Get Your Writing Done

Everywhere I look I see workshops promising to help you get a fast start to 2024. And that’s great! But here’s the thing: how many times have you or someone you know got off to a quick start on a new writing project but never quite finished it? That’s why this episode is all about Starting to Finish. We'll talk about five common reasons people don't finish their writing and five concrete steps you can take to avoid them.For more information and tools for the productive writer, visit getyourwritingdone.com

Do you ever hear yourself saying these sorts of things?- I don’t have enough time to write- I don’t have enough energy to keep going to the end- I am so demoralized at how slow this is going- I’m losing my enthusiasm for this writing project I’ve been at it so longIf you find yourself in one of these situations, you need to become a master of making slow progress. This idea of slow progress gets very little discussion these days, but I think it deserves a lot more. In today’s episode I define slow progress, talk about why slow progress can be challenging, and outline some strategies for mastering the art of moving slowly toward your goals.

Did you know that the average person spends just 47 seconds before switching from looking at one screen/window on their computer to looking at another? Or that it takes 25 minutes to regain focus after an interruption? Staying focused in the best of times is a brutal task. Staying focused when life gets crazy is that much harder.In this episode we'll talk about five strategies for finding focus that all happen before you sit down to write.Ezra Klein, "Beyond the 'Matrix' Theory of the Mind,"  Gloria Mark, Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity 

Have you ever had one of those periods where you just couldn’t write consistently? Maybe your schedule was too chaotic. Maybe you got super busy at work. Or maybe you found yourself looking at the clock and seeing it was time to write but you wound up finding something else to do? Maybe you were going great guns but then went on vacation and when you came back you found that your momentum was gone and you never got back on track? Or maybe you made plans to get to work early every morning and write for an hour before work but after a couple days you stopped and didn’t start again? If any of these sound familiar, do not feel bad! We have all had trouble showing up. In fact, I think being consistent and building a writing routine that sticks is one of the single biggest challenges facing a lot of writers, especially a routine that can stand the challenges and turbulence of daily living. So today’s episode is all about showing up: why we don’t and what we can do about it. By the end of the show, you’ll have strategies for writing consistently.

Did you ever have a writing project where everything just clicked? I mean, from the beginning when you had the idea to the finished product, everything just went great, and quickly? And on the other hand, did you ever have a writing project that did nothing but give you trouble, from the day you started it until the day you finished it, or just dropped it? I've had my share of both. And lately I've been reflecting on some of the things that determine how things go with my writing projects, and what's sticking out to me today is the importance of being in sync with your writer rhythms. That's a technical term I just made up, by the way: writer rhythms. According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary, rhythm is "a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound." I submit that a writer rhythm is a strong, regular, repeated pattern of writing. Boom, new term created. The argument I want to make in today's podcast is that when you are in sync with your writer rhythms, when you honor them, in a sense, your writing will flow much more easily. When you are out of sync, however, even the easy things will eventually start to become difficult. Today I'm going to explore the concept of writer rhythms and offer a few observations that might help if you're looking to get in better sync with them.

If you write fiction (and even if you don't), my guess is that you use, have used, or are thinking about using Scrivener, one of the most popular writing apps on the planet. If you are thinking about it, or need some help making the most of Scrivener, this week's guest is the person to ask for help. Gwen Hernandez is an engineer turned author. She writes the popular Men of Steele series but she has another claim to fame as well. After a friend told her about this cool new writing app, Gwen discovered and fell in love with Scrivener, and wound up publishing blog posts about how to use it as she learned its ins and outs. Eventually, her widely acknowledged expertise led to a contract with Wiley to write Scrivener for Dummies. It also led to a booming business in providing Scrivener training both online and in person.In this episode Gwen and I talk about why she thinks Scrivener is such a great writing app, how Twitter landed her a publishing deal, and she reveals a few power user moves that everyone who uses Scrivener should know.LinksFind Gwen Hernandez at gwenhernandez.comGwen's courses: scrivenerclasses.comScrivener for DummiesTrevor's Coach-Led Weekly Writing GroupGetYourWritingDone.comFollow me on TwitterThe 12 Week Year for Writers

