TeenageTells- Master Writing and School

As the back-to-school season approaches, it brings excitement and a bit of anxiety for many students. You may be prepping for classes, juggling assignments, and diving into extra curriculars. This is also a great time to think about improving your writing and study habits.

Let’s face it: striking a balance between school and your passion for writing can be challenging. You might wonder things like, "Will this interfere with my studies?" or "Am I dedicating enough time to improve my writing skills?"

No need to worry! In this post, we will explore practical tips and strategies to help you balance your school and writing life effectively. With the right organisation techniques, you can excel as both a student and a writer. Remember, this is just a suggestions, not a requirement. Do what you want to.

1. Don't overthink it. You know deep down how much time you need to spend, on your school work and other activities. You know how confident you are at exams and all that. You know how much writing helps your mental well being and how much it will benefit you to indulge in your world.

2. Prioritise your schoolwork. It is your priority. If you don't meet the standards, you won't be able to progress in life. You should first pass your exams, then focus on your writing (and your writing career if you want to monetise your work). You don't have to go to university if you don't want to, because it is absolutely your choice, but you still want to pass because you do need school if author life doesn't work out. This isn't nice to say, but i'm doing this myself. Being a writer is super hard and unlikely, but I believe you can do it, however, you should make sure you have a backup plan. You can still stay with writing and stuff, but make sure you can provide for yourself. Please. You can have writing as a hobby, not only a job.

3. Integrate writing and studying into your routine. If you feel unmotivated to write, study, if studying is too tough, take a few minutes, hours or days to write and refresh. If a strict schedule works for you, that's great! But if not, that's also ok. Just make sure not to ignore one. They are both important.

4. Don't think you have to do everything. You don't have to be perfect, and you don't have to be a straight-A student and a teen author. You have your whole life ahead of you for writing, so don't rush it. Writing gets better the more time you give it. I've found this with my sequel. I'm embarrassed to say it, but, I wish I had given my first book more time, love and energy. But mainly energy. Don't overwhelm yourself. When you're older, you'll wish you had relaxed. Do your best, of course, but don't push yourself too hard, because if you try too hard, it can often give you worse results. Do what you can, not what you think you have to.

5. Create a habit. Having a consistent routine is the best for doing what you want to. Busy with exams? Spend five minutes to write and relax. Unmotivated? Write five words. Do one practice question or make one revision card. This applies to anything you do. Habits are a great way to build consistency and a new skill, because it feels weird not to do it. "Forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you're inspired or not." -Octavia Butler.

6. Do what works for you. Here is a quick-fire list for ways to study and ways to write (which I recommend you google and watch YouTube videos on): Study- revision cards, mind maps, blurting, practice questions, 1-3-5-7 rule, pomodoro, spaced repetition. Writing- pomodoro, mind maps, reading, 10 minute prompt attempts, being a plotter, being a panster.

7. Prioritise. I've sort of explained this earlier, but prioritise what you need to. Your writing is not going anywhere. It will be there when you're ready. Each day, week, month, or even year has different priorities and that's ok. That's great, actually. That's life, and you have to learn to accept it and remember what is most important to use. Replace you two hours of scrolling with some writing or revision (depending on what you need at that time). But don't cut out all your relaxation. Think of healthy ways to relax, such as reading, taking a walk, watching a movie, cooking. Whatever works for you.

8. Make a list that includes: classes, assignments, extracurricular activities, and writing goals.

9. Time blocking. Include ‘buffer time’ because life gets chaotic and unexpected things happen.

10. Set SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound.

11. Have a dedicated workspace with little-to-no distractions with notifications off.

12. Find a writing/study buddy.

13. Adapt your schedule and include breaks.

14. Use a planner (paper, digital or notebook) to keep on track.

15. Set a daily word count (doesn’t have to be ambitious! Just enough to keep you accountable).

16. Reward yourself and make sure to care for yourself.

If you found this week's tips for teenage writers helpful, enjoyable or you think someone else will love to read it, share it with others! Let's help more teen writers achieve their dreams. Together.