The Beginner's Guide to Daily Writing

When I first started writing on a semi-regular basis, I wondered why I didn't seem to be improving any. Eventually, I realized that if I wanted to get better, I had to put in the extra effort. Practice makes perfect and all that jazz. It's only by writing every day that we can become more talented writers. If you don't write every day, I want you to start. Honestly, it doesn't take much. All you have to do is:

1. Pick a specific time to write. Try to make this the same time every day. For example, I write in the mornings before I go to class, while my brain is fresh and I'm feeling dreamy. Some people work better at night, though, so keep that in mind. Choose the time of day that works the best for you.

2. Get comfortable writing in bite-size chunks. Daily writing isn't about getting finished--it's about making progress. You don't have to write for three or four hours in order to move forward in your growing draft. Start by committing fifteen minutes to your work. If you think you can handle it, increase your time limit.

3. Consider writing to meet a word count. Again, this method doesn't work for everyone. Personally, I'd rather write on a time limit than trying to meet a word count. Try both methods and see what works for you. Set your word count low, but not too low. Make it challenging.

4. Reward yourself. Every time you complete a daily writing session, bake some cookies, buy a new shirt, or watch an episode of your favorite show. You'll be surprised how much these simple treats can motivate you.

5. If you miss a day, don't beat yourself up. Forgive your mistake and move on to the next day.

Basically, all daily writing requires is time, goal, and reward commitments. It's so easy to get started with daily writing sessions, so seriously, what are you waiting for? Get out there and write!

What do you think? What are your methods for writing every day?