Writing routines and rituals are an important part of the writing process. They are the answer to ‘I don’t have the time to write’ – figuring out a writing routine carefully can help us find available hours in our busy week.
But here’s the critical thing about creating a writing routine…it has to fit in with your life.
I have helped many writers go through the process of creating a writing routine. It can sometimes be lengthy, as the process requires a level of investigation into time, creative data, and a little more. So, it can be tempting to look at other writers and see what they are up to, because there lies the promise of it all being figured out for you.
Following Other Routines
So, let’s say we listen to Stephen King and pay close attention to his writing routine. He writes every day. Awesome!
At first, it goes well. Writing every day can be a bit addictive even, but then, there comes a day when something gets in the way. It could be anything from taking the car to be serviced to forgetting to sit down and begin, but ultimately it means that a day is missed. The overall feeling that comes from this is that it didn’t work, and it may even stop us from having a go at another writing routine.
If we haven’t spent time considering whether writing every day fits with our lives, it can be a rigid and strict rule that must be broken at some stage. Life happens, and if we restrict ourselves to fixed structures not developed for us, it is far more likely that these structures will be broken.
This is exactly why I do not recommend my own routine to anyone else. Finding a routine that works for you is all about just that! It is wonderful to take inspiration from others, but a routine is more likely to work when it takes your personal schedule into consideration.
A writing routine has to fit with your life and your responsibilities, and nobody else’s. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be challenging to work this out because I can share the process of development with you.
Finding Your Own Path
So, are you ready to find your writing routine and fit more writing into your life? If so, I am excited to tell you that I am making it easier than ever for you to do this.
There are three ways I can help you:
It’s Time to Write Your Novel – The Masterclass
And now…(launching 17th September!)
The Time to Write Workbook
For the price of a cup of coffee, I have created a workbook that will help you:
- Find time to write
- Create a writing routine that fits with YOUR schedule
- Identify writing areas you would like more information on
- Set and achieve writing goals
If you are ready for a taste of coaching and want to see a way forward in your creative life, this is the workbook for you.
Here’s what Emma had to say:
‘Love the layout, very visual. It’s really useful, and I love how everything is broken down, so you’re not so overwhelmed with the task at hand.’
Here’s what Hannah had to say:
‘This workbook is a great place to start. Knowing what my Creative Data is and using that to structure my time has been eye-opening. There’s real value in providing a structure that makes the seemingly huge (and very intimidating) task of sitting down to write achievable.”
As a writing coach trained by an ICF accredited company with a PhD, MA and BA in Creative Writing, you can trust that this book has been created carefully, using tried and true coaching practices informed by writing knowledge.
So, stay tuned. I will send you an email when it’s launched, and I cannot wait to share this with you!
Are you looking for a similar read?
Check out:
Reasons Not To Write Every Day
The Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Writing Routine
3 Ways to Hold Yourself Accountable (Writing Edition)