@LucindaSMcDowel

So, you’re not actually going back to school in a few days?

Well, most of us are conditioned from childhood to view late August and early September as the second beginning of a new year. Whether or not your own household is gearing up for a new school year, this is a perfect time for writers to prepare for a productive season of learning and writing.

12 Ruler Tips for a Writer’s Back to School

1. Buy a new box of Number 2 pencils and sharpen them. Just because.
2. Purchase or pull out that fresh new notebook or journal. Make a creative cover and begin writing.
3. Make an appointment with your Planner. Write down everything already scheduled for the Fall. Using cute stickers may help.
4. Explore new healthy and simple lunch options. You may even want to go so far as to prepare your lunch the day before. I use bento boxes (with compartments) so I can grab quickly for days I’m substituting at the high school, or just choose to eat outside for a real break.
5. Start a rhythm of going to bed early and awakening early. Every day goes better when we’re fully rested.
6. Plan your day’s schedule with time for morning prayer and a specific beginning time for work/writing. It helps to get dressed.
7. Fill your printer with both black and color ink, so you’re ready to be productive.
8. Clean up your desk and writing area – calm spaces foster creativity better than clutter.
9. Call a friend, or plan a coffee date. Talk about feelings and vision for the fall, just as you would if you were students together.
10. Do your homework. Planning a blog series, a book proposal, speaking at a conference? Start reading and research every day.
11. Pray daily for those involved in school: Students, Teachers, Administrators, Staff, Bus Drivers, Parents.
12. Dig out your favorite cozy sweater and hang it on the back of your desk chair. Fall is coming and soon you will need it!

What do YOU find helpful as the Fall season begins?

Lucinda Secrest McDowell, M.T.S., is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping you Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell is the author of 13 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her books include the award-winning Dwelling Places (2017 Christian Retailing BEST Award for Devotional), Ordinary Graces  (2018 Selah Finalist), Live These Words, and Refresh! Lucinda, a member of the Redbud Writers Guild, received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs for The Write Conversation, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Blog and (in)courage. Whether co-directing  “reNEW ~ retreat for New England Writing,”  pouring into young mamas, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages. Lucinda’s favorites include tea parties, good books, laughing friends, ancient prayers, country music, cozy quilts, musical theatre, and especially her family scattered around the world doing amazing things.  Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, she writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and blogs weekly at http://www.EncouragingWords.net/ 

Follow Lucinda on Twitter: @LucindaSMcDowel