Well, as it stands right now, writing is my income. My Patreon and commissions are what’s keeping me fed and paying my bills. I’m lucky, extremely so, and I am terrified of loosing that blessing. So I work myself extra hard to make sure I don’t lose my dream come true.
That’s a key too, this is my Dream ever since I was ten years old and fell in love with writing when I began making Sailor Moon fanfiction. I have wanted to do nothing more in my life that just write and make people happy with my writing.
I know I’m a freak of nature and the way I work is not the norm. In fact, I don’t recommend it to anybody. But I keep myself on a strict schedule to make sure I take care of myself as well as work when I can and as much as I can. I stay in touch with my commissioners and keep the ideas and stamina flowing. I want to impress, and I want to make them happy, so I try my absolute hardest with everyone I work with. If you’re paying me to write something for you, I will do everything in my power to give you your money’s worth and beyond.
I also highly recommend a designated working space. I bought myself a desk and chair early last year and it did wonders for productivty. I used to just sit on my bed hunched over my lap, and they caused a back spasm as well as a literal hole in my mattress. But having that area that is just for work and only work really has helped me get my productivty in order. And sound canceling headphones are a must! I’m living at home until my place is done and both my parents are at home a lot. The headphones keep me focused and all the distractions out.
This may work for some people, but I have designated hours just for working. Between 9 and 11 in the mornings, and between 1 and 3 during the after noon are when I write. Knowing those are the hours I can and will work had really made it a habit and it makes me feel better having those times.
Making sure to listen to my body and mind too has helped tremendously. Even if I know I need to work but my mind won’t let me, I know that’s when I have to walk away and take the loss. If I force myself it only makes things worse. Keep in mind what you can do and do that. Also, once you set down a schedule for when you can write and make it a habit, it gets easier. Much like with anything the more practice you get the better you get. I never used to be ablet write a set amounts of words in a set time, but now, I’m able to blaze through. So practice practice practice.
I hope this helps and I don’t sound insane!
