There are many, many books out there in the world and each of them is different. And so is every writer. What works for that famous writer doesn't necessarily work for you. Definitely, it's wise to look at how the others have done it before you. I'm not encouraging you to invent a wheel. Learn all you can from fellow writers. Be humble enough to take advice. But, also, be wise enough to admit if a writing method that you have been trying out is not helping you or is even hindering you.
It is so important to develop a writing routine that helps you. To do that, you must look inside and get to know yourself as a writer. When and where are you most inspired? What did you do differently on that day when you got so much writing done? What are your strengths and weaknesses as a writer?
Let's start with plotters and pantsers. I'm a pure pantser. I see the merit in mapping out the story in advance and I have even envied people who can do it, but I just can't. My mind just freezes when I try to think of even the most basic story-line before I have written down at least the beginning. And only then the next thing reveals itself to me. Sure, it's a little like grappling in the dark, but it's better than having nothing written. See, how picking the right one from two options that are both completely legit makes the difference?
Time is another important factor. There is a popular advice to write every day. Works for Stephen King... but not for me. I have long shifts at work and on those days it's impossible to find any opportunity to write. However, I may think about the story in bed before falling asleep. Only you know your daily schedule. What is important, is to make room in your life for writing. It is up to you if you plan an hour to write, or prefer to write in small spurts. The main thing is to get some words into paper, isn't it?
There are many ways to write down your ideas: handwriting, typing, writing apps. I myself prefer handwriting, but you do you.
Than there are word-counts... Some writers make a big deal of them, so it obviously works for them and if it motivates you, why not. I myself find more satisfaction in a well-written line than in writing a lot of hastily composed words that may need a serious edit later.
Even the order of telling the story is not set on stone. There in non-linear writing, which means writing the scenes in the order of how inspiration hits you. I was thrilled of that idea for a while and wrote a few scenes ahead of time. Some went later into the story as they were, word by word, some I had to delete because new ideas changed the story so much that the pre-written scenes didn't fit any more. At some point I got back to linear writing.
In conclusion, pick the right weapons to fight the dreaded empty page. There are many ways to write, so, choose wisely!
Today's assignment: next time you sit down to write, do something differently than usual. Pay attention to how the change affects your work. If the outcome is good, why not consider making it a habit? If not, at least you got an experience.
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