You’re here because you want the skinny on cranking out those word counts, right?
You’ve got deadlines looming like storm clouds and a book that’s as stubborn as a mule.
You’re probably hoping I’ll tell you about some mystical muse that’ll swoop down and breathe life into your work. Well, sadly I don’t.
The Muse is a Fickle Beast
Let’s get this straight: the muse is about as reliable as a chocolate teapot.
Sure, the idea of some divine creature sprinkling your brain with fairy dust sounds peachy, but if you’re waiting around for that to happen, you might as well be waiting for rain in the Sahara. It’s a myth my fellow silly geese. A beautiful, dangerous myth that could leave you high and dry when the deadline’s knocking at your door.
Embrace the Gloriously Mundane
Here’s the real magic trick: making peace with the mundane. That’s right, the day-to-day, the grind, the routine. It’s not glamorous, but it’s gold…
Here’s how you mine it:
1.Nail Down a Writing Schedule
Clock in, clock out. Make it as regular as brushing your teeth.
Whether it’s an hour after breakfast or a quick sprint before bed, keep it consistent. This isn’t just about cranking out words—it’s about making your brain sweat in all the right ways.
2. Claim Your Territory
Stake out your space. Whether it’s a creaky desk in the corner or your favourite coffee shop, make it yours. This is your cockpit, you’re the captain and that’s where the words are gonna fly.
When you sit down, you’re not just fooling around—you’re flying to the moon.
3. Chop It Up
A book’s a beast. Don’t try to wrestle it all at once. Break it into bits—scenes, chapters, beats. Conquer it piece by piece, like eating an elephant one bite at a time. And yes, it’s okay to celebrate every little victory. Do a dance. Pat yourself on the back. You’ve earned it.
4. Systems Over Goals
Forget painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Your job is to put paint on the brush and then put that brush to the canvas. Every. Single. Day. The system is your path to victory. The goals? They’ll follow if you keep pumping the pedals.
5. Feed the Beast
Read, watch, absorb. Stuff your eyeballs with movies, your brainpan with books, and your soul with art. The muse might not show up, but you can still invite other guests to the party. They’ll bring their own sparks and who knows? Fire might just catch.
Finally…
Keep On Truckin’
The real work happens when nobody’s watching. It’s the slow and steady, the relentless march of words that pile up while you’re looking the other way. That, is where you’ll find the gold.
Remember, the muse is great for a fling, but the mundane? That’s your ride or die. It’s the quiet, commitment to the craft that’ll help you churn out stories that stick. Keep hitting those keys, keep showing up. Make the mundane your secret weapon. Now, go forth and write.
Stephen Walker.