What do you love to read? Become familiar with the genre you’re writing and absorb as much as you can. Chances are you’re already then familiar with the market. If you’re writing a genre you wouldn’t normally read, hold fire and read as much as you can before you start, or you may come unstuck.

You know you’ve a formidable marinade in there somewhere, but what on earth’s your genre?

As a writer, to daydream is crucial. Take a notebook and paper wherever you go and always keep it close to hand. Notebooks will become your best friends, especially if you have that lightning bolt idea, or you had no friends to begin with.

Wallace Collection – Daydream

If you don’t quite make the target, if you fall ill and fall behind, if for any reason life gets in the way, don’t beat yourself up. Have a glass of wine, sigh and carry on, vow to do better next time and hit your targets from then on, wherever possible. You’ll soon forget unavoidable “blips” in the productive process and won’t feel bad about them.

Pick a time that’s right for you…

Early bird? Late starter? Night owl? Obviously a lot of us have to subsidize out filthy writing habits with the tosh “the man” calls work, but try to work out when you’re best set to scroll down some fresh material.