and when you don’t you must still make the time to do it. But, it is my opinion that you don’t have to tell a true writer this. If you truly love to write, you will. Nothing will stop you. Only you can stop you.
　
Writing Tip:

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Okay, I know this is the oldest cliché but it’s the perfect sentiment for the situation. Rejection, a normal occurrence for most writers can cripple you as a writer – if you allow it to. I don’t. I choose to stay positive and see each rejection as a step closer to my YES. I’m not a robot - rejection hurts, period. But I don’t let it define me. I keep writing. So what your critique group hated the piece you presented. Take the advice you want from what they said and let the rest fall to the side. As a writer, you MUST have tough skin or this isn’t the profession for you. Please trust and believe that! If you love it then you’ll push pass the rejections, the revisions, the criticisms, to do what you want. Write.