How To Create A Writing Routine Like A Professional 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 like you probably have a few steps of preparation that you do before going to bed that help signal your mind that it's time to sleep, so you can also create a routine that will prepare your mind to write.

What time of the day will you write? Here are some suggestions for you:

Morning Writers:

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

The Quietest Time Of The Day:

For some, early morning is the quietest time of the day. For others, late at night is. If you're like me and have small children, you may have to look for pockets of time when the kids are occupied in quiet pursuits (nap time, school time, at night after they've fallen asleep, or early in the morning before they've awakened).

Night Owl or Early Bird?

You may have a certain time of day when you are in peak form and feel more energetic than at other times during the day. Some people are morning people and others are night owls, while still others find their natural groove at other times during the day. If you do 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 Isolated

Many professional writers thrive in a predictable writing environment that is the same day in and day out. Characteristics of a controlled environment are quietness, cleanliness, and an isolated 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 or attic or guest bedroom. Perhaps a walk in closet can be turned into a makeshift writing room, or your back patio can be your work space.

=> At The Coffee Shop

I usually prefer a quieter environment to write in, but I have worked from a cafe before and found the change invigorating! Surprisingly, all the chatter and background noise was not distracting, and I found it pretty easy to focus in on the task at hand.

Especially if you work from home, you may enjoy the change of pace of writing in a cafe. The environment is alive and bustling, and that alone can stimulate creativity and help your mind to 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 over a cup of coffee, then start your writing day.

*Have some classical music (or whatever music you like) playing in the background as you sit down to write.

The idea is to have some sort of routine that you do that signals to your mind that it's time to write. It doesn't have to be complicated--something as simple as preparing a cup of coffee, then sitting down at your specially chosen writing spot at your favorite time of the day can help you write more efficiently and boost creativity.