Good Habits All Writers Share

Writers have a lot of things in common and the same can be said for some of the habits they share. 

Now not all of these habits are good habits, such as our levels of procrastination, or how most of us haven't had anything to drink besides caffeinated drinks for longer than we might like to admit. 

As for the good habits, they're available to everyone so if there are habits that aren't already on your lists, pop on down to the store below and pick up a few for yourself. 

Free of charge. 

Consistent Writing 

You don't have to write every day consistently to be a writer - but the best writers write consistently. 

This could be writing every day, every other day, only on the weekends, or only on Monday. Whenever it is that you write, keep it consistent. 

Read. Then Read More. 

Not all readers are writers, but all writers should be readers. 

Books teach writers everything they need to know about writing, and no matter how many books you read - that learning never stops as each book comes with its own mini-lessons that no other book, even if it's by the same author will be able to teach you. 

When you're not writing, you should be reading. 

Set Clear Goals 

More than just writing goals, you need to have the rest of the goals in mind. Where you're going to publish, how you're going to spread the word about your words, and things like that. 

I have the goal that I am going to be traditionally publishing my novels from now on and I am working on the steps within the goal to make that happen. Whatever your goals are you need to do the same. 

It's like having the goal to run a marathon, you need to make smaller goals and a plan - starting with buying sneakers, how you're going to train, and what marathon you're going to sign up for. 

Seek Feedback 

Writers know that all work needs to be read over by an objective third party before it goes on to publication. 

This can be from other writers that they trust, critique partners, or writing groups. The reason is to have someone be able to read over your work and identify blind spots, plot holes, or just general areas for improvement. 

There is nothing that can truly replace constructive criticism. 

Perseverance 

The best habit a writer can have and that you should take from this list if nothing else? 

Not giving up. 

Writing will be hard some days, impossible on others, and sometimes you just have days when all you want to do is highlight everything you write and hit the backspace keys, erasing it from existence. 

Keep writing despite the hard days, despite the setbacks, despite rejections, and despite your own mind sometimes. 

Learn from mistakes. Learn from feedback, you can even learn from bad reviews if that's what you're facing, learn from it and keep going, keep trying, and keep writing. 

Self-Care

This one is not as common in writers as it should be, but take it from the writers that do practice it. 

Take screen breaks, you can't stare at your screen all day without ending up with eye strain or a headache. 

Wrist exercises to keep your ability to type for as long as possible without pain setting in. 

Drink Water. 

Take breaks to spend time with your family and friends. 

Don't prioritize writing over your mental or physical well-being. 

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I hope you enjoyed your shopping trip and you were able to pick up a new good habit or two.

Now go put them to good use and share them with other writers as well. 

With love, 

B.K xo xo

Want to write with me live? I'm now on Twitch! Come join me in some writing sprints most days at 10:00 pm EST

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