Make Time to Write with a 3x3 Strategy

What is a 3x3 strategy?

3 actions per week for 3 months

Take your writing project, whatever it is, and commit to 3 actions each week related to the project.

What counts as an action?

Anything that moves the project forward or allows you to focus on it.

It could be drafting or editing words, but it doesn’t have to be.

It could be:

  • Outlining

  • Journaling

  • Researching

  • Brainstorming

  • Studying craft books

  • Taking a writing course

  • Or daydreaming about the project

(Yes, daydreaming counts if you do it with intention. Sometimes you need to stare into space, contemplate, strategize, visualize. I call it “being in the book.” I log it on my work diary just as I do word counts.)

It could also be a different action every time.

How long does an action have to be?

Whatever you want.

An afternoon, an hour, 15 minutes…

Whatever works for you in the moment.

Do we have to schedule or repeat it every week?

Nope.

3 actions of any type, of any duration.

Don’t know what your writing project is yet?

Make figuring that out your 3x3 project.

  • Read comparables

  • Research

  • Journal

  • Make lists

  • Hell, listen to podcasts, or watch movies, TV shows, and documentaries related to your quest, and take notes

(Taking notes turns passive consumption into intentional learning.)

In the future, you can use a 3x3 strategy for other aspects of your writing journey:

  • Try new writing software

  • Learn self-publishing

  • Post on social media

  • Start a newsletter

  • Submit queries

Want more tips like this?
Join my email list for weekly insights on overcoming creative blocks and sustainable writing.
Sign up here.

What's keeping you from writing?

Let’s find out what’s really holding you back.

It only takes one hour.