Different Writing Techniques of Famous Writers

 So you are a writer . . .  and sometimes when you are on your game, the words flow freely as if a dam just broke. Then there are other times when you cannot write. Call it writer’s block, call it lack of inspiration, call it whatever you want but the bottom line is that you are not writing. Maybe a different approach to writing will help you break free from that dreaded writer’s block.  You are not alone—there are dozens of famous writers who were stuck and here are some techniques from the pros. Try one, or try them all because in the end what matters most is if you write— the more you write, a better writer you will become. And one day, other inspiring writers could learn from your techniques.

Keep a Journal

This is your place where you can be you and you can write whatever you want. This is the place where you try out new things, say outrageous things and just be comfortable with the physical act of writing. And when you are stuck, just write what comes to mind—sometimes a block is just because you have nothing to write. Madeline L’Engle, A Wrinkle in Time, said, “You need to keep an honest, unpublishable journal that nobody reads, nobody but you. Where you just put down what you think about life, what you think about things, what you think is fair and what you think is unfair.” Tara Moss shares this same sentiment about writing with freedom and to be wary of “writing rules and advice.”

Word Quotas

How can daily quotas help you be a better writer? It taps into your innate ability to set small goals and accomplish those goals. For instance, you want to write novel, you may want to shoot for at 1500 words a day. Stephen King has a quota for 2000 words a day and Arthur Conan Doyle wrote 3,000 words a day. Word quotas can help you stay motivated to keep writing. Remember the more you write, the easier the writing will become. 

Write Standing or Laying

Writing got you down; do you find yourself not focusing while sitting at your computer or desk? Why not try Hemingway’s approach—he wrote all his novels while standing. Or you can be like Truman Capote, who wrote laying down. If you are used to doing one thing then changing the physicality of how you write may spark those creative juices.  This could also work, if you are always too distracted by the internet, try writing in long hand like many authors did back in the past. 

Read and then Read Some More

Many famous writers are well read. Stephen King always makes time to read. Why read when you want to be a writer? Simple, you learn the nuances of good or bad writing when reading another’s work.  If you want to be a writer, make the time to be a reader.

Exercise

Just going for a walk can help open your creative flood gate.  Philip Roth walks a mile for every page that he writes. Now this may not be possible for you, just try going for a hike or walk near your house. If you have a dog, he will enjoy an extra walk.  
 

Make an Office

Ever notice when you are at work, you are productive and get the things done that you need to get done? With writing, you may need to make your private office. It could be a shed with a light and desk, or you could rent space from an office—whatever it is to make it your own writing space. Phillip Roth also had a separate office for his writing life. Sometimes having fewer distractions from the outside world makes you a better writer. 

What time is Writing Time

When you do write? Are you a night owl, or an early bird? Some writers swear by writing at a certain time. Ernest Hemingway wrote in the morning before the heat of the day started to rise.  Joyce Carol Oats also writes primarily in the morning. What time are you most productive at writing? If you are not sure, then maybe write at different times and see what works the best for you. Remember, what work for you at this point in time may not work in the future. Try to always be flexible when it comes to writing time, but not too flexible—you don’t want to get off track completely.

Hopefully, you take something away from the professionals. Maybe after trying some of their techniques, will help you become a more productive and hopefully successful writer.