Getting the "Write" Routine

Getting the "Write" Routine

"Write every day," they say.

"Write when you can," they contradict.

"There’s no time either way," you reply.

And so, you go without a routine. And you hope winging it will get your story told. One day.

What if I told you the problem isn’t you? It’s not even the conflicting advice. What if I shared a secret with you?

How often do you use the dictionary? How many words have an emotional attachment to them?

What if I told you the problem could be in the word: routine.

Does that word make you shudder? Or does it make you feel PRODUCTIVE!? (are you shouting that last word with enthusiasm?)

Routines, procedures, habits... they all sound like work. And let’s be honest, most of us write because we enjoy it, and even if it is our job, we don’t want to think of it that way. But schedules are commonplace strategies because they work.

So what am I saying? Am I just suggesting more inconsistencies to confuse you?

Nah, I wouldn't do that to you. I just need you to understand the mindset behind habits and how they work. And then refocus YOUR thought process on how it works for you.

The When

More differing advice on this. Write in the morning. Write in the evening. Write on the weekends. Take the weekend off. Did you know that according to some geneticists, we are most productive in the opposing hours of our circadian rhythms? So, if you’re a night owl (like me), your creative peak is in the early morning.

Yeah! I’m laughing out loud right now. I don’t even care if it’s true. I’m not waking up at 6:00 AM to find out. But you can give it a shot. Because that’s how this works. You find out what works best FOR YOU.

The How

Routines aren’t just about when you write, but how you write. Do you tend to write in long blocks, 1500 words at a time, an hour or two? Or do you spend five minutes at a time creating outlines and paragraphs?

Don’t think of scheduling your writing, think about engaging with it instead. And then be consistent with that engagement. So, maybe whenever you sit to write, you feel compelled to crank out an entire chapter, otherwise you feel like a failure. (Damn that Imposter Syndrome again.) But then that means you might have to go days without writing because you don’t have the time or motivation to complete 1200 words. Too much pressure!

Try the 5-minute “rule” instead. On days when you can’t commit to anything longer, see what you can accomplish in 5 minutes. An outline? An edit? A brainstorming session? Often, that small spark is all you need to ignite a longer writing session.

The What

What? Brainstorming counts as writing? Yes, it does! So does revising. While the actual process of writing involves getting words on the page, your writing "routine" does not necessarily mandate that. All creative engagement contributes to your story, so that includes thinking, researching, journaling, reading, even taking your ideas for a walk!

Designate some "thinking time" as part of your routine. It’s just as vital as typing. By broadening your definition of "writing," you open up more opportunities for consistency and keep your story simmering, even when you're not actively drafting. And that makes the notion of scheduling writing time so much more appealing!

The Why

The why you are writing is the ultimate why for creating your writing habits. If a writing schedule feels like it’s dragging you down, stop and consider the demons you are trying to slay by telling your story. Why are you interested in writing? Why do you want to tell this story?

By reconnecting to your purpose, you will armor yourself with a "routine" that works for you. It's not about forcing yourself into a rigid schedule; it's about finding the pathway that consistently leads you to your words, so you can forge ahead and finally tell the stories only you can tell.

What "routines" have you tried with success, and which ones just didn’t work for you? Share your wisdom in the comments below!