One of the best things you can do as a writer to improve your craft is foster dedication and discipline through the creation of a writing routine. Almost every author, new or established, will tell you they have a routine, and find it beneficial to their writing. A consistent routine not only boosts productivity, but it trains your brain to know when it is time to be creative and ensures you continually progress towards your literary goals. In this guide we’ll explore how to design a writing routine tailored to your individual needs and preferences, followed by a few examples.
Set Clear Goals
To start you should define your writing objectives. This could be completing a novel, drafting a collection of short stories or poems, or writing regular blog content. Creating specific, achievable goals provides direction and motivation for your project. Once you have those high level goals, break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks to mark the stages of your progress. By doing this it becomes more tangible and measurable, you can watch as you slowly tick through the list towards completing your project.
Identify Your Most Productive Hours
Just because you read somewhere that a writer wrote best early in the morning, doesn’t mean that is the best time for you to write. Every person has different hours they are most productive, for some it is early morning and others late at night. Understanding your peak productivity hours is crucial for optimising your writing routine. Experiment with different times of the day during the week to figure out when you feel most focused, inspired and awake. Once you’ve identified your optimal writing window, schedule your writing sessions for these times.
Create a Dedicated Writing Space
If you’re going to write regularly dedicate a physical space exclusively for your writing. It could be a cosy spot in your home, a coffee shop, somewhere outdoors like a park. Choose a space conducive to concentration and creativity. Keep it organised and free from distractions to facilitate uninterrupted work. You want to train your brain to know that when you sit down in this spot it’s time to get to work.
Have a space set up but want to change it up, check this post – “Spice Up Your Space: 5 Ways to Change Up Your Writing Space“
Establish Writing Habits
Any writer will tell you consistency is key to developing your writing skills, maintain momentum and ensuring you get to that finish line. Aim to write every day if you can, even if it’s just for a short period. Set aside time for writing and treat them with the same level of importance as your other commitments like a doctors appointment or dinner with friends. Over time these habits will become ingrained, enhancing your productivity and output on the page. You’ll be surprised how much easier words will come to you when you get in the habit of writing daily.
Embraced Rituals and Routines
By incorporate small rituals and routines in your writing process it signals to your brain it’s time to focus and create. This could be as simple as making a cup of tea or coffee, putting on specific music, or starting your writing session with some quick mindfulness exercises. Whatever your routine, establish a consistent pre-writing task to help prime your mind for writing and set a positive tone for the session.
Have Realistic Expectations
We all like to think we can churn out 1000 words a day but I urge you to avoid setting overly ambitious goals that may lead to burnout or frustration. Be realistic about what you can achieve in the timeframe you have for writing. Focus on making steady progress towards your goals. Celebrate small victories along the way and be kind to yourself. Some days you might be a writing champion, smashing out thousands of words. Other days you might only manage a handful. And that’s okay!
Looking for some ways to beat writer’s block? Why not try these – “10 Tips to Break Through Writer’s Block”
Get Experimental
Once you’ve formed a routine it shouldn’t stay stagnant, let it evolve and adapt to changes in your life and creative process. It is worth experimenting and tweaking your routine if something isn’t working for you. Watch your energy levels, mood and productivity patterns, and adjust when you need to. One week you might find writing in the morning before work is best, the next it could be evenings. Don’t be afraid to change things to suit you better.
Don’t Forget About Self-Care
The last thing you want to do is burn yourself out, so remember to maintain a healthy balance. Don’t push yourself to write everyday if it’s at the detriment of your wellbeing. If you find yourself really tired one week, it’s okay to take a break and put the writing on pause. This balance is essential for sustaining long-term creativity. Don’t forget to prioritise self-care activities like exercise, mediation, socialising and proper rest. Looking after yourself physically and mentally not only will enhance your writing performance long term, but will enrich your overall quality of life.
Example Writing Routines
Before Work Daily writing 5.30am – 7.30am
- Morning Pages: Set aside 10-15 minutes every morning to write a few pages of stream-of-consciousness writing. This helps to clear your mind, boost creativity, and warm up your writing muscles for the day ahead.
- Write your novel using the Pomodoro Technique: Write for 25 minutes straight, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle three to four times before taking a longer break. This technique helps maintain focus and productivity while preventing burnout.
After Work Daily writing 7pm – 9pm
- Brew cup of tea: Make sure you keep hydrated, and if needed, have a snack handy so you don’t have to distrust your writing session.
- Flash Fiction: Sit down and do a short flash writing challenge based of writing prompt (15 minutes)
- Word Sprints: Set a timer for a short period, such as 5 or 10 minutes, and challenge yourself to write as much as possible within that time frame. This exercise helps overcome writer’s block and encourages rapid, uninhibited writing. Take 5 minute breaks in between.
If you’ve wondered what other writers have done, check out this blog post about famous author’s routines.
A writing routine is a highly personalised undertaking that requires self-awareness, experimentation and dedication. In setting clear goals, finding the best conditions for you to write in and establishing healthy habits, you can create a routine that maximises your creative writing pursuits.
Until next time,
For more writing tips and advice click here.
Want to hear from writers on their writing process? Click here.