How To Keep Writing In Lockdown
NICCI TALBOT, journalist and copywriter, offers HIP readers and writers some practical tips on how to stay creative and productive during this Covid-19 crisis. Follow her blog via the website below.
Get up early and journal
Automatic writing (waffle) first thing in the morning, three pages, to get through any blocks, ideas, and get into a writing habit. It’s all about the discipline – the muse doesn’t strike! Read The Artist’s Way (creative bible) by Julia Cameron.
Write short blogs and comments on social media, engage with new people, see what’s topical
Social is a great source of ideas and contacts. Have a daily social media habit (choose your platform) to build your profile.
Read as much as you can – online journalism, independent magazines, podcasts
Stack Magazines is a great resource, longreads.com, The Atavist.
Join or start an online book club on Zoom
I have two books to discuss – Station Eleven by Emily Mandel (about a pandemic), and Company of One by Paul Jarvis, inspiration for running a creative business.
Lockdown time is a gift, use it wisely
Update your profiles, admin, write every day, read as much as you can, join online writing communities in your field – there are tons of groups on Facebook, find a writing buddy or ‘remote work buddy’ -– happy to be one if anyone local needs it. I work from home so am used to lockdown 😉
Exercise and self-care
Walk/run or whatever you love to do every day to give your mind a rest and give you energy. Good way to solve problems, de-stress, and get new ideas.
Subscribe to newsletters for professional writers
The Professional Freelancer, Journo Resources, Freelance Writing Jobs, and tons more on Substack. Mine is Nerve: Nerve.substack.com
• For more information visit: www.niccitalbot.com
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.
Leave a Reply