5 Tips to Maximize Your Summer Writing

Take advantage of nice weather to invigorate
your writing this summer.
Photo credit | EKHumphrey

I live near the beach, so out-of-town guests start showing up on our doorstep at the change of the season and as the water warms. Generally, amidst the hubbub, I can have some difficulties keeping a writing or reading schedule. 

Here are five of my favorite tips for writers trying to wring the most out of the summer months in between fun summer activities:

1. Take a class in real life. The Internet is great in that we can access some great classes and teachers, even during the summer months. But explore local community colleges or art centers. Often they have some great short-term classes to take. A real-life class gets you out of the house, away from the computer, and keeps you engaged in writing.
2. Attend a neighborhood conference. It’s not a big commitment, but a nearby weekend conference can help you keep pen to paper. Conferences help us feel energized and many university writing programs have summer workshops, which give you access to top writers. Because it is close by, you can select workshops to attend, without committing for the entire weekend (unless you have the time!).
3. Create a summer club. The other nine months of the year, my kids and I have school activities that crop up during the week and prevent me from making regular writing plans. (It’s amazing how often conference nights crop up unannounced until the day of!) During the summer months, there are no school distractions for the kids, so I can start reclaiming some of the time for myself to spend with my local friends. We can create a short reading club—pick one book, but set up a handful of evening meetings throughout the summer. It doesn’t fit everyone’s schedule, but it’s a nice way to have a goal and socialize. (This also works with writing clubs, using short, manageable goals.)
4. Wake up 15-30 minutes earlier. This can be a tough one to do since we’re apparently a nation of sleep-deprived folks. I know! But one thing that I can never get enough of during the summer is waking up earlier than I normally would, grabbing a warm drink, and finding a peaceful spot outside to enjoy the sounds of morning awakening. Even though you may need to focus on breakfasts and getting out the door in a little while, spending the quiet time writing will help you start your day off well and feeling productive.
5. Enjoy the outdoors! Sure, you will be away from your computer and writing if you are running around outside. But you’ll also find that the more you can get out and enjoy a change of scenery and get some exercise, your creative juices will flow all that much easier. So take advantage of the nice weather. Your writing will be right where you left it when you get back and you’ll feel better. And your writing will feel better.

Elizabeth King Humphrey is a writer, editor, and writing coach. She will be teaching a writing class -- in real life -- this summer and is excited about the opportunity. (See number one above!)

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