Running out of ink

So the end of summer is near and I have started looking back at all the work (writing wise) that I have accomplished and I have to admit that it is depressing.

Writing is not easy. Okay, I already knew that, but I never expected it to be so hard without the constantly pressing preimposed deadlines or subtle kicks in the ass from worthy friends when your plot structure is about as sturdy as a haphazard pile of sticks. That is not to say that I haven't been inspired, it is quiet the opposite. I have written out countless ideas and half baked characters, but I seem to lack the energy to actually start sewing all the pieces together into a mildly coherent work. So even though I don't follow these tips I feel like if I write them down and share them then maybe I will be more likely to follow them.

      5 Tips to Being a Regularly Productive Writer--sometimes                        

1. Make yourself write everyday-- Even if it is just a journal, free writing, or sketching out an idea. Sit down for like 30 minutes and just start writing. The idea is that after a while you will get accustomed to writing on a regular basis.  
2. Try free writing-- If you hit the ever looming writer's block then it is best to not try to continually smash yourself into it, right? The point behind free writing is that you just write about anything that comes to mind (much like how Virgina Woolf  writes all her stuff... stream of consciousness) and hopefully you will be able to write around your writer's block. The also really nice thing about free writing is that it can be about anything in the world, like the pen on your desk, and it doesn't have to be grammatically correct or even beautifully written. 
3. Work in a group-- Sometimes it is nice to work with friends, it helps take off some of the intensity of working alone and they can also help with things like brainstorming, editing, and all of the other times that two heads are better than one. If you work well together and tend to lean into the same genre then there might also be room for collaboration as well. 
4. Keep an idea journal-- Even if you think you will never look at that idea again or you think it is remarkably stupid, write it down. You never know when that idea might mature into a great story or maybe something to give your character a richer back story. This is also really great material to work on to start off your free writing. 
5. Read-- I know that we all want to be good writers, but sometimes being a good writer means being a good reader. If you are interested in Science Fiction, then read novels and shorts in that genre. Interested in Steampunk? Do the research and read up so that you can nail the culture and intricate details. It might also be a good idea to read outside your genre as well to get a better understanding of characters or different ways to handle a plot twist. The information is all right there if you know where and how to look for it. 

So hopefully those tips are helpful and encourage you to get out the pen and paper (okay, who are we kidding--open the laptop) and start jotting down some ideas. I know that I will probably only follow these for a week and then start to drop back into my old habits, but at least I am motivated now right?