1. Daydream. There’s a reason why writers stare into space. Daydreaming is part of the creative process. Go for a walk, soak in the bath, meditate, open your mind and let it fill with ideas.

2. Set goals. Some writers set word goals and won’t stop until they reach that number. I prefer to set aside a certain number of hours each day to spend writing, and whether I write 500 or 2500 words doesn’t matter. For me, it’s less stressful than agonizing over word count on a slow day. Find what works for you, set up a schedule and stick to it.

3. Establish a routine. Once you’ve set your goals, a routine will help you achieve them. Try to write at the same time every day until it becomes a normal part of your daily routine.

4. Write about something you care about. I don’t necessarily believe you should “write what you know”. Sometimes it’s good to step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself. There are so many great resources you can use to research and learn about the unfamiliar. I do, however, believe that you should be interested in what you write. If you care, your writing will feel more genuine.

5. Take notes. Keep a notepad in your purse or pocket, beside your bed and in your car. Write down every idea that pops into your head about plot, characters, or dialogue exchange. I’ve pulled my car to the side of the road to jot down an idea inspired by a song on the radio. You just never know.

6. Keep a timeline. I’d written the first eight chapters of my first novel, Tranquility, when it occurred to me that I couldn’t remember what day it should be. I had to go back, read through the whole thing, and document events in a timeline to get it straight. It would have saved a whole lot of time if I’d done that right from the start. Now, after every chapter, I stop and jot down every important detail, whether it’s an event or the color of a character’s eyes.

7. Join a writer’s group. Connecting with other writers is a great way to share ideas and knowledge. They are the only people in the world who understand what you’re going through. Find one in your community, online, or start one of your own.

8. Take care of yourself. It’s easy to get lost in your story and lose track of time. Get up every hour and take a short break. Make time every day to go to the gym or for a walk. You’ll write better because of it.

 9. Read. Reading makes you a better writer, so read widely in many genres.

10. Reward yourself. Be proud of your accomplishments. You should be, writing is damn hard work.