Being an productive writer isn't always easy to do. After all, it is easy to get side tracked, busy with life, and if you lack self discipline it is easy to let writing fall by the way side. Whether you are writing because you love to write or because you are trying to make a living off of it (or even if you are making a living off of it) it can be a challenge to be a productive writer.
Set Aside the Time.
It is easy to get distracted and side tracked. Even the best of intentions can fall by the wayside and be left in the dust. Therefore the first step to being a more productive writer is to make the time. Set aside a time that is specifically for writing and keep that your writing time. Don't let other things schedule itself into that time. Make sure that time stays "writing time" and that it is free of distractions and interruptions.
Make a Plan.
Even when writing it is easy to get distracted. The computer comes with a whole world of possibilities and many of them can get in the way of writing. To avoid falling into that trap have a plan for your writing session. You don't have to nail down exactly what you are going to write, but it is a good idea to have an idea of what you are going to write, how you are going to write it, and how you are going to avoid the other things that might pop up and distract you.
Know Your Weaknesses.
Each of us have our own weaknesses which make it difficult for us to write. Identifying your weaknesses will help you battle them. If time is something you struggle with then making time is your most important step. If staying focused is your weakness then you will want to have a good plan to work with. If you are one who has a lot of interruptions that make it hard for you to write then finding a place that is truly productive will be the best thing for you.
Make Your Work Space.
Having a clean and organized work space is the best bet. It is more productive (even for those of us that tend to lean toward a cluttered life). Make sure that you have everything you will need with in reach. If you are one who likes to make notes while you work then you will want to make sure paper and pens or pencils are always available. Anything else you might need should also be with in reach. It is never a good thing to have to get up and go on the hunt for something that you are in need of.
Make It a Habit.
We are creatures of habit. This can be a good thing such as when you have a habit of writing everyday or when you have a habit of jogging each morning, or it can be a bad thing. Making it a habit takes a little work and some consistency, but once it is a habit it will be easier to continue it. Most habits take six to eight weeks to develop, so keep it up and you will find it easier to keep on going.
Keep At It.
It is easy to have days when you just don't feel like writing. You can feel that one day won't hurt anything. This procrastination and putting off of writing can also become a habit. It is much better to keep at it. Even if you only write a little or don't write anything productive it is better then not writing at all.
Being a more productive writer is about writing regularly and making it a habit. It is about coming up with a good work space and good work habits. It takes time and needs to be built up. However, once you get into the flow of doing it regularly it becomes easier and easier to do.