Monday, February 4, 2013

Get Writing Fit

Thank you, Misha for allowing me the honor of writing for your blog. 

Writing is like playing sport - you must exercise your brain and body to be able to compete and win. It takes daily practice, and like any other muscle in your body, you need to work it regularly or you’ll lose it. You must be what I like to call, writing fit. But how do you become writing fit?

1. Practice. Take daily exercise. Write every day. It doesn't matter how long the writing session is; just do it every day. Install the habit of writing, so it becomes a natural thing to do.

2. Join a team. The same way you might go to the gym or join a sports team, join a writing group to gain support and help to improve your skills. Take constructive criticism and use it to improve your game. Find out what works and what doesn't, so you increase your chances of publication. 

3. Compete. When you are confident you've practiced enough, enter competitions; they will push you to write your best and often provide feedback. And if you win or are short-listed, they will provide a massive boost to your confidence. 

4. Look after your health. Your body and brain are your tools to achieving your writing goals. Look after them. Eat a healthy diet and take regular physical exercise. Just as important, take time out to relax. Read a good book. Go for a long walk. Enjoy the company of friends. Remember the saying, a healthy body equals a healthy mind. 

5. Adopt the right attitude. Tell yourself you are going to write and you will be published; that the only obstacles in your way are those you imagine to be true. Think positive. Finally, take the time to thank those around you who help you to carry out your goals and they will continue to do so. 

So, how do you get writing fit? 

About The Author 

A life-long addiction to reading science fiction and horror, meant writing was the logical outlet for Ellie Garratt’s passions. She is a reader, writer, blogger, Trekkie, and would happily die to be an extra in The Walking Dead. Her short stories have been published in anthologies and online. Passing Time, her first eBook short story collection, will be published on March 11th this year, and contains nine previously published strange and macabre tales. Her science fiction collection Taking Time will be published later in the year. 

Author Links 



Thank you so much, Ellie! 

BTW, I apologize for my recent lack of posts. I had written one, but Blogger was amazing enough to make the whole thing disappear without a trace. What I'd wanted to tell you is the following: I'll be in Berlin until the 11th, so my visits might be somewhat sporadic. However, I  will make a point to ensure that all posts will appear on the days I scheduled them. 

Can't wait to share pictures! 

38 comments:

  1. That's right - our physical health is just as important! Good tips, Ellie.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Huge fan of Ellie's, and she's 100% correct with her tips.

    I'd add strength training in the form of reading to my writing fitness routine. Reading strengthens and sharpens our minds. :-)

    Great guest post ladies!

    ReplyDelete
  3. They say it takes writing a million words. Practice, practice, practice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A million? Actually, I bet most of us have already done that.

      Delete
  4. Great tips! Especially number 4. As writers we must look after our health too.

    Thank you, Misha and Ellie!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great post! I'd add "Be a student of the game." You have to know the rules before you can break 'em, and it helps to observe writers who do it really well.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks Ellie for sharing such good advice.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you again for letting me guest on your awesome blog. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Awesome tips, Ellie! All of these are so important to be the best writer you can be. Thanks for a great post.

    Hope all is well with you and your writing, Misha!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Awesome guest post and great advice! For me #5 has been the toughest part of being "writing fit."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ditto, Camille. It's so easy to feel like we're not good enough and give up.

      Delete
  10. I recently wrote an article comparing writing to climbing a mountain-- an activity I love and can relate to. I like the exercise thoughts too.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great tips, Ellie! Those are sound things to work on.

    Hope you have a great time in Berlin, Misha. Looking forward to the pictures. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great tips , now to keep up with them.

    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Awesome tips! I don't enter writing contests very often nowadays, but I just entered a contest earlier this month. We'll see how that goes...

    ReplyDelete
  14. Such a helpful post. Thanks Ellie for very good tips.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Each one and excellent tip. For me, my writing day starts by reading the news. I don't know why but it gets my brain going in the right direction.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great tips, Ellie. We need to be physically and mentally strong to be able to write.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We do, Rachna. It's something I've struggled a lot with lately.

      Delete
  17. These are great tips to become writing fit!
    Berlin? Enjoy Misha!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wonderful to see Ellie here! And i love how she compared writing to sports. It's so true! I love that book cover, btw.

    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi, Ellie & Misha,
    I've been thinking a lot about getting fit lately. All this sitting is murder on the body. Love the cover for Passing Time.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for commenting! I love to read what you think.

Feel free to ignore the check-box saying "Prove you're not a robot." My word verification is off, but I moderate comments to posts older than two weeks.