12 Step Program to Better Writing Habits
Running out of ideas to write is the worst nightmare for
writers. Nonetheless, there's always something to write about. The problem is
you must know how to go about getting to this stage in order to take advantage
of it.
First, you should accept that having writer's block or lack
of ideas is your fault. Like recovering from an addiction, the first step to
recovery is acceptance that you have a problem. And lack of ideas is an
addiction. It's an addiction as you wrongly accept that you are powerless to
the feeling. But you aren't. You can overcome it.
Second, believe that your work can change the lives of
others; however, you must first write to be able to do it. Writing is powerful.
It can inspire us to do things we would never do by ourselves. Your work can do
this. Believe it.
Third, make the decision to turn your writing over to your own
knowledge and past. You are the author, and you must use your first-hand
experiences. As authors, we should always write about what we know. And if we
don't know it, we should research.
Fourth, make a list of what you are doing and your
surroundings whenever you start feeling lost for words. Is there music? Is it a
crowded place? Is a specific person around? Something could be giving you
negative feedback or be getting part of your attention. You need to search and
eliminate it.
Fifth, admit to someone about the nature of your problem. Be
honest and talk about your lack of ideas and other shortcomings within your
writings. This person can be a friend, spouse, or even a fellow writer. Whoever
you choose, it doesn't necessarily matter. The process of recovery during this
step is through acknowledging your problems aloud to someone who will listen.
Sixth, be willing to let go of the causes you found in step
four. This can be tough, but it is also a must in order to become a better
writer overall.
Seventh, accept that recovery is not a quick process and you
will need to put in hard work. You need to be mentally ready. This includes
following all the steps from one to six and readying yourselves for what's to
come next.
Eighth, join a writers group. If you don't have one within
your city, look for a community online which talks about writing and not
necessarily showing your work. Being able to simply talk about writing,
problems during the process, and helping others can give you ideas for your own
writing.
Ninth, make amends with your past writing and accept that
not all writing is meant to be perfect. You are always learning new things, and
learning how to become a better writer is one of them. You should always be
able to pick three works you wrote five years ago and find at least two of them
in need of great changes and hold many flaws.
Tenth, always try to have maintenance on your writing,
ideas, and your surroundings. Take control and don't let it control you.
Eleventh, understand that there is a purpose for everything,
even if you don't see it. The world works off of energy and whether or not you
are the negative or positive effect is up to you. You must work to be the
positive and work towards the purpose. By this, you must know what type of
writer you are. Do you work best in non-fiction? Fiction? First-person? Short
stories? Essays? What about your writer's voice?
Twelfth, follow these rules at all times. This is the
hardest step for many writers, especially when first starting the program.
Going through this twelve step program is a lot of work, and
can take some time getting use to. However, step twelve is a great place to be.
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