Start with a sprint.

Professional runners probably wouldn’t recommend this strategy, but it’s surprisingly effective with writing. Instead of going straight to your novel and beginning to trudge through it, start with something new and fresh, or with something you’ve never written about before. Set a timer for yourself and do a focused freewrite for five, ten, or fifteen minutes. Don’t look back; just write, write, write! This writing sprint will give you a chance to get out all the awkward writing and repetitiveness that might have cropped up in your real work.

Get your head in the game.

Like any creative process, writing is a mind game. That means the most important part of writing readiness is getting your head in the game. To start off, use a few simple tricks to get yourself mentally in writing mood. Turn on special music, close the door, or turn off your internet connection (find tips for controlling the temptation of the internet here). Instead of beginning with writing, begin with thinking. Sit down and have a good think about what you want to do and where you think it’s going.

After the jump: more writing exercises to warm up and get focused.

Read something you admire.

There’s nothing like reading great writing for making me want to write. To get yourself in the right mindset, start your writing session by re-reading a favorite passage in a book, or the first paragraph in a new book you’re excited to read. Study how the writer does what he does. Then try to incorporate that technique in your own writing. It’s like being an athlete who gets to watch Olympians train; it can be intimidating, but it’s usually inspiring as well.

Now that you’re all warmed up, what are you waiting for? Get writing!