I write every morning as soon after first light as possible. There is no one to disturb you and it is cool or cold and you come to your work and warm as you write. You read what you have written and, as you always stop when you know what is going to happen next, you go on from there. — Ernest Hemingway
Habits are formed and broken according to our changing desires. The old saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” applies to our writing habits. Problem is, if we don’t maintain some kind of schedule for writing, our passion can quickly fade. We risk waiting on inspiration and can find ourselves saying, “One of these days, I will … I’ll get back to writing when … I’ll write that article as soon as … I’ll finish that book after I …”
Now is the perfect day to be sure your days of achievement will arrive.
The Turtle Beats the Rabbit
The turtle beating the rabbit is more than a fable. It’s an important lesson for writers. Success is about disciplined progress, not racing to the finish line. Bursting with enthusiasm, many writers start like the rabbit but are soon distracted as their excitement fades. The turtle approach of just 250 words a day can easily produce a book in a year.
Your victory will be impressive, not because you finished quickly, but because you kept going when others quit.
Use the Body Clock
At what time of day do your creative juices flow best? Writers see their best productivity by working with their body clock, not against it. Maybe the early morning hours work best for you, before the rest of the world wakes up. Or it might be late at night, after others have gone to bed. Align your writing routine with your biological clock, and you’ll establish a rhythm for your most productive moments. With a consistent schedule for writing, your subconscious thoughts will anticipate the opportunity, so you’ll be mentally prepared to start, even before that time arrives.
Here’s the most important part: You must start, or you’ll never finish. Look at every sitting as a fresh start, and you’re sure to finish strong.
Set the Timer
Consistency is more important than a sudden burst of energy. Think of writing as a marathon, not a sprint. While an initial adrenaline rush might keep you writing for hours, pushing too hard often leads to burnout. Instead, pace yourself by setting a timer. If you have fifteen minutes, use the time wisely and stop, knowing you will return tomorrow. When writing for long periods, work in focused fifty-minute sessions followed by a ten-minute break.
This method keeps your creativity fresh, prevents fatigue, and helps you be more productive.
Fill the Gaps
Great writers often take advantage of time beyond sitting at their desks. You can benefit from idle moments by filling those gaps with creative thought. While waiting in line or commuting, use your phone’s notes app to capture ideas. Keep a notepad at your bedside to jot down any new insight. Just a few words can add sparks to your writing, later.
By collecting ideas during these activity gaps, you’ll have a reservoir of inspiration ready when you actually sit down to write.
Use Strategy in Your Writing Time
Here are a few ways to get the greatest return for your time investment:
- Eliminate distractions. Silence your cellphone and create a quiet space.
- Start with a warmup. Pick up the flow by reading what you wrote last time and then move forward.
- Stop where you know what comes next. This gives you a quick starting point for tomorrow.
- Be patient with yourself. Some days will be easier than others. Keep pressing on, and celebrate small achievements when they come. The only writers who fail are those who give up.
By finding your best time to write and sticking to a routine, you set yourself up for greater creativity and productivity. Whether you write in the early morning, the quiet of the night, or somewhere in-between, the key is consistency. Train your mind to expect writing time, and soon, it will be ready whenever you sit down to work on your masterpiece.
For a practical guide to storytelling, check out Storytelling at Its Best
