Writing can be a daunting task, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you want to improve, it’s important to develop good writing habits. These don’t apply to everyone, but the following are some of my favorite habits that have helped maintain my writing goals.

1. Write every day. It doesn’t matter how much you write, just make sure you write something every day. Even if it’s just a sentence or a few hundred words, the act of writing will help you improve your skills and keep your momentum going.
2. Read widely. Reading is essential for any writer. Reading other people’s work will help you learn about different writing styles and techniques. It will also give you ideas for your own stories if you’re pursuing a specific genre.
3. Brainstorm ideas. Before you start writing, it’s helpful to brainstorm ideas for your story. This could involve coming up with character sketches, plot points, or setting details. The more ideas you have, the more likely you are to find one that sparks your creativity.
4. Outline your story. Some writers prefer to outline their stories before they start writing, while others prefer to wing it. If you’re not sure whether to outline or not, try both and see what works best for you. Outlining can help you stay on track and make sure your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. I prefer winging it in the beginning to get a feel for the story and characters, but I loosely outline when there are sequels.
5. Write in a quiet place. When you’re writing, it’s important to find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. This will help you focus and avoid distractions.
6. Take breaks. It’s also important to take breaks when you’re writing. Get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air. This will help you stay refreshed and avoid burnout. Stay hydrated (or caffeinated) and keep some snacks within reach.
7. Get feedback. Once you’re happy with your story, it’s helpful to get feedback from other people. This could involve asking friends, family, or beta readers to read your work. We’re often too close to the story and automatically fill in the blanks while editing our own work. Feedback can help you identify areas where your story can be improved.
8. Don’t give up. Writing is a challenging but rewarding journey. There will be times when you feel discouraged, but it’s important to keep going. Keep writing, keep learning, and keep improving. It’s okay to take a sabbatical from writing too. Whether it’s a few days or a year in some cases, make the commitment to see your story through until it’s finished.

These are just a few of my favorite writing habits. What are yours?