I used to get up at 6am so that I could start writing by 7am…….
This routine lasted a total of 6 months. 🙈
Have you fallen off your writing horse too?
The reason why we don’t stick to our routines long enough can be summed up in two words:
Short sightedness.
I’m not talking about your glasses prescription here. I'm talking about how we focus on winning one battle rather than on winning the war.
“It’s not about how many of your books hit the #1 best selling list. It’s about how long you can stay in the game.”
-me
Want to create a writing routine that is tailored specifically for you, and foolproof for a long & prosperous career?
You’ve come to the right place. But first...
How committed are you?
Writing novels for the rest of your life is not easy (sometimes it’s not even enjoyable).
That is why many will continue to talk a good game, while others actually publish their stories and go away on book tours. 💣
In my previous blog I talked about how to avoid becoming a professional story-quitter. It's a good read if you're hesitating to commit:
Now...
You’re sure, I’m sure…
Great. Let’s create a writing routine together!
Not one size fits all.
How do you know what’s right for you if you don’t try everything once? 👀
I created a wonderful template that allows you to experiment and see what works and what doesn’t.
Go ahead and play around, by the time you have a tailored routine, you will also have written more pages. A true win-win. 🤯
There you have it, your own customized writing routine. Be proud! Not everyone is willing to experiment.
What’s that? Now that you’ve carved out the time and place, you’re starting to feel the pressure?
Easy fix:
set the bar really low.
No word count, no timer. Expect to type only a few words, and you’ll soon surpass your expectations. And that’s a great feeling!
The important thing is to sit down and write something.
By now you will have a routine that aligns with your commitment and lifestyle - what if that lifestyle changes?
Your perfect routine is ruined due to life circumstances, now what?
Something has to give.
Maybe that means not being able to write when you feel the most energized.
Maybe that’s being able to write for two minutes a day.
“Long term consistency beats short term intensity”
-Bruce Lee
You’ve signed up for the long hall.
Because our brains were not designed to think long term, you have to revisit your reasons for wanting to become a novelist often.
Turn it into a game.
Here’s a shameless plug. I created a guided journal that would:
1) get me to write on days I don’t feel like it, and
2) Reward me for not only writing, but also for using my favorite productivity hacks.
Highly recommended if you need an extra push but can’t currently afford to hire a writing coach:
Schedule time to rest.
When I rest, play, socialize, travel, cook delicious food, when I simply be :
I solve plot holes, I get new ideas, and I restore my energy supply to go on for longer periods of time.
Resting is part of the work, it is the fuel needed to stay in the game until you expire (I’m sorry, I couldn't help it).
To tailor a writing routine perfect for your individual needs, you need to first and foremost:
Choose to stay committed to this vocation.
By experimenting and going through a process of elimination, you can create a resilient routine, so that when life eventually gets in the way, you’ll know which adjustments and sacrifices you can make.
Turn it into a game until your habits become a part of your lifestyle and a part of who you are. Just don’t forget to incorporate time for rest.
I hope you found it useful.
Share your unique writing routine in the comments below!
(Maybe it will help another writer. 🤷🏽♀)
Love,
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