NaNoWriMo Series: Writing Tip #21

I think this tip is an ironic one since I was several days behind in writing these articles. As someone who has been writing for over 10 years, I will be the first to tell you that everyday will not feel like a writing day. Sometimes life just gets in the way. You do your best to plan out the day and then, boom, you forget to stop the water in the sink because you were trying to defrost the turkey and now the backroom is flooded. Nonetheless, you need to write. Getting into a habit is hard and it's even harder when you are a creative. Creating art is not for the feint of heart and it's usually easier when you have a calm heart and an open mind. But when life wants to throw elephants at you, it's not possible to have an easy day everyday.

So this is your reminder (and my reminder) to write even when it's not that kind of day. Write when you are frustrated and need to let off some steam. Write in between puddles of tears. Write when your anxiety is at a ten. It doesn't even have to be what you're supposed to be writing. Just make sure that everyday you are honoring the special task of being a writer and you need to show up every single day. Period. If you are searching for inspiration to write, ask yourself some of these questions to get the ball rolling:

1. What mood are you most likely to write in?

2. How often can you realistically write a week without getting burnt out?

3. If you had to write in the worst mood, what would you write about?

4. Would word vomiting for a few minutes get you in the mood to write? Why or why not?

If you want to learn more NaNoWriMo tips, check out the 30 Days of Tips that will unfold this month. Can't wait? Then check out my mini-course on The Basics of Storytelling that's available for $1. I look forward to seeing you in whatever form I appear. Until next time.

About the Author

Crystal Cabrae is a storyteller who specializes in writing dystopian, romantic, and adventurous worlds for animation and fantastical fiction. She is a proud graduate of Full Sail University, AMDA, and New World School of the Arts. Her six years of acting training in New York and Miami gives her a unique perspective when approaching her characters. She has a passion for sharing how to create stories with the world and inspiring the storyteller that lives within all of us. Follow her on IG or Pinterest to know the latest.