If you dream of being a writer there are only a few things that can get in your way. Writer’s block and a full time job.

But don’t worry there are ways to build a consistent writing habit that can overcome any obstacles that stand in your way.

Writing isn’t easy, even if being a writer is your dream job you’ll come to realise that there is a lot of work involved. Crafting the perfect written piece takes research, time, editing and proofing (And remembering to save your work).

However, there are ways to build a consistent habit that will cut through any blocks you have and help you reach your writing goals.

Think about these simple steps to build a habit:

1. Set your overall goal
2. Find a suitable writing environment
3. Use the tools that suit you
4. Keep track of your progress
5. Add it to your diary
6. Remember to read
7. Return to your plan
8. Find a community

1) Set your overall goal

If you know what you are planning to achieve you can then start to work towards this goal. Just writing now and then might seem helpful but you won’t know how long your project will take to complete.

Instead set a goal. This could be 10,000 words of your first book, or a move ambitious goal to complete a first draft within 2 months.

Of course your goal doesn’t have to be crazy, it might just be to write at least 1,000 words per week. But you need to have something tangible to work towards.

It’s important to make sure it is practical. Aiming to write 10,000 words a day when you are in the office from 9am until 5pm is setting yourself up for failure. However, making a goal to write at least 500 words a day is a lot more manageable, this is even something you could do on your lunch break.

Set a goal and stick to it. That way you will have a plan in place and be more motivated to write.

Find a suitable writing environment

This one might seem obvious but your environment helps when writing. And everyone’s favourite spot will be different. Some writers work well with the buzz of a coffee shop behind them, others need quite and peace.

Find what works for you, maybe it is a combination of different places depending on where you want to be.

Once you have somewhere that works it’s time to get writing.

If you are struggling to focus even with a suitable writing space perhaps a change of scene is needed. Booking a week in a hotel or rental property with the purpose to write might be the change you need to actually get some work done.

Use tools that suit you

Whether you write by hand, type on a laptop or use the note pad on your phone write wherever you can. You can always transfer your work to a types, printed copy later.

You also don’t need any fancy software unless you want to invest. There is plenty of free writing platforms that work on so it doesn’t need to cost a lot to write.

Keep track of you progress

Having a word count may feel intimidating but it will also help you keep track of your work and progress towards your goals.

It is important to keep track of your progress so you can not only see how far you have come but make sure you don’t do too much or miss a deadline.

Add it to your diary

Having a vague plan to write more will work for some but most people need a concrete plan, otherwise life and other tasks will get in the way.

Setting a daily or weekly plan for when you are going to write is the perfect way to make sure you schedule time.

This is especially helpful if your writing is not the main way you are paying the bills. If you write as a hobby or because you want to publish a book in the future, your writing becomes something you do on the side. And it is easy to neglect this. Therefore, if you make time in your diary you are more likely to stick to it.

Remember to read

It’s important to not only write but read. Writing is a craft and you’ll learn what writing style you enjoy simply by reading more.

As an author it is also research into the market and what books are being published right now.

And if you find you simply don’t have the time just aim for one page a day of a book, it all adds up and helps to improve your work too.

Return to your plan

Having an outline or a plan for your writing is helpful. This way you can refer to it when you are working out what to write.

Adding in dates when you will work on each section helps to keep you on track. It also reminds you where you are up to and you can see a roadmap of how much you have left.

This will keep you motivated and allow you to stay motivated. There is nothing quite like ticking off a point from your writing plan once it is done.

Find a community

Writing with others is a way to motivate you. Seeing other people working will inspire you to keep going. So finding a writing community is a good idea.

Setting aside time each week to join a writing group will inspire you and gives you a dedicated space to work.

There are many groups in local areas, check out your local library or websites like Meetup to find one local to you. Making writer friends is a good way to stay motivated.

If you struggle to find a group or simply don’t have the time, there are many spaces online. You can even watch write with me videos if you prefer in order to give you the motivation to work.

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Remember to choose the plan that suits you best. Everyone’s life is different and we all have different amounts of time to spend on activities. When working full time writing on the side will always be harder but it is not impossible. Schedule in your writing, even little and often adds up.