How to Create a Writing Routine Like a Pro Writer

Why create a writing routine?

A writing ritual that you do every time you sit down to write can help prepare your mind for a certain activity.

Just as you probably have some prep steps you take before bed that signal to your mind that it’s time to sleep, you can also create a routine that will get your mind ready to write.

What time of day are you going to write? Here are some suggestions for you:

Morning Writers:

First thing in the morning is the favorite time of day to write for many professional writers. Your mind is alert (after a cup of coffee!), and you’re starting out with a clean mental slate. One thing to keep in mind is that writing is a creative activity, so it requires a lot of concentration. Many times it’s easier to focus first thing in the morning, because there hasn’t been time yet for a lot of distractions to show up.

The quietest moment of the day:

For some, early morning is the quietest time of day. For others, late at night it is. If you’re like me and have young children, you may need to find time slots when the children are engaged in quiet activities (nap time, school time, at night after they’ve fallen asleep or early in the morning before they have woken up).

Night Owl or Early Bird?

There may be a certain time of day when you are in your best shape and feel more energized than other times of the day. Some people are early risers and others are night owls, while others find their natural rhythm at other times of the day. If you have a particular time of day when you are most creative and mentally alert, try writing during that time.

Where will you write?

Here are some suggestions for you:

— Quiet, clean and secluded

Many professional writers thrive in a predictable writing environment that is the same day in and day out. Characteristics of a controlled environment are quiet, cleanliness, and a secluded location. A controlled and predictable environment like this eliminates distractions, calms the mind and helps the mind focus.

What is the quietest room in your house? Maybe it’s the basement, attic, or guest bedroom. Perhaps a walk-in closet can be turned into a makeshift writing room, or your backyard can be your work space.

— In the cafeteria

I usually prefer a quieter environment to write in, but I’ve worked in a cafe before and found the change exhilarating! Surprisingly, all the chatter and background noise wasn’t distracting, and I found it fairly easy to focus on the task at hand.

Especially if you work from home, you might enjoy the change of pace of typing in a cafe. The atmosphere is alive and buzzing, and that alone can spark creativity and help your mind focus.

What is your pre-writing ritual?

Some suggestions for you:

*Make coffee or tea, then head to your desk.

*Do a crossword puzzle over breakfast, then sit down to write.

* Read the newspaper with a cup of coffee and then start your writing day.

*Have classical music (or any music you like) playing in the background while you sit down to write.

The idea is to have some kind of routine that tells your mind that it’s time to write. It doesn’t have to be complicated: something as simple as making a cup of coffee and then sitting down at your specially chosen writing spot at your favorite time of day can help you write more efficiently and boost creativity.