A vital but less-mentioned part of writing is writing endurance. Think of athletes who prepare for a big event by practicing daily. To achieve great writing, you need to practice and improve your writing skills. Writing endurance is the ability to consistently write without losing steam or focus.

If you want to be a writer, building up your writing endurance will only benefit you. Here are writing practice tips to encourage and guide you in building writing endurance. 

Writing Endurance Tip 1: Practice Writing Often–And Make Your Schedule Fit Your Goals

Maybe you have a busy schedule and feel drained at the end of the day. Maybe you look at an empty page and think, “I’ll put it off until later.” It can be difficult to find time, and when you do have time, sometimes you don’t feel like writing. 

However, if you add a little discipline to your writing, your future self will appreciate the work you put in. It’s much easier to look at and rewrite something you’ve written than it is to come back to a continually blank page.

Busy lives and busy schedules can make it difficult to find time to write. However, if writing is important to you, let yourself treat it with importance. Find a balance that works with your schedule. For example, if you get tired at the end of the day, you could write at the beginning of the day instead.

Writing Endurance Tip 2: Set Small and Reasonable Writing Goals

Sometimes it’s hard to see the big picture when you’re in the weeds of writing. Because of this, you might have a hard time gauging how much you have done. If you give yourself goals, you can more easily see your progress.

One common goal that writers like to set for themselves is a daily word count. The trick with this is not to set a word count that’s too high. For example, horror writer Stephen King sets his goal at at least 2000 words while fantasy writer Terry Pratchett aimed for at least 400. 

It all depends on your schedule and the amount you’re used to writing. If you start with a goal much higher than you’re used to writing, you might lose stamina and quickly burn out.

Need to write but don’t know what? Try varying it up a little. Give yourself 10 minutes to write whatever comes to mind. Sometimes your “free writing” will naturally lead you into that turn in a story you’re been working on.

Remember that a goal can also come in many forms. If you’re writing a long story and aren’t sure how to continue the plot, you could focus on writing something else. For example, you could revisit and write in-depth backstories on your main characters. You will stretch important writing muscles even if you don’t think you’re adding to your story.

Writing Endurance Tip 3: Read Books and Find Encouragement!

Writing is a long, winding process, even for successful authors. Read your favorite authors’ works to get inspiration, but also find out how they got to where they are. Learning about a favorite author’s journey can encourage you in your own process.

Many authors also offer writing advice, and you can be encouraged by their words. Better yet, many aspiring writers like to form online groups. Members can encourage each other and give feedback on each other’s work. If you join and contribute to a writer’s group, your own motivation and writing progress can grow, too.

Write, Practice, Endure!

As a writer, you’re the first explorer of the world you wish to express. As you go along in your writing journey, you will find yourself running into roadblocks. Frustration, writer’s block, or even lack of motivation can make it harder for you to achieve your goals. 

You might doubt your progress or even your skill as a writer. Don’t let these doubts wear down your excitement and inspiration! Build up your writing endurance, and you will be able to counter these roadblocks as they come.

Around the world, aspiring writers work on unique and imaginative stories. Groups like the Global Writer’s Project encourage and support upcoming writers. You’re not alone in this writing trek! 

By giving yourself the room to grow, your writing will shine.