Long days at home are a good time to write. To make the most of them, read a lot, learn from other writers, set yourself deadlines, and look back at your progress from time to time.
For some people, a long stretch at home is hard. They cannot go out to see their friends, or sit in their favorite café with their favorite drink and post it all on social media.
For others, it is heavenly. They do not need to change their lifestyle much, because their daily lives look like that anyway.
Whether you are the first kind, the second, or somewhere in between, there is something you can do to pass the time: write.
Writing to pass the time
You can, of course, simply write whatever you like. That works, but you will be more productive if you follow these suggestions.
Stock up on books
Good writers are good readers, too. Stock up on books that interest you and on books that give you material for your writing. If you cannot get printed books, choose e-books. They may feel different to read, but they hold the same stories.
Make it a habit to read other authors in your genre. If you write romantic comedy, read romantic comedy novels. If you want to read books from other genres, that is fine, too. Stepping outside your genre opens you up to more ideas.
Learn from others
Online forums about writing techniques are full of writers who like to help. Find a forum you feel comfortable in, and ask for suggestions on how to improve your work. Other writers are often happy to help.
Be specific when you ask for help. If you need help with the structure of your work, say so clearly, so that others can give you concrete suggestions.
If you need help with grammar and spelling, turn to the Spell Checker. It catches mistakes that tired eyes no longer see.
Be professional
Let's be honest: when you stay at home, it is hard to stick to any real schedule. You get up whenever you want and do things without worrying about deadlines. That is not good for your writing. Even if you have no real deadline, set one yourself.
For example, you can aim to write at least two pages or read at least two chapters a day. Or you can plan in hours: two hours just for writing and another two hours for reading.
Many writers find that early morning, when no one is awake to disturb them, is the best time to write, and that the best time to read is just before going to sleep. But everyone's circumstances are different, so choose the times that suit you. How to make time to write has more ideas.
Reflect
Every now and then, step back and look at what you have achieved, or not achieved. What works for you, and what doesn't? What problems do you often run into when you try to reach your goals? Could you do anything differently to get better results?
Take care of yourself, too
Don't become too fixated on writing, though. Exercise regularly, and spend time with your family and friends. You need both to stay well, and so does your writing. Writing can also be a way to relieve stress in itself.