8 things to try if you’re blocked from writing because you have too much time
It's easy to fantasise that when you clear the desks to write, you'll end up blissfully writing for hours at a time. But having lots of time to write can be just as damaging to your productivity as having too little – sometimes more so. When you have all the time in...
How to stop procrastinating for good: a guide for writers
Some writers assume that procrastinating means engaging in frivolous activity - but that’s not true. Work can be procrastination, research can be procrastination, planning can be procrastination. It has many different forms and the less visible it is, the more...
10 lessons to boost your productivity from a writing coach
As a writing coach, I sometimes find myself giving different people the same productivity lessons again and again on our training courses. Sometimes these tips seem counter-intuitive. Over the years, I've grown accustomed to the raised eyebrows they can generate. But...
Finding time to write: the spontaneous writer
Spontaneous writers grab any opportunity to write. With busy or unpredictable schedules, they need to be prepared to write at the drop of a hat. Find out how to become a master of spontaneous writing and keep alert to the pitfalls of this approach to writing time. The...
Finding time to write: the deep worker
Deep workers book long session to binge write. They might not write very regularly but they can be extremely productive if they plan ahead. Find out how to avoid the pitfalls of binge writing. Create a deep work routine and make the most of this approach to finding...
Finding time to write: the time boxer
Time boxers schedule writing sessions across a week or two. These super-organised writers take a pragmatic approach to prioritising writing and making it happen. Find out how to find and make time in your busy schedule with our traffic light system. Learn the...
Finding time to write: create a daily writing routine
Daily doers write every day. Researchers have found there are many benefits to having a daily writing routine - yet there are also downsides. Find out how to trigger a regular writing habit and make the most of this approach to finding writing time in your busy life....
How to make time to write – 4 approaches to finding time in busy schedules
The main barrier to writing is not a lack of ideas but a lack of time. Our lives are packed to the brim with important and urgent things to do. Don’t wait for the perfect writing opportunity to arrive – you must make time. Learn about four approaches that other...
How to set a writing goal: the ultimate guide
Writing goals are important because they give you something to aim for. They give you the structure, direction and clarity you need to keep moving forwards with your project. However, the wrong goal can become a millstone that demotivates and leads to delay, and make...
8 types of negative thinking that hold you back as a writer and how to overcome them
When you experience negative thinking about your writing, you're really just facing your own biased and ungrounded assumptions about your abilities. Whilst there’s nothing wrong with holding yourself and your writing to high standards, having negative thoughts can...
How to write a book in 100 days
Getting my book deal was the achievement of a life-long goal. Once the ink had dried on the publisher’s contract, reality set in. I actually had to write and deliver a book - 50,000 as yet unwritten words - in 100 days. There was no time to waste - I needed a plan....
Academic publishers have problem with slippage – here’s how they can fix it
Academic publishers don’t like to admit they struggle to get their authors to submit on time, but delayed books or ‘slippage’ is a problem shared by publishing businesses across the world. It’s also a problem crying out for a new approach – this is how you get one. ...