lgbtq+ WRITING

Being an LGBTQ+ indie author in the UK comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities.

You want to find narratives that really resonate with your audience. But it’s a competitive market, and it can be tricky to balance how much you – for example – include erotic content while trying to find a retail audience.

There’s geography to think about too: do you embrace the UK for your setting, or do you cater to American and international audience?

The risk is that we end up thinking about it and never actually get around to writing…

Here, I explore seven ways and strategies to boost your writing productivity, allowing you more time to focus on what truly matters: telling stories that captivate and inspire.

1. Consider using storyboards for complex LGBTQ+ narratives
Storyboards can be a game-changer for visualising the flow of your LGBTQ+ themed stories. They allow you to map out the key parts of your story: scenes, character interactions, and emotional arcs in a visual format. For UK-based indie authors, storyboards can particularly help in planning stories that reflect the rich diversity of the LGBTQ+ community rather than just repeating old work and stereotypes.

2. Setting achievable writing goals
Adopting realistic writing goals can significantly improve your daily productivity. Whether it’s penning down a certain number of words each day or completing a chapter per week, ensure these objectives are in harmony with your personal and professional commitments. Tailoring your goals to fit your individual pace can reduce stress and enhance your writing experience.

3. Crafting a consistent writing routine
Establishing a writing schedule that aligns with your creative peak times can do wonders for your productivity. Whether early riser or night owl, identifying and sticking to your optimal writing times can streamline your process, making each session more productive.

4. The power of other LGBTQ+ writers and other LGBTQ+ spaces
Connecting with fellow LGBTQ+ writers and indie authors can offer unparalleled support and motivation. These communities provide valuable feedback, share resources, and understand the unique challenges you face, creating a nurturing environment that can propel you forward. Check out forums, pop into cafes, buy their books and read their work.

5. Minimise your distractions
In our digital age, distractions are ever-present. Implementing strategies to minimise interruptions, such as using website blockers or dedicating specific times for social media, can help maintain focus on your writing projects.

6. Take a break when you need one
Understanding the importance of taking regular breaks is crucial for sustained productivity and creativity. Short, scheduled pauses to step away from your work can refresh your mind, offering new perspectives and ideas upon return.

7. Overcome writer’s block with LGBTQ+ themed prompts
Writer’s block is a common obstacle for many authors. Engaging with writing prompts that focus on LGBTQ+ themes and characters can spark inspiration, helping to navigate through creative hurdles and enrich your narratives. I put together some prompts here with the help of ChatGPT, but you can do your own thing too. Think about other stories, other experiences. Take one little bit of inspiration and turn it into an going plot or character development.

Productivity shouldn’t be about forever just writing, writing, writing. Think about your plot, think about your audience, plan your day appropriately, and you should be far more productive as a consequence.