Welcome to the Get Your Writing Done podcast, I’m Trevor Thrall, author of The 12 Week Year for Writers. If you enjoy today’s episode, please submit a review wherever you get your podcasts. And for weekly updates on the podcast and other writing resources, you can subscribe to my newsletter at GYWD.comAre you the kind of person who likes to hash out all the details before you start writing? Or are you the kind of person who likes to take an idea, start writing, and see where it goes? Whether or not you’ve taken sides in the Plotter/Pantser wars, all fiction writers eventually have the same needs. They need to figure out their story’s timeline, they need to make sure their plots are coherent, they need to understand their characters’ arcs, and so on.So today I’m excited to be chatting with Cameron Sutter and Ryan Zee, founders of the fantastic new app, Plottr. Plottr is a beautiful app with easy-to-use drag & drop visual timelines that let you construct outlines and plots more quickly than ever. And it has built-in plot templates based on time-tested structures like the Hero’s Journey, the 12 Chapter Mystery, and Romancing the Beat.Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, the Plottr app is definitely worth checking out.LinksPlottr.comWeekly Writing Routine Workshop (Jan 20, 2022)30 Day Writing Habit Builder Challenge (Jan 24, 2022)Trevor’s Coach-Led Weekly Writing GroupGetYourWritingDone.comFollow me on TwitterThe 12 Week Year for Writers

Are great writers born or made? Is your productivity level something fixed, or can you become a more productive person over time? If you haven’t written a book by age 30, will you ever? Do rejections mean you’re a failure?In this podcast we take another look at the writer’s mindset. Our focus today is the importance of a growth mindset. Research shows that adopting a growth mindset, rather than a fixed mindset, plays a huge role in how people live their lives. Thanks to its impact on learning, challenge seeking, and motivation, adopting a growth mindset leads to greater happiness and life satisfaction, as well as to greater achievement. In this episode I start by sharing a personal lesson about growth that took me over twenty years to talk about in public. Then I outline the differences between growth and fixed mindsets, talk about why the growth mindset is so crucial for writers, and walk through five strategies for growing your growth mindset.LinksCarol Dweck, Mindset: The New Psychology of SuccessJennifer Smith, "Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset: How What You Think Affects What You Achieve,"Ashley Cullins, "Fixed Mindset Vs. Growth Mindset Examples,"Weekly Writing Routine Workshop (Jan 20, 2022)30 Day Writing Habit Builder Challenge (Jan 24, 2022)Trevor’s Coach-Led Weekly Writing GroupGetYourWritingDone.comFollow me on TwitterThe 12 Week Year for Writers

It’s a new year and for many of us that means it’s time to launch ambitious new writing projects. And that’s great, because the world needs more of what you’re doing. But it turns out that the launch phase is fraught with perils and risks. How many of us have had a blinding epiphany strike while in the shower, only to realize later that the idea wasn’t so brilliant after all? Or have you ever spent a week enthusiastically pursuing a new project only to hit a brick wall and realize that it wasn’t something you actually wanted to do? Or even could do? Being enthusiastic about your new project is awesome, but writers need to not let that enthusiasm cloud their vision of reality. Writers of all kinds need to be sure that their new idea is worth pursuing before they invest blood, sweat, tears, and years on it. Nor can exuberance substitute for good planning.So today we’re going to talk about some of the most common challenges that come at launch time and I’ll outline a three-step approach to making sure your next launch is a success.LinksHirschman, "The Principle of the Hiding Hand,"Walsh, "Why Your Best Idea May Be Your Second Favorite,"Leighfield, "How to Write a Film Treatment,"Weekly Writing Routine Workshop (Jan 20, 2022)30 Day Writing Habit Builder Challenge (Jan 24, 2022)Trevor’s Coach-Led Weekly Writing GroupGetYourWritingDone.comFollow me on TwitterThe 12 Week Year for Writers

If you aren’t a 12 Week Year follower, you might be surprised to learn that a key element of the 12 Week Year system is, in fact, a 13th week. The 13th week is dedicated to assessing the previous 12 so that you can look at what went well, what didn’t go so well, and identify lessons learned to help you shape your next 12 Week plan.If you’ve been listening to the podcast for any time, or read the book, you’ll know that I have a low opinion of New Year’s resolutions and annual planning. That said, the turning of the year is, without question, a fantastic, maybe even a necessary, time to take stock and to reflect on your writing life. Maybe we could think of it as a 13th month? Whatever you call it, today we’re going to talk about how to conduct an annual review and I’ll share some of my own reflections on 2021 that I’m going to carry with me into 2022.LinksWeekly Writing Routine Workshop (Jan 20, 2022)30 Day Writing Habit Builder Challenge (Jan 24, 2022) Trevor's Coach-Led Weekly Writing GroupGetYourWritingDone.comFollow me on TwitterThe 12 Week Year for Writers

