Writing Routines
- Robyn Weightman
- Jul 17, 2019
- 4 min read
What is a writing routine?
A writing routine is a schedule, or routine, that someone sticks too whilst they write. This can be anything from only writing in a certain area, always writing at the same time or having a cup of tea when you sit down to write.
But why do people do this?
Having a routine can force your brain into being creative instead of you waiting for inspiration to strike. Sort of like how you're hungry at the same time of day every day. Your stomach gets used to always eating at midday and will, therefore, unless overfilled, will be hungry. Your brain is the same for work. You can teach yourself to wake up at a certain time, and so you can train yourself to write.
It is the art of repetition. If you do something enough it becomes a habit and habits are hard to break. Meaning, going weeks without writing will become impossible. Your habit will not allow it.
Having a routine does not mean you cannot write at a different time or place. If the mood takes you, then write whenever you can. But always write when you have scheduled to write. This helps to balance your work and social life. I'm sure we've all not written because we've had too many social events planned, or written too often and missed that important family event because the mood to write just had us in its grip. A routine can help to organise this.
In this blog, I will give you my writing routine and tips and tricks from other writers for you to try. When you find something that works for you, stick with it! It will improve your pace of writing. If it doesn't work, then move on and try a different way. Trial and error will always bring you to a conclusion.
My routine:
When - I start writing between 8-9am until 12-1pm.
Where - In bed. As I currently live in a shared house the bed is the only place I can guarantee not to be disturbed. I
do have a desk but that is covered with my music studio. So the comfy, warm bed it is.
Items - I always have a hot drink. This could be herbal tea or hot chocolate depending on the weather outside.
I also always have a candle lit. I am currently making my own candles and I find the smell refreshing.
Other - Because I often write for extended periods of time I try to break my session up. I begin by watching a 10
minute Authortube video. Then I write for 1 hour, watch another 10-minute Authortube video and write
again. This break up keeps me inspired to write and helps me not to burn out. If I am struggling with a
certain aspect of my story I can watch a video on that subject to help me out of my rut.
If the video is less than 10 minutes I still only watch one.
As well as writing in the morning, I find that sometimes I will want to write in the early evening or late afternoon. If this mood takes me, even if I have already written in the morning, then I will write.
What other things could I have or use in my routine? What might work for you which doesn't work for me?
Here are a few other writing routines that you could try out.
1. Mascot
Writing can be hard and sometimes having something you love nearby can make those tough times a little easier. Perhaps your pet might like to sit beside you sometimes or you could have a cuddly toy or poster to whip out when needed. We're all different. Whatever gives you strength, use it.
2. Exercise
Some authors love to exercise before or after they write. An extreme case of this is Haruki Murakami, who wakes up at 4 am every day and runs 5k before writing. This is perhaps a little extreme, but, as he is such a famous author, it is working. Perhaps it could work for you?
We can use exercise to unwind and release your mind from what it has stored throughout the day or prepare and wake your body up to prepare for a day of work. Either purpose could be useful.
3. Seating arrangements
I sit in my bed to write. But where could you sit?
Some authors love to sit outside under an awning or in a summer house, letting the fresh air inspire them. Perhaps you love to sit on your sofa under a blanket or at a desk to keep your good posture.
Try out different places to write and if a place really works for you. No-one's judging. If you can churn out wonderful words whilst in a bath, then get some safe waterproof electronics or paper and get writing. Prunage might be a problem though.
4. Set times
Our minds are more creative at certain times of the day. This could make you a morning, evening or night person. But if you can discover your most creative time and fit that into your normal workday schedule, then use it! If you can use your brains natural cycle, then that's perfect! The more it can naturally help you, the less build up and forcefulness you use to write, the better.
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Good luck with your writing!
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