Why prep-time is important for your writing

Hey!

A few years ago, I came home from work with the intent to do some writing. I tided quickly before sitting down before my computer. Opening up a blank Word document, I got myself ready to write.

However, instead of churning out some writing I was proud of, I sat there - staring at a blank page. After ten minutes or so, I gave up.

I am sure anyone who writes has had a similar experience. I can almost count on it. There is one thing that I have learnt over my time writing. And it isn't directly about telling stories. Rather, it is about exercise.

🚿Shower thoughts

Before I get into that, however, I have to preface this by talking about mindlessness. It sounds odd to say, but some tasks in your life are so boring you can switch off whilst you do them. They don't require your full attention. Instead, you can let your mind wander.

A common example of this is when having a shower. That is where the phrase 'shower thoughts' comes from - funnily enough. You have to spend a certain amount of time in the shower, so your mind begins to think about other things.

This is the perfect time for you.

💭Think before you do

One thing I have found is that spending some time thinking about what I am going to write before I sit down helps massively. Dedicating some 'brain-space' to my writing makes all the difference. It allows me to start preparing myself to start creating a story without actually getting there yet.

This is why I spoke before about the idea of 'shower thoughts.' It is that time when your mind wanders that you can actively dedicate towards thinking about your writing.

🏋️‍♂️Exercising for the sake of creativity

In my second year of university, I got properly into the gym. I had gone a few times before that, but never consistently. Now, I was going four to five times a week. At the end of each session, I would come home and write.

Exercising became that brain-space for me. While I was working out, I would think about what I would write after my session. It meant that, after I came home and showered, I could sit down and start writing immediately. That initial mind blank was gone.

At this point in my life, I managed to write most of my novel - managing to complete the first draft of my very first novel.

Not only this but by being consistent with it, I increased my words-per-hour massively. And while some may say that writing slower is better, I believe that crafting beautiful prose comes with writing your second draft. That is where I have spent most of my time making my work sound the way I want.

Hopefully, by dedicating some time towards thinking about your writing beforehand (using the mindless tasks that you may have to do, or exercising,) you can get even more writing done and maybe even finish your current project.

That's all from me today,
Fin :)