“You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually, you get better at it.

That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.”

― Octavia E. Butler

 

Whether you are a part-time writer or a full-time author, it can be challenging to find time to write.

You need more than a pen and paper to write.

You need motivation, ideas, determination, and most importantly, you need time.

It is not easy to create a consistent and productive writing routine. It takes discipline and persistence. This article will share actionable steps on how to design a powerful writing routine. 

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

But first, let’s take a look at:

5 Reasons Why You Need a Writing Routine

As a professional communicator and a part-time writer, I have learned the benefits of a writing routine.  A writing habit will help you to:

Identify as a writer

Becoming a writer doesn’t come with a title. When you dedicate time to your writing through a regular routine, you feel like a writer.  Once my students establish a regular writing routine, I encourage them to embrace their identity as a writer.

 

Stop waiting for motivation.

By creating a schedule where you write at a specific time or in a particular place, you can stop waiting for inspiration.  Instead, a writing routine is designed to send a signal to your brain that it’s time to write.   The more you write, the more you feel motivated. 

 

Avoid procrastinating 

Without a scheduled writing time, you will likely push off writing until another time.  However, if you schedule your writing sessions, you will feel more compelled to write, even if you only have 10, 15, or 30 minutes.

 

Improve your writing skills

When you write regularly, your writing skills will improve, and you will become a better writer.  When I was in graduate school, I had to write research papers weekly.  Although I did not write every day, the practice helped me improve my writing over time. 

 

Exercise your creative muscles

Last year, I read about James Altucher’s approach to capturing ideas. He writes ten ideas every day. Altucher believes if you make a list of ten ideas each day, you will become an idea machine.  I love this idea, so as part of my writing routine, I take time to write ideas before I start writing.  

 

5 Actionable Ways You Can Build a Writing Routine

Here are a few ways that will help you establish a writing routine that works for you.

1.  Establish a Set Time and Space for Writing

Dedicate a specific time for each writing session. Choose a time that fits your work schedule and family commitments. Some people feel more creative in the mornings; others find it easier to focus at night. Whatever time you choose, make sure that you write at the same time each time you sit down to write.

Where you write has a significant impact on how you write. Therefore, dedicate a space for writing where you feel comfortable. Having a writing space will help you get into a writing mood and enhance focus.

Setting a time and space for writing is crucial for designing a powerful writing routine.

2.  Determine your Writing Goals

The first step is to have clear goals of what you want to accomplish during your weekly, monthly, and yearly writing sessions.

Are you trying to write the first chapter of your book?

Are you trying to write a specific amount of pages or words?

Is this an editing session?

Write your one goal for each writing session and write down how you will define having achieved this goal.  Setting a goal will help you focus on one thing at a time. 

For example, you can set goals like:

 I will write for at least 15 minutes.

 I will write at least 500 words.

 I will finish one chapter.

I will write at least one page. 

I use small goals all the time, especially while writing my latest book.  Having goals, no matter how small, will keep you motivated and productive during your writing session.

Also, you can include monthly and yearly goals as part of your writing routine.  For example, as part of my monthly writing routine, I join other writers during online webinars or writing sprints.

3.  Track Your Habits

When you record your scheduled routine for the day, it plays a vital role in bringing you even closer to your goals. Most successful writers use a calendar or journal to write their plans and their to-do lists for the day.

Keeping a journal will help you in tracking your writing habits and create a roadmap for your goals.

4.  Identify your writing and non-writing tasks 

As part of your writing session, divide your tasks into two groups — writing and non-writing. Writing tasks involve blog posts, articles, brochures, books, etc. Non-writing tasks are everything you must complete to support your writing tasks. For example, the research you need to write your book or blog post.

During your writing session, focus on one task at a time. Resist the temptation of working on both writing and non-writing tasks at the same time. For example, don’t research and write your book at the same time.

 

5.  Join a Writer’s Community

In a regular office job, you meet your employers, your co-workers, and your friends. The human connection not only keeps you energetic but also makes you feel accountable.

As a writer, you can join communities where you can mingle with other writers. These meetings will bring more inspiration, more motivation, and more opportunities. You can join Facebook groups and paid communities for writers.

In Summary

Ready to use your new writing routine?  Don’t wait for tomorrow.  Start now!

It is easy for people to feel inspired by something, make plans to take action, and forget about them the next day. Your life is busy. Your days are packed with work and appointments. And, there are so many important things that you need to do first.

But, trust me, there is no better time to start than right now.  Take your first step towards building a powerful writing routine today.

Looking for ideas? Find some here