If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself revisiting a novel you started previously. By the time you open your project back up, you’re scrambling to figure out where you were going with the narrative. This mess you’ve found yourself in leaves you wasting precious time rereading what you have instead of actually writing. Not only does this get in the way of you meeting your writing goals, but it prevents you from improving your craft. You only have this issue because you lack a routine.
Here’s the thing: Establishing a solid writing schedule and sticking to it like glue will skyrocket your learning so you can become the amazing writer you hope to be. So grab your favorite mug of coffee (or tea, if that’s your jam), because I’m about to share some game-changing tips to help you kickstart your writing routine and unleash your inner wordsmith.
Understanding the Power of Routine
Let’s start with the basics: routine. Now, I know what you’re thinking – this sounds like some New Years resolution that will go right out the window in less than a month, right? Well… maybe. It’s entirely up to you to decide If this is something important enough to you to hold yourself accountable. When it comes to writing, routines are your secret weapon against procrastination, stagnation, and burnout. Think of your writing routine as the backbone of your creative process – it provides structure, consistency, and a sense of purpose to your daily life. It will prime your brain to know when it’s time to turn on the story machine.
Setting Realistic Goals
One of the biggest mistakes many beginners make is setting unrealistic writing goals. Trust me, I’ve been guilty of this myself. When I first started out, I thought I could churn out a novel in a month – spoiler alert: it didn’t happen. Thanks, NaNoWriMo for the delusional thinking. Instead of aiming for the stars right off the bat, start small. Set achievable goals that fit into your daily life, whether it’s writing for 30 minutes a day or hitting a word count target each week. Personally, I aim to spend at least 4 hours a week (as Brandon Sanderson Recommends) dedicated to putting words on the page. For me this doesn’t include outlining, world building, revising, or anything else.
Finding Your Ideal Writing Time
Ever heard the phrase “early bird gets the worm”? Well, turns out, it might actually be true – at least for me. I will get up early to get some writing done before work rather than putting it off until the end of the day. My work tends to be of higher quality the earlier in the day it is. That’s what works for me though. If you’re a night owl, take advantage of those quiet hours. Don’t forget to go out into the world and live life though. I get some of my best brainstorming done when I do the dishes, hang out with friends, or am in the car.
Creating a Structured Writing Routine
Okay, so you’ve nailed down your ideal writing time – now what? It’s time to create a structured writing routine that fits seamlessly into your daily life. Start by blocking out specific time slots for writing in your calendar or planner. Treat these writing sessions like appointments – non-negotiable, sacred time dedicated solely to your craft. And don’t forget to give yourself breaks! Writing can be mentally draining, so be sure to schedule regular intervals for rest and recharge. I like to spend time watching some mind-numbing television. Comfort movies I’ve seen a million times, like Bridget Jones’s Diary never fail.
Keep in mind that it’s okay not to write every single day if that doesn’t work for you. What matters most is that you’re making consistent progress towards your goals. This is tantamount for honing skills like dialogue, narrative, character development, plotting, and more. It will also propel you towards the milestone that is completing the first draft of your novel.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Ah, distractions – the mortal enemy of every writer. Whether it’s the lure of social media, household chores calling your name, or that never-ending Netflix queue, distractions have a way of creeping in and derailing even the best-laid writing plans. But fear not! You can have your cake and eat it too! There are plenty of strategies you can employ to keep distractions at bay and stay focused on your writing. Let’s tackle three common distractions and their solutions, and three techniques to limit distractions while writing.
Social Media
First, let’s tackle social media. Try to limit yourself to one or two social media platforms. I use Facebook to keep up to date with my friends and family, and Pinterest for my creative interests. That’s it! I also limit the amount of time I spend on social media to allow myself more time for everything else. I allow myself to go on social media two times a day. When I am winding down for the day, and when I use the toilet. Otherwise, I silence notifications for those apps and go about my day.
Chores
Now let’s talk chores. They’re unfortunately unavoidable. Sure, you could get a Roomba , but unless you have a maid you will need to do chores. This doesn’t mean you can’t be thinking about your story while doing them. I like to listen to The Kate and Abbie Show Podcast or audiobooks, or even just brainstorm while doing chores. Not only do writers write, but they read too! so make time for consuming stories as well as creating them. Chores are a great way to kill two birds with one stone!
Streaming: Movies and TV
When a new season of Bridgerton comes out, I practically have to drop everything and tune in. I can’t afford to be spoiled by miscreants online who don’t know how to use a SPOILER ALERT. The fact that I’ve already read all of the books doesn’t matter to me in the slightest. Make time to watch what you want, you deserve it! Just make sure that you do it in moderation. I like to watch two episodes or one movie every evening before bed, hence why I like writing in the morning. Maybe you only watch stuff on the weekends! it’s up to you when you do it.
Techniques to Protect Your Flow
- The Pomodoro Technique. This time management method involves working in short bursts (typically 25 minutes) followed by a brief break. It’s a great way to stay focused and maximize productivity. While it’s not my jam, it’s known to help many who struggle to stay in the zone.
- Creating Focuses for Devices: I am an Apple person, so I can create different focuses on my phone for work, sleep, and (most importantly) writing! This makes it so I won’t get any notifications unless they’re urgent. I believe there are comparable settings on Samsung and Android devices.
- Create SMART Goals: SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. For example, one of my goals is to have 14 chapters (at least42,000 words) of my work in progress done by January 1st 2025. This is a smart goal because it’s Specific (one specific project), measurable (42,000 words), Achievable (for me and my life), Relevant (It pushes me towards my goal of being a published novelist), and Time-Bound (Jan. 1, 2025).
Incorporating Accountability Measures
Let’s face it – sometimes, we all need a little kick in the pants to stay on track with our writing goals. That’s where accountability measures come in. Whether it’s setting deadlines for yourself (Don’t forget those SMART goals), joining a writing group, or finding a writing buddy, having someone or something to hold you accountable can be a game-changer. Personally, I’ve found that sharing my writing goals with a friend or family member keeps me motivated and accountable – after all, nobody likes to admit defeat or disappoint, right? They also check in on my writing regularly which can help.
Nurturing Creativity Outside the Writing Routine
Contrary to popular belief, creativity isn’t something that can be turned on and off like a light switch. It’s a delicate flower that requires nurturing, care, and plenty of TLC. That’s why it’s important to cultivate creativity outside of your designated writing sessions. By keeping your creativity flowing all the time, you will never suffer from writer’s block and you’ll get more valuable practice time in. While it’s important to do things you know will get your creative juices flowing, over time you will find that your mind has become hardwired for story. Even menial tasks like dishes, laundry, or even being at work, your mind will be thinking about story in the background.
Tracking Progress and Celebrating Achievements
Last but not least, don’t forget to track your progress and celebrate milestones along the way. Whether you’re hitting word count checkpoints, completing chapters, or simply showing up to write when you can, every little victory deserves to be celebrated. Personally, I like to keep a writing journal where I jot down my weekly word count and track my progress towards goals. It’s a great way to stay motivated and see how far you’ve come on your writing journey. If you reach the end of your first draft, CELEBRATE! take a break from it! come back at it with fresh eyes.
3… 2… 1… GO!
So there you have it! Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a novel. But by establishing a solid writing routine, setting realistic goals, and staying committed to your craft, you’ll be well on your way to unleashing your inner storyteller and bringing your literary dreams to life. So what are you waiting for? Grab your laptop, find your favorite writing spot, and let’s get writing! Your novel awaits. Let me know what your SMART goals are and if you plan on using any of the techniques I mentioned.