How to Create a Writing Routine
The only person who can make your writing routine a priority, is you.
by MICHELLE CONDEIntroduction
It’s difficult to write consistently. School, work, family, and other obligations can get in the way of a writer’s intention to write regularly. However, creating a writing routine can help alleviate that difficulty and get you into the habit of writing.
Set Small Goals
The first step in creating a writing routine is simple, but crucial: set small goals. Small goals, not big goals. Small goals are easier to achieve and help to make you feel accomplished, a small boost of morale, in other words. For example, you write for thirty minutes every morning (after your coffee, of course!) or in the evening, after a filling dinner. By setting small goals, you reduce the pressure and trick your mind into writing more as small goals are easy-peasy to achieve.
Create a Flexible Schedule
The second step in creating a writing routine is to make a schedule for yourself. This writing schedule doesn’t have to be strict or adhere to a specific timetable. It’s important to keep in mind that your schedule is allowed to be flexible and suited to your needs. For instance, say you decide to allot an hour to write in the late evening, but—oh no!—life gets in the way and you don’t write for that hour. Well, no worries. Simply switch that hour to the next morning, or even to the next evening. The point of a flexible schedule is that you encourage yourself to be consistent, even if it means adapting to a different time.
Make Writing a Habit
The last step to creating a writing routine is simple: make writing a habit. Every day, every other day, every week, every other week–make writing a part of you as breathing is a part of you. No matter how little, quick, slow, or much you write, putting some time aside—and words on paper!—will help you cement a writing routine. Remember, writing is like a muscle: the more you work it out, the stronger it gets. Your future-self will thank you!
Quality is Not an Act, it is a Habit
Creating a writing routine doesn’t happen overnight. As with any habit, it takes time, to create and settle in with your own routines. Taking small but simple steps can foster a consistent writing routine, and help you become a more productive writer. After all, quality is not an act, it is a habit!
About MICHELLE CONDEMICHELLE WAS BORN IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA. SHE IS CURRENTLY STUDYING CREATIVE WRITING AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY. WHEN NOT BUSY WITH SCHOOL, MICHELLE SPENDS TIME LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE CRAFT OF WRITING, JUGGLING A VARIETY OF PROJECTS, AND PLAYING VIDEO GAMES SHE NEVER FINISHES. MICHELLE ALSO CO-HOSTS POP'S PODCAST, POP IN!