Writing from Home: Tips to Help Self-Publishers Keep Active

A lot of self-published authors may find themselves, more often than not, writing from home. Whether this is through a site where you get paid for creative writing, freelance work, or working on their soon-to-be-self-published novel, these writers will find inspiration, or a lack thereof, within the confines of their home. It can either be great – it’s comforting being at home, surrounded by familiar things that bring peace and/or inspiration – or it can be a hindrance, leading to inactivity and laziness. In order to produce that next self-published novel or meet your deadline, you’ll need to set hard and fast rules when it comes to writing from home. Like anything in your self-publishing journey, we’re here to help.

Writing from home 101: treat it like any job

If you’re going to work from home, whether you’re telecommuting, freelance writing, or writing a book, you must treat it like work. Get up early. Drink your coffee, eat your breakfast, change out of your pajamas, and show up. Put in the hours, meet the deadlines you have set. Working at home can be very productive, but you need to treat it like it’s any other job, and in any other jobs, there are certain things expected of you.

Create an office space

If you don’t have the luxury of having a separate room for your office, create a comfortable, yet productive, space where you can get in the right mindset for work. Whether this is a corner of your living room or your kitchen table, make sure the space is conducive for productivity.

Keep distractions to a minimum

You can’t eliminate all distractions, whether you’re at home or in an office. There will always be other things vying for your attention – whether it’s other people, traffic outside your window, your TV, your pet, your child – whatever! It’s important, however, when writing from home, that you try your best to minimize this. Don’t write in the same room as the television; turn your Internet off when you’re not actively researching; tell your family members you need peace and quiet.

But, take breaks!

You get breaks during work, right? Of course! Don’t sit and stare at your computer screen for hours on end with no interruption. Go for a walk, even if it’s just to the kitchen to refill your coffee mug. Listen to music. Do some jumping jacks. Give your mind the break it needs before returning to writing.

Especially take a lunch break.

Eat. Fuel your brain. Your writing skills will suffer if you don’t. 

Stick to a schedule

Set a time every day to stop writing. Whether this is only after a couple of hours, or if you work a full 9-5 day. Don’t write into the night. Maintaining a good work-life balance will induce creativity.

If you follow rules that work for you, pretty soon that novel will be ready to self-publish. Writing from home can lead to great accomplishments, but only if you’re willing and able to put in the work and dedication.

Got a tip for writing from home that we didn’t include? Leave it in the comments!