Seven Steps to a Simple Writing Routine
Defeat writers block and get your wordcount in.
Have you ever plopped down in front of your computer, opened up your Word doc, and then stared blankly into space?
*slowly raises hand*
Writer’s block, or basically, brain deadness, has many reasons for its frustrating existence. One thing that can help take the edge off the blank page is having a good writing routine.
Having a good writing routine is extremely helpful. If you stick to one consistently, you will slowly find your brain adapting to it and actually becoming more creative at the same time, as you sit down every day, or every weekday, to type out your quota of words.
It takes a long time to get used to developing a good routine, and everybody’s routine is going to be different, adapted to your lifestyle. The first thing to do is to decide what day(s) and time(s) you can write, and for how long. Then pick a word count that stretches you a little. It doesn’t have to be much; start with 200 words.
Then use your routine to wake up your brain and get those words flowing. This is my routine; yours can be different! (Though you might not want to leave out the writing part, that is sort of important ;)
Sit down (This might make you scoff, but pause, and consider this. How are you sitting down? ARE you sitting down? Do so. Preferably in front of your computer, notebook, or scroll of parchment)
Having a designated spot where you write is actually a very motivating thing. I write at my desk, early in the morning when nobody is awake, and this helps me focus. In the morning, my desk is my writing place. So wherever you write, try to keep it mostly consistent. Sit down and be in your writing ‘zone’. It took some time, but now, just sitting down at my desk with the intention to write gets me motivated!Turn off distractions (yeah, I’m bad with this one, but it really helps lol)
As I mentioned earlier, I write early, which significantly reduces my distractions. Avoid all social media (it zaps brain energy) and stay on your writing page. I have heard of an app called the Freedom App, which limits your internet access for certain periods of time. I have not used it personally, but that is a great resource to check out.Make sure you are comfy and creatively happy.
Of course, according to your circumstances, this may or may not be possible. This could be a cup of tea to sip on. I like to listen to music while I write; it helps me focus on my words and nothing else. Find what motivates you while you are writing.Re-read the past chapter, and (possibly) any parts you might be referencing or foreshadowing.
If you are just starting your book, and have five paragraphs that you have read a million times, you can skip this part (unless you like reading those paragraphs, then by all means, read on). But when your wordcount is over a thousand words, you start to forget things… and I have found through trial and error *cough* that it is VERY helpful to remember what happened a few pages ago. It also helps me get my mind into the story, feel the characters, the different threads of the story, and get into the writing mood.Review your outline.
I do this mentally, since I am very bad at writing down my outline. However detailed your outline is, or if it’s just a vague idea of what you want to happen next, take a brief moment to think about how you are going to get to that spot, and what your characters need to do to get there. This is what helps you put words on the page; there are no words if you have no idea what you are doing. (Or at least, no words that make a story)Give yourself a deadline.
We fit our work to our given time. Look at the clock before you start writing and tell yourself that you are going to write your quota before your set amount of time is up. This works. I have written a thousand words in under twenty minutes. If you have a deadline and the motivation, the words come because they have to.Start writing.
This is the exciting part! Do all of the above and then write. If worst comes to worst, you can just skip all of the other steps and just do this one. It's the one that matters.
Once again, this is my routine; yours could be totally different! The important thing is to find a few things you can do before you start writing to get your creativity jump-started.
Hopefully, this post has provided you with something helpful. All writers struggle with the dreaded writer’s block, and this is one of the many steps to slowly defeating it. Good habits take time to build, but once established, they form the firmest foundations for success. Good luck with your writing!
Comment below and tell me what things you do before you start writing. What wakes up your creative brain?
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Thank you! Yea, consistency and ACTUALLY STARTING will do wonders to get a word count quota done! I should use these tips for getting school work done, too XD
Thank you Grace! This helps a lot :)
I love writing with a cup of tea, some calming or adventurous music, and getting out in nature to motivate myself to write. It helps me settle down and listen out for whatever is trying to get my attention. Thanks again!