LITMIR.BIZ

      Write Now!

      These dos and don’ts will help you start your draft,

      even when you feel stuck.

      brainstorm and outline

      before you start writing

      your draft. When you work

      from an outline, you won’t

      waste time wondering what you’re

      going to write next.

      keep the assignment sheet

      with all the instructions

      and requirements close

      by. Also, remember those

      important questions: What is the

      main idea I want my writing to

      share? What job do I want my writ-

      ing to do? Use the assignment and

      questions to guide your writing and

      help you focus.

      feel like you have to

      write the entire draft

      all at once. Give your-

      self time to write—and time

      not to write. If you set aside your

      writing for a day, you might discover

      that your words are better than you

      remembered!

      try free writing. If you feel

      like you can’t come up with

      the right words, write what-

      ever comes to mind on your

      topic for 5 or 10 minutes. It doesn’t

      matter what words you choose or

      whether you want to keep your

      ideas. Just move your pencil across

      the paper until time’s up.

      sit there staring at a

      blank screen or page

      for more than a few

      minutes. Try free writing

      or a new brainstorming technique.

      Reread your assignment, search-

      ing for clues to focus your writing.

      Take a jumping-jacks break!

      get mad at yourself if

      you get stuck. You can

      do it! Writing isn’t a

      special gift. It’s a skill that

      just takes planning, practice, and

      persistence—three things that

      everyone can do.

      Feeling Blocked?

      Try these timely tactics to get your pencil moving.

      Check in with a friend. Set up a time to

      review each other’s assignments well before

      the due date.

      Reward yourself. Build small breaks and

      treats into your writing time. Finish a page?

      Get a glass of water, stretch, or play with your

      pet. Write for an hour? Take a quick cocoa

      break. Choose rewards that work for you.

      Talk out loud and record your writing if

      you’re tired of typing or writing by hand.

      Most smartphones, tablets, and computers

      can record what you say.

      Set a timer for 15 or 20 minutes, and keep

      writing until you hear the beep. Don’t stop

      to get a snack or chat with your sister.

      Just write. Do this in manageable chunks

      until you’re finished.

      Set small writing goals before you begin.

      Decide you’re going to write a certain

      number of words, paragraphs, or pages,

      and don’t stop until you’ve done it.

      You’ll feel great when you reach your goal!

      Practice Makes

      . . . a Habit

      The more you write, the better you write and the

      easier writing becomes. Here’s how to make writing a habit.

      Keep a journal. Every day write a bit

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