By Sariya Camp

Famous authors often speak of their writing habits – tried and true methods of maximizing creativity and productivity. Rather than wait for a sudden burst of inspiration, one of the best approaches to combating “writer’s block” is to follow a consistent, and ideally daily, writing routine. After all, discipline is how literary masterpieces get made. 

For budding writers, however, it can be challenging to establish practices that suit one’s style and schedule. Below are five tips for building a writing routine that works for you. 

1. Never underestimate the value of warm-up exercises.

It’s not always realistic to have a plan in mind when you sit down to write. Rather than plunge right in, ease yourself into the process by warming up. 

Read a poem or page of a favorite novel to get inspired and in the mood to write. Or try journaling about any thoughts, feelings, or ideas that come to mind. No need to get literary, just put it all down on paper. This will not only allow you to begin your day’s work with a clear head, but is also a helpful tool for finding your voice as an author. You can also begin with a ten-minute free-write. Allow yourself to create without purpose or direction – you might end up with a new plot outline or the early makings of a sonnet.

2. Write anytime, anywhere.

Oftentimes, the instinct of a new writer is to begin first thing in the morning. But the belief that people are more energetic earlier in the day is largely a myth. Some writers are night owls who hit their creative peak under the cover of darkness. Others simply do not have the luxury to write when they please, and must find time in their busy schedules to pursue their artistic passions. 

Whenever you are your most motivated, unburdened self is when you should write. Your writing routine should harmonize with your natural rhythm, not work against it. Writing is an art, an enriching pastime, and for many, a necessary means of expression. It might even be your livelihood. But it should never take away from your health or distract from the important people and moments in your life. 

Remember also, that a writer never stops writing – the office desk is not your only environment. Words buzz in your head as you ride the metro, cook dinner, pick up the little ones from school. So, keep a notepad handy, or a notes app if you prefer, for recording ideas whenever and wherever they might occur. 

3. Start small.

When just starting out, it helps to adjust your expectations of what you can accomplish. Begin by writing in short intervals to avoid becoming overwhelmed as you learn to exercise your creative muscle. Even five minutes a day is better than not writing at all. If you write just one page a day before you head off to your morning shift, you will end up with a novel by the end of the year!

Setting timers can also help you to stay focused. Try writing uninterrupted for 15 minutes, then break for 5, and repeat until you no longer feel productive, or have reached a comfortable stopping point. It’s important to give your mind time to rest in between writing sessions so you can begin again the next day with renewed vigor. Practicing this technique often will make writing feel effortless, and you will be able to write for hours at a time without stopping. 

4. Establish rituals that will help boost inspiration. 

Infuse your writing routine with things you enjoy in order to create a multisensory experience. When you are surrounded by familiar comforts, your brain will come to associate writing with pleasure rather than work. 

For sight, make sure to maintain a clean, organized work space. Your writing environment should be visually inviting. Decorate with trinkets or photos that will stoke your imagination and put any items away that you might find distracting. Try writing beside a window, preferably somewhere with a scenic view and warm, natural light. 

For sound, a good playlist can jolt you into the right mindset and even immerse you in the world of your story. If you’re writing a fantasy novel, for instance, film or video game scores can transport you to another era entirely. Classical music is always recommended for deep focus, but whatever drives you creatively is ideal. Though most writers work more efficiently in a calm, quiet environment, writing at a café or a public library is a nice alternative for those who prefer background noise.

For smell, try diffusing essential oils, or light a candle in a scent you enjoy. 

For taste, brew a cup of tea, a hot coffee, or even pour yourself a glass of wine – whatever puts you at ease and activates your most imaginative self. 

For touch, let the sunlight in on a cold morning and wrap yourself in cozy blanket as you work. If you typically write by hand, invest in a pen that will glide effortlessly across the page and a quality notebook that will motivate you to write each day.

5. Learn from the greats.

The very best novelists have been known to follow unique writing practices that enabled them to write often and productively. 

For example, Ernest Hemingway began each morning at first light, wrote for hours into the afternoon, then repeated it all again the next day (Clear). Haruki Murakami once discussed his own diligent writing schedule, which consists of waking at 4 a.m. and writing for 5-6 hours, then going for a long run, reading, and heading off to sleep by 9 p.m., continuing this process daily for 6 months to a year at a time. 

Drawing inspiration from the habits of successful writers is one of the best ways to develop a foolproof writing routine.

Once you set out on your own writing journey, try incorporating some of these tips into your day-to-day life. With a little guidance, you will be well on your way to becoming a disciplined writer.

Sources:

Clear, James. “The Daily Routines of 12 Famous Writers.” James Clear, https://jamesclear.com/daily-routines-writers. Accessed 30 May 2024.