Back to basics

It's time to cover some basics of good writing habits that occur before you ever put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. It has to do with being comfortable and uninterrupted so you can focus. FIND A TIME OF DAY that works best for you. I'm an early morning person. I am much more alert and attentive at 5 in the morning than I am at 11 at night. Maybe noon works best for you. Whatever tine you choose, it is best to pick one when you are not likely to be disturbed by telephones or noisy kids or other distractions. FIND A PLACE that works for you. Make it a place where you're not only comfortable but where you're close to resources you might need, like books, magazines, a dictionary. IF YOU WORK BETTER with background music, make sure it is continuous so you don't have to stop and change it frequently and adjust the volume to your liking before you begin. IF YOU WANT FOOD OR BEVERAGE, get them before you sit down to work. And no Cheetos! If you have to ask why, you've never had Cheetos! PUT YOURSELF ON A SCHEDULE. Write for two hours a day. Or one hour. Or a half-hour. Whatever works. But remember, writing is a discipline and discipline takes structure and commitment.