Why Start a Writing Routine?
What can a writing routine do for you? Well, it can be a struggle to start writing, am I right?
Most days we want to get our writing sessions done, but there is something scary about starting. We begin to procrastinate—reading emails, scrolling through social media, folding laundry, you name it.
If we continue procrastinating, it becomes a habit, and a hard habit to break. But not impossible.
We can break our cycle of procrastination by implementing a writing routine. Throughout your day, you probably go through many routines already. In the morning you brew coffee with your breakfast. In the afternoon you may take a short walk. Maybe after dinner you switch on the television.
These actions you take daily don’t seem hard after a while. In fact, it can feel weird if you miss your morning coffee.
Healthy routines provide your life with balance and structure. They encourage you to complete habits which otherwise would never get done. When the appointed time rolls around, it signals to your brain it’s time to complete your routine.
In our case, a writing routine which we’ll come to excitedly expect and not be afraid to complete. So, how do we create these magic-like systems? Continue reading, storyteller.
But first, download your FREE How to Create Your Own Writing Routine workbook to use as you go. If you are already a subscriber to my email list, you’ll find the workbook in the Resource Library ready to download.
1. Writing Space
Where will you be able to concentrate on writing? For your writing routine, you’ll want to designate a place to go when it’s time to write. Over time your brain will begin to associate the task of writing with this location, and finding your writing mindset will become easier.
You can be at your desk, kitchen table, couch, or the local park—the location doesn’t matter. If you like background noise, maybe try a coffee shop. If you need quiet, a secluded corner of your house might be your jam.
As long as you are able to focus on writing at this place, it’s in the running. Feel free to experiment writing in a few of these locations before you decide.
For me, I seek…
- Quiet spaces
- Darker, warmer lighting
- Comfortable seating
- Not too hot, not too cold
Your list can be anything you want.
2. Helpful Habits
I often prepare myself a cup of tea or coffee before I sit down to write. I don’t do this solely for caffeine, but I use the process of boiling the water or grinding the beans as a way to prep my mind to write. When I make my special mug of tea, I am doing so with the intention to write right afterward.
Another habit I have is selecting a playlist from Spotify or YouTube to listen to while I write. In the past, I’ve even had a special scented candle I’d light for my writing sessions.
These habits not only make my writing environment comfortable (helping me to look forward to my writing routine on difficult days), but tells my mind it’s time to focus on writing.
Have fun with this part. Do something before you write that you will love. Maybe something you do now when you procrastinate can become an intentional element of your writing routine.
Take a short walk, prepare a snack, use a special pen—you do you.
3. Set Your Time
When I don’t have a plan for my day, I get stuck on knowing when to write. It’s time to cut the indecision and decide at what time you want to start your writing routine.
First, decide how long your writing session should last. If you need guidance, check out this post: A Step-by-Step Guide to Plan Writing for Productivity
While finishing my first novel’s rough draft, my writing session started around 8pm and lasted for about two hours (the amount of time it took me to write 1,000 words back then). Since then, I have tried morning routines and afternoon routines—whatever fits my current lifestyle.
It’s a good idea to try to write at the same time each day if possible, because our internal clock likes staying on a schedule.
If writing at the same time every day is not possible for you, do the next best thing: schedule the exact time you will start your routine each day.
Soon writing will become a normal, everyday activity.
4. Celebrate Your Win
To finish off your routine, we’re going to add one more habit: A reward.
Celebrate the completion of your writing routine by listening to your favorite song, eating a piece of chocolate, or even doing a happy dance. Do something that makes you feel good.
This will positively reinforce the fact that writing is something which brings you pleasure. Celebrating your wins is also a way to practice self-care—an extremely important aspect of a writer’s life.
Create Your Writing Routine
Now you have a writing routine which will encourage you to write consistently instead of procrastinating.
It’s easy to believe writing will just happen, but in reality it’s a smarter strategy to plan out your writing time with intention for best creativity and productivity.
In fact, it’s said we are more creative when working within a set of boundaries. All great writers I’ve read about have had a writing routine they follow, and I don’t see why we need to change a tried and true method of writing.
If you’re eager to get started, go download your FREE How to Create Your Own Writing Routine workbook. If you are already a subscriber to my email list, you’ll find the workbook in the Resource Library ready to download.
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S.J. Siedenburg is a thriller & fantasy novelist, an editor, and a bibliophile with a passion for stories and helping writers finish their novels. She’s the author of the guidebooks Character Presentation, Before the First Draft, and the How to Write a Novel online course. Six of her short stories have been published through writing contests. Sarah lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” —John 1:5