As a writer willing to hone your skill in the writing craft, there are some habits you need to adopt and there are some you need to avoid like a plague. Writing is not a calling for the intellectually weak and bone lazy individuals. Being a writer is more or less a call to redefine society through your words. So, if you must positively affect your social life with your writing, you must beware of these seven habits I have shared in this article.
- Don’t procrastinate
Even the best among writers are susceptible to procrastination. This is one enemy as a writer that you must avoid. You must not reject putting pen to paper or not typing an inspiration that settles in your mind. Don’t do it later, do it now.
2. Complete a book before starting another
When I started out as a writer, I was usually submerged with a lot of inspiration for fiction and it became difficult to focus on the writing I had already started. Most times, I ended up abandoning both writing. As a writer, you must make sure you finish one writing task before taking on another. If you fail to do this, you may likely not finish any at all.
3. Never abandon a book you are reading
I recall reading Wole Soyinka’s The Man Died in my high school days. It got to the point where I couldn’t comprehend the writer’s expressions, so I abandoned it. Abandoning a book because it is difficult to understand does not make you a writer. The best advice is to leave the book for a while and then go back to it later. By that time, you are returning with a renewed energy and with an open mind.
4. Don’t read two books at once
It doesn’t really make any sense to be reading more than one book simultaneously. Doing this will not give you a focus. This can also be slightly acceptable when you are carrying out research. However, when you are reading to thoroughly digest a piece of writing, it is not advisable to read two books at a time.
5. Don’t be a one way reader
While you may have a preference for sci-fi, horror or other kinds of writing. As a writer, you must be ‘vulnerable’ to books. Vulnerable here means you are easily taken in by a book irrespective of its genre. Mere seeing a book should make you want to read it so as to glean some things from it.
6. Never write off a book
The novel, Harry Potter was rejected many times by publishers until a publisher decided to publish the book and then informed J.K Rowling never to attempt writing another book. You and I know the outcome of Harry Potter. It has become a household name and has also been shown on the big screen. That you did not enjoy a body doesn’t mean you should write it off, especially if you are a reviewer or a publisher.
7. Don’t handle books roughly
Avoid handling books shabbily as this does not present you as a lover of books. This may sound a bit funny but it is the truth. While you may not be judged as a good or bad writer by the way you handle books, as a practice, always handle both your books or other people’s books with care all the time.
Conclusion
It is very possible that the points I shared above may seem ridiculous or you are just getting to know about it. Whichever case is yours, it is important to avoid these habits at all cost. While this may take a while to adapt, it is a good way to start.
READ ALSO: How To Write Like A Pro
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