demoniahorror.com

By ©Demonia

If you want to get it done fast. (Don’t ask me how long I’ve been working on mine.) 

Please put aside everything and focus only on your novel. 

Even if that means not “going out” or spending time with friends, family, etc. 

Turn off (the sound) on all cell phones, turn off the TVs or anything that will cause loud sounds. Lock your door, don’t answer it for anything unimportant. But leave a “Do not disturb” sign on your door, so people know you are working. Notify those around you that you are “Taking some personal time to work” and will be away for a while…. but don’t be rude about it. 

Make sure you have a clean workspace. You can move your workspace around if you feel like a change of scenery will help you focus.

Don’t take any vacations, or don’t go on any trips at all (No beach, no camping trips.) 

Things you can still do: Go to the gym, listen to music, go get a coffee (anything under 45min per day). It’s ok to get some fresh air, too. 

Don’t spend too much time out at a restaurant or grocery shopping. Wasting time during traffic hours is bad. Have your food delivered if you can. 

Turn off bright lights and set an ambience or a mood (that is why I prefer to work after sundown). During the daytime it’s alright to work with bright lights. I prefer to work with mood lighting.  

I work with light blocking anti-glare reflective glasses for electronics, so I don’t strain my eyesight if I am working long hours. 

Get enough sleep… 8 hours of sleep is important. Take naps. If you are like me, then you will work overtime. Don’t forget to eat breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. It’s good to keep snacks nearby, not to spend a lot of time cooking—— try to get pre-made food. 

Also, sometimes I feel like I have reached my limit for the day. If you can’t think anymore, then please “sleep on it.” The next day you will wake up and feel refreshed and continue to work on whatever was left unfinished from your previous working/writing session. 

During this time, it is not even important to start worrying about perfect grammar, spelling, or even finding the right word. These are why they’re called “Drafts.” Until you have your final draft, just write whatever comes to your mind first, and you can figure the rest out later. 

Just as long as you get that first draft finished, that is the most important part. 

Also, very important advice: You do not have to write each chapter in chronological order, or in ascending order. By all means, write the chapters that pop into your head and figure out the rest later. Figure out how you will piece them together later. 

Final note: No distractions. Under any circumstances. 

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