Let me ask you a simple question: Why do you write?This question - so simple and unassuming and yet so profound - is the starting point for our conversation about motivation. We all have good days and bad days. I’m sure we have all experienced some high highs and some low lows. But some people seem to have a higher baseline level of motivation than others. Some people pretty much always seem excited about their work in progress. And other people - don’t.If you’re looking to find your motivation, or for ways to have more good days than bad days, this episode is for you. We know a lot these days about the fundamental sources of motivation. And better yet, we know that motivation is not a fixed asset. Today I’ll talk about why we write, what motivates us, and how you can increase your motivation by redesigning your motivational ecosystem. Links:Daniel Pink, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates UsSubscribe to the GYWD newsletterFollow me on TwitterThe 12 Week Year for Writers

Today I sit down with Susan Scott, counselor, leadership coach, author, and founder of Life Inspired, Inc., a company that provides life design and coaching for leaders and life coaches.Our topic today is resilience. As I discuss in the 12WY for Writers, resilience is a critical element of the writer’s mindset. Every writer - no matter the type or genre, has to deal with rejections, criticism, false starts, and negative reviews that all writers. Without resilience - an ability to confront the tough parts and keep going - it’s hard to imagine making a go of things as a writer. But it’s far easier to tell folks to “be resilient” than to understand exactly what that means. In our conversation today, Susan explains what resilience really is and outlines a set of steps we can all use to build greater resilience. Links:Susan Scott, Life Inspired, IncLarry Crabb, Understanding PeopleSubscribe to the GYWD newsletterFollow me on TwitterThe 12 Week Year for Writers

Have you ever been thinking about a writing project but then said, I don’t know everything I need to know about that so I shouldn’t start that project right now, I should wait until I’m more confident about what I know. Or have you ever found yourself in the middle of a manuscript and asked, “Why did I ever think I could do this?” Have you ever sat around a table of your peers and thought, If these people really knew me they wouldn’t think I belong here.If you answered yes to any of these questions, then welcome to the Imposter Syndrome Club. 70% of the public will confront imposter’s syndrome at some point, and I think almost all writers certainly do. In today’s podcast I’ll talk about my own ordeals and offer some strategies for defusing imposter syndrome.LinksValerie Young, The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Imposter Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of ItSubscribe to the GYWD newsletterFollow me on TwitterThe 12 Week Year for Writers

Welcome to the Get Your Writing Done podcast, I’m Trevor Thrall, author of The 12 Week Year for Writers. If you enjoy today’s episode, please submit a review wherever you get your podcasts. And for weekly updates on the podcast and other writing resources, you can subscribe to my newsletter at GYWD.comAh the holidays, that time of year where everyone’s plans to get things done meet the hard cold reality of holiday parties, endless hours at the shopping mall, and car trips to Grandma’s house. For writers, it’s hard to navigate between the temptation to hole up in your office and keep writing until it’s all over and the temptation to abandon all pretense at writing between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.In this week’s episode I discuss the challenges of writing at the holidays and offer a five-step approach to finding the balance that works for you.LinksSubscribe to the GYWD newsletterFollow me on TwitterThe 12 Week Year for Writers

Welcome to the Get Your Writing Done podcast, I’m Trevor Thrall, author of The 12 Week Year for Writers. If you enjoy today’s episode, please submit a review wherever you get your podcasts. And for weekly updates on the podcast and other writing resources, you can subscribe to my newsletter at GYWD.comWhat if there were a tool that would simultaneously help you be more accountable, give you inspiration and support, give you feedback on your writing, and provide structure to your writing routine? What an amazing tool that would be. Whoever invented it would surely be a zillionaire. But it sounds way too good to be true. Or does it?In fact, there is absolutely such a tool out there. It really does exist. And it’s called the Weekly Writing Group. Without question, this humble tool is responsible for more productivity, more companionship, and more great writing than any other thing I can think of. Unfortunately, many writers have yet to embrace the weekly writing group. In today’s episode I’ll talk about the many reasons I love the weekly writing group and how you can start a group of your own.LinksTrevor's Coach-Led Weekly Writing GroupGetYourWritingDone.comFollow me on Twitter

