Rubber Ducky Copywriter

Every writer I know has trouble writing.
– Joseph Heller, American Author and Novelist

Good thing writers aren’t doctors. Jokes aside, having to write (well) when you don’t feel like it not easy. Emotionally, mentally, physically: sometimes the mojo just isn’t there. I’ve been a copywriter for a while, and I’ve learned how to keep up the pace when every cell in my being is not on board.

Here’s what I’ve learned (so far).

Practice, practice, practice.

This is first for a reason; it’s critical. Writing is a muscle that works best under uncomfortable circumstances when you keep that muscle honed and toned.

Devote a regular block of time to practice your writing. Whether it’s a full hour or twenty minutes, make time to practice. Put yourself away from distractions like you’re going into a time-out chair. Doesn’t matter if what you produce is even good. Just write.

The more your practice, the easier the words will come when you least feel like pouring them out.

Take writing with you.

Writing is portable (which makes practice portable; just saying). In line at the store? Waiting for your car’s oil to be changed? Take a journal with you and write, write, write.

• You’ll be amazed at just how good you get at producing when conditions are less than ideal.
• When you don’t feel well or inspired, you’ll also be amazed at how more easily you can produce when you’re uncomfortable.
• All because you’ll have practiced away from your usual inspirational writing spot.

Let go of perfection.

That dream we all have of creating perfection every time we put pen (or keyboard) to paper?  Let it go.  The end goal is to produce results that make the client happy.  And if you have to dig a little deeper to turn crap into gold, just remember – we all have those days.

Here’s where I confess to updating this blog post because I accidentally duplicated that “Let go of perfection” section. Oh the irony. 🙂

Take care of your inner hamster.

Cannot stress this enough. Read this post on why your inner hamster kicks your muse’s ass (I’ll wait). Muses are fickle and not your friend when you’re having trouble writing. Your inner hamster knows the score and knows how to get down to business to get the dirty work done.

When you don’t love writing, love your hamster (appropriately).

Make your craft a priority.

We all struggle with this.  There will always be a reason not to practice.  One more chore.  One more errand.  And they’re more appealing when you’re unmotivated.  Forcibly ignore the excuses and stick to the keyboard.

Every day that we practice, we get better.  And when we prioritize that over our aches and pains, chores and excuses, we take another step towards being the writer we want to be – the crackerjack that can come up with the lines clients love at a moment’s notice despite whatever is bugging us.

Practice.

Make the words flow even if you have to break the bottle,
Ducky