It’s no secret that most of us have dealt with writer’s block at one time or another. Much of this has to do with the ever-present struggle to get started. The mounting pressure caused by wanting, or even needing to write, can make it all the more overwhelming to actually do so.
Luckily, building a solid writing routine can make this process a lot easier! This is especially essential if you’re self-publishing and working on your own timeline. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you already know that and just need a couple of pointers to get started.
That’s why I’ve compiled this short list of tried-and-true tips, grounded in self-help philosophies, to upgrade your writing routine and take your productivity back. Let’s go!
1. Have a dedicated space
It might sound obvious, but one of the most important things you can do is to set out a dedicated writing space. This doesn’t mean a space where you also surf cat videos on YouTube, or eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner — you need a writing-specific space where you can really focus. It ultimately comes down to treating your work with respect and minimizing distractions.
Productive workspaces are different for everyone, so don’t worry if the stereotypical all-white desk with potted plants and neatly arranged folders doesn’t work for you. I personally find that a space on the floor with a few pillows, where I can lay out my notes without any constraints, is best for me when I’m in the thick of writing.
It might be tough at first to keep your writing life and regular life separate, but it’s critical if you want to get anything done. Fortunately, as you begin to associate this special space with work, it’ll get easier to shift into “writing mode” based on setting alone.
2. Set the mood
Another great way to build a better writing routine is to develop your own short pre-writing ritual. It’s difficult to sit down and jump straight into writing, so a little activity or routine beforehand is an excellent way to ease yourself in! Even if you’re just sitting down to update your author site, look up writing tips, or format your ebook, a little mise-en-scène never hurts.
This can be something as simple as applying a certain perfume or cologne before you start writing — so you associate that scent with being productive — or as relatively complex as preparing and eating a meal before you write (which also means you won’t get distracted by hunger while working). If you’re the romantic type, you might light a few candles, put on some soft music, and enjoy the ambience. Just don’t leave your notes anywhere near the flames!
3. Try some warm-ups
Another well-known pre-writing ritual is to warm up your mental muscles. Different writers prefer different kinds of warm-ups — this can be anything, from writing in your daily journal (many find it therapeutic) to responding to writing prompts. If you can ride the wave of creative energy you get from these tasks, you’re sure to transition well to your main project.
You might also consider trying the “grounding” warm-up. Ever heard of the anxiety-calming tactic where you describe five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, and so on? Try that exercise — but this time, write your observations down. Do your best to describe what you’re sensing in the same style that you intend to keep writing in! You’ll soon find yourself perfectly prepped to continue your main project, and may even want to reuse some material from your warm-up.
4. Don’t expect perfection
You can curate the best writing habits in the world and still end up staring at a blank document for hours. This is why the most crucial writing habit is to avoid holding yourself to impossibly high standards; ironically enough, expecting absolute perfection is only going to hurt your craft.
Indeed, it’s much more important to actually get words on the page than it is to try and turn every sentence into a Shakespearean masterpiece — so don’t be afraid of the crappy first draft. In fact, as long as you know how to find an editor, even your “final” draft doesn’t have to be that polished; an editor will help you take it over the finish line.
Essentially, this tip is to accept your rough-draft writing for what it is. It’s much more straightforward to fix what you’ve put on the page than to try and untangle everything in your head! As the self-help gurus would say, try to keep a growth mindset and remember there’s always room (and time) for improvement.
5. Remember you are always a writer
Finally, perhaps the best way to improve your writing habits in the long term is to respect yourself as a writer. It’s no secret that writers are their own worst critics; particularly if you’re stuck in a funk, it can seriously damage your belief in your writing and yourself.
Doubt impacts writers at every stage, to the point that it often feels impossible to even start a scene. To combat this, make sure to regularly (and proudly!) call yourself a writer — if someone asks what you do, don’t just tell them you’re “aspiring”. Never let imposter syndrome take hold; if you write, you are a writer.
Of course, not everyone wants to be so open about their writing. That’s okay! We all feel shy or protective of our work at times. But once you’re confident in the knowledge that you are a writer, you’ll find yourself wanting to write more often — so try to remind yourself of your author identity as often as possible. We all have bad days, but you can always hold on to that identity to push through doubts and create work that makes you proud.
Savannah Cordova is a writer for Reedsy, a service for authors.
