Be a Writing Machine

Ever wondered how some authors manage to write book after book without breaking a sweat? In a recent Speaker Series, we chatted with author Michael La Ronn who’s written over 90 (yes, ninety!) science fiction, fantasy, and self-help books for writers, all while balancing a family, a full-time job, and attending law school classes. Michael is a productivity machine and was nice enough to share some actionable strategies to beat writer’s block and boost your writing output:

1. Know Your “Why”

One of the most important questions every writer needs to ask themselves is “What’s your why?” Why did you start writing in the first place? It could be a desire to share stories, to leave a legacy, or even to escape the daily grind. Whatever it is, hold onto that and let that drive your motivation.

In Michael’s case, a near-death experience shook him into action. But don’t worry, you don’t need a hospital stay to find your motivation (and hopefully you never will!). Just remember: Your “why” is your secret weapon against the dreaded writer’s block.

2. Tools Are Your Friends

Ever felt like Microsoft Word is fighting you every step of the way? Try to find a writing tool that feels like an extension of your fingers. The key is to find the app that fits you best—then master it. Here’s a game-changer: use your phone. Yep, you read that right. If an idea comes to you while grocery shopping or walking the dog, go ahead and type out a few sentences or even dictate a chapter. If you’re someone with a hectic schedule, consider mobile writing apps like Scrivener, Word, or Google Docs to sneak in writing time whenever, wherever.

✨ Bonus tip: Scrivener is $20 for iPhone and iPad. If you’re tired of fighting with your desktop, this could be the best $20 you’ll ever spend!

3. Time Management for Writers

Time management can be broken down into three categories:

• Add time: Find extra moments in your day by automating tasks (robot vacuum, anyone?) or waking up earlier.
• Edit time: Cut down on the social media scroll and redirect those minutes into writing.
• Delete time: Reconsider hobbies that don’t contribute to your writing life. Could video games take a back seat for a while?

The key takeaway: you don’t need endless hours to write more. It’s all about reclaiming lost time.

4. Silencing Writer’s Block (For Good)

If you’ve ever stared down a blinking cursor and thought, “I have nothing to say,” you’re not alone. Here’s some hard-hitting advice for tackling writer’s block: Know your enemy.

Writer’s block comes from three main sources:

• Fear: Are you imagining or remembering something that’s causing anxiety? (Hint: If a saber-tooth tiger isn’t in the room, your brain might be playing tricks on you.)
• Lack of inspiration: Sometimes the creative well runs dry. Reading, people-watching, or doing something out of the ordinary can help refill it.
• Life: Life gets in the way sometimes, and that’s okay. Recognize when it’s time to step back, handle your life, and return to writing with renewed energy.

If you’re ready to take the next step, we highly recommend checking out Michael’s books, Be a Writing Machine and Be a Writing Machine 2. With 150+ reviews on Amazon, these best-sellers are packed with strategies to help you write smarter and faster.

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