Writing and Procrastination

Or, How Not to Procrastinate.

Procrastination is something every writer will experience during their career. Also known as Writer’s Block, the two have slight differences but can be overcome with similar strategies. Here are some tips on Writing and Procrastination or How Not to Procrastinate. These have worked for me, so give them a go.

If you’re staring at a blank page, scrolling your socials, or wondering whether to do some housework (… ah, no!), then procrastination is setting in. Procrastination is a challenge that plagues writers of all genres and levels of experience. But why do we procrastinate, and how can we overcome it?

Having a dedicated workspace with no distractions helps you to focus on your tasks.

The Roots of Procrastination

Procrastination comes from issues like fear of failure, perfectionism, or feeling overwhelmed. Many writers have these feelings in a constant loop. Putting your work and ultimately yourself, out there is exhausting. On average it takes a year to write and publish a book (longer if you go the trad route).

Imposter Syndrome, where writers feel they are never good enough, or if we do succeed, we feel like frauds. All of these fears combined can keep us from starting or finishing our precious book.

With the amount of work involved in writing a book, and I’m only talking about the writing stage, the marketing is another thing altogether, our brains look for easier tasks, like scrolling through social media. Anything mindless is easier than staring at a blinking cursor.

Practical Tips to Combat Procrastination

1. Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break your writing project into manageable chunks. Instead of aiming to write a chapter, set a goal to write 300 words or work for 20 minutes.

2. Create a Routine: Establish a consistent writing schedule, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Over time, this habit can help you build momentum. Having a dedicated workspace can help with your routine.

3. Eliminate Distractions: Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and create a dedicated writing space. If needed, use tools like website blockers to keep you focused.

4. Practice Self-Compassion: Remember, it’s okay to have off days. Don’t beat yourself up for procrastinating; instead, acknowledge it and be kind to yourself. Then slowly work out what you want to achieve.

5. Use the Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. This method can make large tasks feel more manageable and keep your mind fresh.

6. Find Accountability: Share your goals with a friend, join a writing group, or use social media to track your progress. Finding people who are going through the same issues as you helps. A problem shared is a problem solved.

Turning Procrastination into Productivity

Avoiding a project may be necessary at times. Stepping away from a project can give your mind the space to generate fresh ideas. Any job requires some downtime, and writing is no different. But are you taking productive breaks or simply avoiding the task?

If it’s the latter, then look at why you are avoiding it. If it is too big a task, then break it down into smaller pieces of time. Take Tip no.5 – The Pomodoro Method and reduce the writing time to 15 minutes with 10 minute breaks. Do what suits you and what will make your project the best it can be.

Use a productive break wisely - go for a walk, read a book, or do some gardening. I find going to lunch with a friend always helps me. The ‘getting out of the house’ (or work area) makes a lot of sense.

Embrace Progress, Not Perfection

Writing is a process and understanding this will help. Yes, it’s messy, can be lonely and your first draft is not meant to be perfect. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for progress. Every word you write is a step closer to your goal.

So, when you are overwhelmed use these tips to help you through. Not all of them will work for you; it is trial and error. When you do find what works, then use them to make your writing life that little bit easier.

People who attend our Sydney Authors Inked talks have become members of my tribe.

Writing can be a solitary pursuit, but it doesn't have to be. When I started writing and publishing my own stories ten years ago, I learned quickly that even though an author needs solitary time to write, there are times when you will need your tribe.

Having a tribe makes it easier not to fall into the procrastination trap. After years of being a self-published writer, I have many people in my tribe, all of whom inspire me, we inspire each other. And we all cheer each other when we succeed, no matter how small.

Sydney Authors Inked. A group of authors helping other authors achieve their goals.

Sydney Authors Inked is a group of authors who help aspiring authors achieve their goals. Join us at our events for readers, writers, publishers and book lovers. We post events on Humanitix and Eventbrite. If you are interested in sharing your author journey with us, sign up to our mailing list and we'll be in touch with details.

Happy reading (and writing)

Maria P Frino