At Writer’s Relief, we know how easy it is to put aside your writing when the weather gets warmer and the oceans, mountains, and new cities beckon. And why not? Everyone’s taking a break now, right?
Wrong.
It used to be that the publishing industry slowed down for the summer, but that scenario went out with the typewriter ribbon and carbon copies. With today’s technology, literary editors and agents are reading and accepting work all summer long, whether they’re sitting dockside or desk-side.
So don’t let these lazy days lull you into neglecting your writing or your submission schedule! In fact, the best time to send out submissions is right now, while your competition is off collecting seashells.
How To Stay Motivated And Build Your Writing Credits All Summer
Stick To A Schedule
If you have plans to spend time with friends and family in the evening, opt to write in the morning. Or, if the morning is when you get most of your visiting or everyday work done, it may be best to write before you sleep. To stick to your schedule, you can even set a timer.
“Be ruthless about protecting writing days, i.e., do not cave in to endless requests to have ‘essential’ and ‘long overdue’ meetings on those days.” — J.K. Rowling
And if the thought of spending your summer days researching the best literary agents and journals makes your head spin, we can help! We’re currently accepting clients with short stories, essays, poetry, and books. Learn more here.
Connect With Other Writers
Sometimes you need an extra push to stay motivated and meet your writing goals. Consider joining a writing group or reaching out to a fellow writer to share ideas and swap feedback. Plus, there are plenty of writing conferences available during the summer—find one you can combine with a mini vacation!
“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work.” — Stephen King
Jot Down Ideas
Visiting new places, tasting different foods, and trying novel activities can all serve as inspiration for writing ideas! Don’t let these opportunities pass; jot down a quick note to jog your memory later.
“If you want to be a writer, you have to write every day…You don’t go to a well once, but daily.” — Walter Mosley
Take Care Of Yourself
Having a healthy, reenergized body and mind will lead to your best writing. While you may be inclined to grab a snack on the go, be sure to eat well and drink water! The caffeine in our coffee and tea is an essential writing ingredient—but so is staying hydrated! And if long summer nights inspire you to write into the wee hours, don’t make it an everyday occurrence.
“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”— John F. Kennedy
Put Down Your Phone
Your smartphone can be a handy reference tool for your poetry or prose, but it can also be your worst enemy. Social media can suck you in for indefinite periods of time, and puppy photos can distract you from any real research. So put your phone on silent and out of sight when you are writing! If you do need a phone break, limit yourself to five minutes.
“The best way to avoid interruptions is to turn them off.” — Peter Bregman
Don’t let the summer send your submission strategy back to square one. Instead, keep writing and submitting your work. Then, when you look back on your memorable summer moments—a new publication credit will have made your summer truly unforgettable!
Question: How do you keep yourself motivated to write?
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