Bribe Your Muse

When creative malaise sets in, the temperamental Muse may require an unconventional cure. A few years ago, I decided to start writing in the mornings before work again. But my neglected Muse covered his ears and whined whenever he heard me coming.

So I negotiated a deal. For every hour-long writing session achieved, I gave myself a dollar to buy the iPod I’d recently acquired a burning desire to own. I couldn’t buy it until I “earned” the money by writing.

The bribery worked brilliantly. And by the time I purchased the iPod, I’d created a morning writing habit.

Write or Die

Quick post today to mention Write or Die, a truly evil application that provides negative reinforcement whenever you stop writing.  I’ve tried it; it works.