Hey fellow storytellers! 🖋️ As we gear up for another trip around the sun, it's the perfect time to start a new writing ritual. Whether you're a seasoned scribe or a novice scribbler, a good writing routine is key to unlocking creativity and hitting those word count goals. So, grab a cup of your favorite brew and let's dive into some tips to develop a writing routine that'll make 2024 your best year yet!
1. Find Your Prime Writing Time
Some of us are wide-eyed and ready to conquer the world at the crack of dawn (my 1 year old, for example), while others hit their creative peak under the moonlight. The key is to identify when your brain is firing on all cylinders. Experiment with different times of the day, and once you find your sweet spot, guard it like a dragon hoards treasure.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can’t ever write outside of this time—life happens, be adaptable—but make sure you’re taking advantage of this magic hour that works for you.
2. Create Your Own Writing Nook
Your writing space is your kingdom, and every king or queen needs a throne. Whether it's a cozy corner in your favorite coffee shop or a desk overlooking the city lights, find a spot that sparks inspiration.
Make it uniquely yours—decorate it with motivational quotes, surround yourself with books that inspire, or indulge in some plants to freshen up the air. The more inviting your space, the more eager you'll be to dive into your writing routine.
BUT don’t fill your writing nook with things that will distract you. Maybe leave your phone in another room, on silent.
3. Set Realistic Goals
It's easy to get carried away with grandiose writing goals, but setting realistic targets is the secret sauce to a sustainable routine. Instead of aiming for a blockbuster novel in a week, break it down into manageable daily or weekly word counts.
Create a way to celebrate the small victories. A little snack after every couple hundred words, or a sticker on a chart for every completed chapter.
4. Dress the Part
While it's tempting to write in your pajamas (we've all been there), there's something magical about donning the writer's hat. Dressing up, even if it's just changing into a comfy outfit, signals to your brain that it's time to get into creative mode.
Writing is a lot of hard work but we rarely treat it like a job. Pull on those jeans and put on a bra and I promise it will give you a little productivity boost.
5. Don’t Let Your Ritual Become a Cage
We writers are an almost superstitious lot when it comes to our routines. It’s helpful to have a time and space set aside to be creative and productive but any good writing routine is just a tool, not a necessity.
Don’t allow a break from routine to interfere with you putting words on paper. Be flexible and prepared to change things up when the need arises. Have a writing app on your phone, carry a notebook, and stay accountable to reaching your goals by keeping a writing log, joining a writing group, or having an author friend regularly check in.
Write. Write. Write.
Starting a new routine can be daunting, especially with the pressure of those New Year’s resolutions hanging over our heads, but where, when, or how you write isn’t what really matters at the end of the day. Just write. A line, a paragraph, a page. Any day you put words on the page is a win.
Best of luck with your writing pursuits this year! Share this post with a writerly friend so they can start their New Year with a new writing ritual too!