Are you one of those people who uses a fancy watch or phone to track your blood pressure, heart rate, daily step count, laps swum, miles run, calories consumed, and all that? On the flip side, have you ever decided not to get on the scale after Thanksgiving, or after vacation? Or did you ever do so badly on an exam in college that you didn’t bother going to pick it up from the professor? Measuring things is a double-edged sword. It can be fun to use technology to gain insights into every nook and cranny of our lives. But on the other hand, measurement often comes with judgement, blame, and shame.Scorekeeping can be a powerful tool for building and maintaining a productive writing routine. The trick is creating a healthy approach that combines objectivity with respect for your emotional landscape.LinksThe 12 Week Year for WritersFollow me on Twitter

Writers are a particular bunch. We like to have things just right when we get down to business. Some of us have trouble getting anything done if things aren’t just right. For me, writing is easier when I love my set up and have my favorite tools close to hand.I’ll admit it: I’m fussy. I have a favorite pen, a favorite journal, a favorite computer, and a favorite writing app, just for starters. If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent many hours experimenting with all the different tools out there looking for ways to make your writing even easier, even more enjoyable. If I haven’t tried a writing-related tool yet, it’s probably just because I haven’t heard of it.Given my obsessions, one of my goals with this podcast is to talk with the folks who make the tools of the trade. Today I’m chatting with Max Seeleman, Executive Director of Ulysses, my favorite writing app. I used Ulysses to write my book, and I certainly recommend giving it a go if you’re not thrilled with your current writing app. In this episode we talk about how Ulysses was born, how it has evolved with input from writers, and the future of online writing. LinksUlysses.appFollow Max Seeleman on TwitterThe 12 Week Year for WritersFollow Trevor Thrall on Twitter

A lot of folks struggle to write consistently. And there are plenty of reasons for that. But a common denominator of inconsistent writing, whatever the reason, is the fact that for many people writing is simply not a habit. The problem, sadly, is that if someone can’t make a habit of writing consistently, they are unlikely to be very productive and reaching their writing goals will be more difficult.In this week’s episode I share some thoughts about building a writing habit, or as I like to call it, a weekly writing routine. With some strategic planning and a little experimentation, everyone can create a weekly writing routine that will help them be a more productive writer.The 12 Week Year for WritersFollow me on Twitter

I’m a big sports fan. I’m also a news junkie. At the intersection of those two things is sports writing. Ever since I was a kid I’ve devoured the sports page before reading anything else in the news. Over time I’ve come to believe that sports is just another lens for understanding ourselves. And that means that we can learn a lot about the world from sports writers. We can also learn a lot from them about great writing.Today, I’m excited to have a phenomenal sports writer join me on the pod to talk about writing. Brendan Quinn covers college basketball and golf for The Athletic. Originally from Philadelphia, Brendan has spent the last ten years or so covering Michigan and Michigan State basketball. And that means I have spent the same amount of time enjoying his work. He writes some of the best feature stories you will ever read and when you listen to our conversation, you’ll understand why.LinksBrendan Quinn @ The AthleticGene Weingarten, The Fiddler in the Subway

Is there a writer alive who hasn’t wondered at some if they would ever be able to finish a book or some other writing project? Maybe it was your first book and you didn’t know if you had it in you. Maybe it was your tenth book that you wrote while raising three kids and wrangling wild mustangs for a living. Or maybe it’s the book you’re working on right now and you’re stuck, and you’re not sure how to get unstuck.What is the secret to finishing those books? Writing takes all kinds of of talents, but probably the single best predictor of wether a person is going to finish a book - any book or project - is how gritty they are. Are you willing to keep your eyes on the prize long enough to see things through? Are you willing to keep going when the going gets tough? Today we’re talking about grit, and most importantly, how to build your grit muscle so you can get your writing done.LinksAngela Duckworth's Grit ScaleAngela Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion and PerseveranceMason Currey, Daily Rituals: How Artists Work