I run. Not particularly quickly, and not particularly efficiently, but still I regularly chug out 10-15 or so miles a week. In younger, less injured days, I trained for half marathons and even a marathon.
On the face of it, running and writing are two very different hobbies. One is active, the other sedentary; one mind-numbing, the other utterly absorbing. But digging a bit deeper, there are similarities in the mindset needed to complete both tasks.
So, I thought I’d share some things running has taught me about writing. None of this is ground-breaking, but it really helps me in tackling the marathon project that is writing an epic fantasy novel.
Break it down
“I’m going to run 26.2 miles today.” That’s a pretty overwhelming statement. Even with months of training behind me, I was trembling at the prospect when I stood at the start line of the Brighton Marathon.
Now consider: “I’m going to go on a few 3mile runs today.” 3miles (3.1 miles to be precise) is 5K – a standard ‘short’ run when marathon training. It’s a distance I wouldn’t blink an eye at, at the time. Well, I could run a few of those in a row, couldn’t I? Suddenly, the goal becomes more achievable.
When hill running (ew), I never look to the top of the hill. Why do I need a reminder about how far away it is? Instead, I look to the next lamppost, the next tree, drain cover, whatever is just a few yards ahead of me, and tell myself the goal is to reach that. And then the next, and then the next…
Breaking a long piece of work into tiny chunks is hardly revolutionary, but it’s always useful to remind myself of this when looking at a novel. It’s so easy to be overcome by the enormity of writing 100,000 words+, whilst creating a believable, unique world with realistic, engaging characters and a strong plot that will hook an agent and future readers within a couple of chapters. Cripes! So, I just break it down and focus on one thing at a time, whether that’s the next chapter or scene, working on a plot hole or writing a character profile. The big goal is at the back of my mind – I want to complete the marathon and get my medal dammit! – but I also have lots of smaller goals to focus on.
Mix it up
Running the same route, at the same pace every week is boring. You could live in the most stunning of cities or a breathtaking landscape and that route will end up being torture. You will find every excuse not to complete it. God, you’ll even choose to do the ironing over going for a run.
Writing is the same. Of course, a schedule or routine is vital to keep up the habit and to ensure steady progress. But doing the same thing day-in, day-out? Enthusiasm will only get you so far (or perhaps I’m just abnormally whimsical?).
Just like I change my running routes, my weekly writing will involve day long slogs, quick half hour brainstorms, research sessions and writing colourful notes. It makes the process feel fresh, and means I don’t get too bogged down. If you’re a planner, you can build these into a schedule, just like marathon training plan.
I used to run long distances. 10K (6.2 miles) was deemed a little pootle around the block. Then I got a big injury that destroyed any chance of running for 18 months. Getting back into running at the start of the year has been a challenge. After the initial joy of the first few runs, I quickly became disheartened about how much speed I had lost and how difficult even a few miles felt. It took my boyfriend to sit me down and remind me that I broke my hip and did I really expect to be running speedy 5Ks straightaway? (Yes, of course I did)
Since then, I’ve learnt to celebrate the small wins. The 5K where my leg didn’t feel like it would fall off half way through. The time I climbed the hill without stopping. The week I ran more than once.
It’s the same with writing. If I’m just going to celebrate the marathons, or the six figure book deals, then it’s going to be a pretty sad existence in the literary world for me. Of course, I’d love to get there, but to keep motivation up and a smile on my face, I’m going to treat the time a friend tells me my writing is good or when I finish an entire manuscript, just like I would getting published: with a nervous laugh and a glass of prosecco.
Get away from the desk
The amount of plot holes I’ve solved on a run. Characters who have wandered into my head somewhere between miles 5 and 6. Fantastical worlds I’ve thought of whilst running the South Circular. I swear that the magical solution to writer’s block is to get up from the desk and do something entirely different.
There’s something about running, perhaps it’s the monotony, that lets the mind drift off. It’s like that state before sleep where your brain is just wandering from thought to thought with no real route or reason. And suddenly problems, that were insurmountable when you were holding your head in your hands at your desk, are solved.
Give your brain time and space to work behind the scenes whilst you concentrate on something else, be it running, other exercise, chores, gardening…literally anything else but writing.
Perseverance
This is the biggest lesson. There really isn’t any technique to it – or at least one that I’ve found – but instead it’s just a matter of knuckling down and putting in the time, knowing that it will end. It’s the mindset I take on when my lungs are burning, legs dragging and my heart’s just not in it. At the end of the day, the only way I’m getting home to rest and eat my body weight in pasta is by putting my left foot in front of my right, my right in front of my left, right, left, right….
I love writing! But there are days when it feels more like a chore, when the words don’t come freely, or there’s a glaring plot hole. In the past, this might have been enough to trigger a months-long hiatus, but I’ve found that just persevering, pushing through and making it to the end of the session really reaps rewards. This is especially true for first drafts when quality is less of an immediate concern!
The only way I’m going to write a novel is by, well, writing a novel.
What tricks and tips have you learnt to help with your writing?