Keep your writing routine on track: Ten tips from two authors
As a learner writer I just need to say; a writing habit is a strange creature, isn’t it? There are days when I’m powering away blissfully in a flow, writing and editing, and kicking some serious writing butt.
Then without notice, the world falls apart, and my cozy writing routine, along with everything else, flies out the window and I’m obsessed with eating chocolate instead.
Perhaps a family member gets sick, or I get sick – there’s been a lot of that lately. Or my day job wants more of me, and I’ve taken on way too much. Life continually throws you curveballs.
Really though, truth be known, I am my own worst distraction.
Sometimes I just decide I need a little break from routine, and I watch a bit of Netflix, or curl up with a good book and there’s not an emergency in sight.
It feels both good and bad.
Having a one-day break would be fine but before I know it one day turns into one month with precious little happening in the way of a writing routine and I’m a kilo heavier from eating all that chocolate.
And it doesn’t just happen once.
So, I decided to look for some strategies to keep me on track from two of my favourite authors.
James Clear
A writing routine is also a writing habit, so I thought I’d start with James Clear who shares his wisdom about habits in his wonderful, practical, and helpful book, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. I love this book; it has got me back on track more than once.
Here are some strategies I’ve found helpful.
Be quick to get back on track. James tells us that getting off track is only a problem when you don’t get back on track. This is because getting off track is normal. Good to hear!
To get back on track we can create a plan for our writing routine, write the plan down on a calendar and then do our very best to stick to it.
This is made easier by using micro goals which are small and manageable and do-able goals like setting shorter amounts of time regularly to start with. “Writing can produce a meaningful result, even when it's done in small doses” says James.
Then you show up. The act of showing up reminds us that writing is something we value, something we give time to, enough to be at our desks.
He also suggests attaching a new habit to another established habit – like sitting down at our desks straight after breakfast each day.
Sometimes just getting to your desk is the hardest part. As Ed Latimore, author, and retired boxer says, “The heaviest weight at the gym is the front door.”
James also notes that, “Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behaviour.” To get back on track we can also prepare our environment for success. Put beautiful, inspiring things around you, make your space inviting and writer friendly.
Elizabeth Gilbert
In Big Magic: How to Live a Creative Life, and Let Go of Your Fear, Elizabeth Gilbert reveals her creative process and encourages readers to find their own creative magic. This is another of my favourite go-to books with great advice like:
Just do it! In Big Magic, Elizabeth shares her mother’s motto for procrastination, “Done is better than good.”
In other words, don’t wait for all your ducks to line up.
Go to your writing space and start, just get something on the page. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to be done.
She also mentions the Muse. “Don’t wait for your muse to arrive on the scene before you begin writing. Sit down first and let your muse meet you there” is her advice.
To sum up - work like a farmer,
“Most of my writing life consists of nothing more than unglamorous, disciplined labor. I sit at my desk, and I work like a farmer, and that’s how it gets done. Most of it is not fairy dust in the least.” - Elizabeth Gilbert
In a nutshell: Start small and work up, stick to your writing plan like glue, and work like a farmer! Most importantly though, be kind and look after yourself. Don’t beat yourself up - life’s curveballs are inevitable and can be exhausting. Find what is good for your life at this moment.
“Start where you are
Use what you have
Do what you can” Arthur Ashe
For more inspo check out https://jamesclear.com/articles
and https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/thoughts-on-writing/
Do you have any other tips? I’d love to hear from you.
Until next time,
