Learn how to create a writing routine that has you itching to get the words from your head to paper each day, and finish that manuscript you’ve been stressing about.
Are you one of those writers who waits until the creative bug bites to press pen to paper? I get it– I’ve been there too. But hear me out: if you only ever write when you’re “in the mood,” you may never actually get around to writing much at all. Learning how to create a writing routine can solve this problem.
How A Writing Routine Can Help
Before you say it, I know. Creative writers don’t really love rules or routine. And there is something whimsical and strangely romantic about staying up all night, writing at odd hours, and emerging into the light one day with an impeccably polished manuscript that becomes a New York Times bestseller.
This is a lovely fantasy. But imagine sitting down each day with a goal in mind that has you feverishly tapping away at the keys, your fingers moving too slow to keep up with your racing thoughts.
And then, because you only set aside an hour to write, you’re itching to return to that story day after day, until finally, one morning or evening, you type that final sentence and realize your manuscript is complete. This can be your reality when you create a consistent writing routine.
This blog explores how to create a writing routine so you can stop avoiding your dream project and finally get it published.
Benefits of Creating a Writing Routine
A writing routine is a process you follow to develop healthy writing habits that inspire consistent creativity and productivity. Creating a consistent writing schedule takes discipline, commitment, and strong time management skills. But it’s a game changer if you can find the means and motivation to do it.
Benefits of creating a writing routine include:
- The end of procrastination: You can’t avoid writing if you force yourself to do it. Instead of saying you’ll write tomorrow, or next week, or maybe next year, having a routine pushes you to write in the here and now.
- Structure and consistency: Structure isn’t only good for your writing. It can also improve your overall well-being. Maintaining structure makes you feel more in control of your time, reducing stress levels, boosting mental health, and increasing motivation.
- Organization: Having a writing routine can help you better organize daily or weekly writing goals and reach milestones, encouraging you to stay focused and motivated.
- Newfound motivation: Say goodbye to writer’s block. Simply put, when you’re motivated to write, you’ll keep doing it, which is the ultimate goal.
How to Create a Writing Routine: 7 Tips to Form Healthy Writing Habits
Building a writing routine is so much more than scheduling in time to write. It’s also a tool to enhance excitement about your writing and find ways to hold yourself accountable. Otherwise, that novel will never see the light of day. Explore these seven tips on how to create a writing routine, and watch your word count soar.
Pick a Time That Works for You
This can be anytime you have an opening in your schedule. For example, I set aside an hour of fiction writing time at night because that’s when I feel more relaxed, and my content writing responsibilities are done for the day.
That said, you don’t have to write for a full hour. If you have 15 minutes of free time in the morning before work, make that your writing time.
Decide How Many Days Per Week You’ll Write
Again, you make the rules here. Consider starting with 1 or 2 days per week, and add or take away days as your schedule changes. However, try choosing consistent days each week. A potential writing schedule for your novel could be every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Create Writing Events in Your Calendar
After determining your writing days and times, add them to your calendar. Make them official. Let the world know (or, at the very least, the people who have access to your calendar) that you are unavailable during those times because you’re busy writing your novel. No exceptions. Well, unless you’re sick or there’s an emergency, but you get the gist.
Develop a Pre-Writing Ritual That Gets You in the Mood
In other words, set the vibes. What helps you get in the mood to write? My pre-writing ritual involves taking a shower, putting on comfy clothes, and lighting a candle before even touching my laptop. I also have “writing lighting” in the room I write in.
As you can see, this ritual doesn’t have to be serious. It can be chill and lowkey if that’s what helps you get in the writing mood. But make sure you do it before every scheduled writing session so it feels like a natural part of your writing routine.
Set Achievable Writing Goals
This is one of the most important steps in creating a writing routine. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish during your writing sessions. Since I’m in the revision phase of my novel, I typically aim to revise one chapter per week. If you’re drafting, consider setting a word count goal per session, week, month, etc.
But make sure your goals are actually achievable. Don’t set a goal of writing 10,000 words per week if you know that’s not possible. Constantly failing to meet your goals may deter you from writing.
Reward Yourself for Achieving Your Goals
Okay, you don’t have to do this, but why not reward yourself for hitting a goal? You nailed it. You deserve to celebrate. If you meet your writing goals for the week, order takeout from your favorite restaurant.
Buy a new book. Have a self-care night. Spend a whole day rotting in bed while binge-watching your favorite Netflix show. Knowing your hard work will be met with a special treat may encourage you to keep going.
Tell Others About Your Writing Plans
And finally, let your friends and family know about your writing routine. Receiving support and encouragement from loved ones can help you feel less alone. It lets you know that other people care about what you’re doing.
Writing is such a solitary act, which can make it hard to stick with. But when you build a supportive community, trying to finish that novel becomes a little less scary.
Build a Consistent Writing Routine, and Finish Your Dream Project
Research suggests that daily repetition is key in successfully integrating a new behavior into your everyday routine. Sound overwhelming? It doesn’t have to be.
Think of it this way: writing is something you already want to do. Many of us become writers because we have an idea in our head that we can’t stop thinking about. And once you finally get the chance to unleash your creativity, how do you feel after?
If you ask me, I always feel better. Relieved, even.
This is why you need a writing routine. Having time set aside exclusively for writing ensures you get the opportunity to explore that unabating idea and watch it take shape. And as it builds over time, you’ll want to keep writing. You’ll look forward to your routine writing sessions.
And you will finish that writing project, one day at a time.
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The Enlightened Storyteller 
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