This is my favorite time of year… new beginnings, “back to school,” focused, powerful energy to HARVEST our visions! I love this time because there’s so much space for creativity and focus, and I try to tap into it every year.
As you all know, I’m writing a new book, and in doing so, I’ve discovered something that I want you to try for yourself… A little thing I’m calling the immersion method, and honestly, it’s not anything new to any of us, but it’s new to me in terms of writing creative nonfiction.
Immersion Method
When I write, I always set goals for myself. This time around, though, I made the bold decision to finish my next manuscript by year’s end. Typically, I give myself six months to a year to complete a manuscript, depending on what genre I’m following, so this is a pretty tall order.
But I decided that this time would be different, so to accomplish this, I’ve set an ambitious schedule to compose a chapter every week and a half. And the good news is that I’m already over that overwhelming moment when the task at hand feels insurmountable!
I started by doing the everyday things that I teach. I took out my schedule, carved out the time, and swapped some things around to dedicate time to writing.
And I also booked plenty of family time and social time because I didn’t want to feel deprived and potentially ruin relationships in the process.
At the same time, I’m also running a business, so I thought hard about what will get me to a finished manuscript? I started envisioning it, and ultimately, what came to mind was this immersion method.
The Specifics
I decided to experiment with dictation software to maximize my writing productivity – and for me, it’s been an experience like no other.
I considered how I already scheduled my writing time (double my usual pace, remember?), but what about “writing” using a dictation app called Otter as I go throughout the day?
So, I gave it a try, and I was astounded at how much content I could generate in only three days!
I thought immersing myself in the drafting phase would raise my productivity, but I didn’t expect it to quadruple!
It’s all about finding ways to make your creativity flow, to make it start to churn and make waves until you can’t think of anything else but completing your daily writing goal. The trick is to align those writing goals with your project’s outline, whatever it may be. That way, I know exactly what I will be working on before I get the creative juices flowing.
Time will tell whether or not I stick to the immersion method, but for now, it’s bringing my writing pace to a new level.
I talk more about this in the video below – check it out to see if you’d like to give it a try.
My hope is that this method will, at the least, inspire you to double or triple your writing productivity too!