How to Create a Writing Routine You’ll Stick With: 9 Simple Steps

Your writing drought was only supposed to last a day.

Then one day turned into two, which turned into four, and now it’s been an entire week since your fingers went click-clack on the computer keys.

To make matters worse, that pesky little voice in the back of your head is starting to say you should quit writing altogether.

Don’t listen to that voice.

Instead, listen to the tinier voice begging to be heard and pleading for you to persist.

That’s the voice that brought you here — and with good reason.

Because the answer to your deepest fears and frustrations as a writer is actually quite simple: create a writing routine.

In this blog post, we’ll show you exactly how to build one and stick with it.

What Is a Writing Routine?

A writing routine is a series of steps you follow to write consistently.

Those steps might include setting a word count goal so you can write more intentionally or drinking a warm cup of tea before each writing session to get you in the creative mood.

4 Reasons Why You Need a Writing Routine

1. Consistency: A writing routine gives you the structure needed to write regularly . Without that structure, you’ll find yourself writing for one hour one day and zero the next day. Think about it. Writing for 30 minutes a day will get you much closer to your goals. Conversely, writing here and there may get you nowhere in the long run.
2. Accountability: It’s harder to make excuses when you have a set structure to your writing. Don’t think you have enough time to write? Well, think again, because your routine will remind you that you have 15 minutes to spare.
3. Organization: With a writing routine, you know when, where, what, why, and how long to write. Think of it as a roadmap to achieving your goals. You know where you are with your writing (current location), where you want to go (destination), and how to get there (directions).
4. Motivation: When you’re organized and have a clear roadmap to success, you’re more motivated to embark on and continue with your writing journey. You feel inspired to finally begin that heart-warming YA novel keeping you up at night because you understand what it takes to get to the last line of your book.

9 Steps for Creating a Reliable Writing Routine

So you know why you need a writing routine. Now, it’s time to create one!

Follow the steps below to begin writing consistently and enthusiastically.

1) Think About Why You Want to Write

Let’s be honest: even when faced with the benefits of something, we’re still hesitant to move forward.

That’s because our brains are hardwired to avoid pain and a writing routine can seem quite painful if we only focus on the time it takes to write or the tedium of the writing process.

Which is why it’s helpful to focus on why you want to write.

Maybe you love the thrill of crafting the perfect sentence.

Or maybe you want to improve your writing skills so you can write better blog posts.

Whatever the reason is, find it and let it energize your writing routine.

2) Identify and Address Potential Writing Challenges

Make a mental note or write down a list of your most common writing challenges .

This can include writer’s block, digital distractions, or even self-doubt.

Now, write down how you’ll address these challenges if and when they arise.

If writer’s block is a frequent hindrance, think about how you’ve resolved that challenge in the past.

You might’ve left your desk for a few minutes or revisited your thesis.

Once you identify and write down a preventative measure for your writing challenge, keep it in mind for the next time something threatens to disrupt your routine.

3) Set SMART Writing Goals

What do you hope to achieve with your writing?

Do you want to finish a novel? Start a blog? Write faster? Write better?

Record these broader goals and then break them down into smaller ones.

Make sure your smaller goals meet the S.M.A.R.T. criteria (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based).

For example, if you want to start a blog, break that goal down into writing one 500-word blog post by the end of the day.

4) Choose Your Ideal Writing Time

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

If you hit “snooze” on your alarm three times and sit at the edge of your bed contemplating if you should leave it, then it’s safe to say mornings aren’t for you.

On the other hand, if the idea of working past 6 PM makes you yawn, then it’d be in your best interest to write while you can still see daylight.

Otherwise, you won’t commit to a writing routine, which means those grand goals you set for yourself won’t come true.

Of course, you don’t want that to happen. So, pick a time and stick to it!

5) Put Writing on Your Calendar

Speaking of time, it’s best to put your writing time on a calendar.

You already do it for other important obligations comprising your day like dentist appointments, client calls, and Pilates classes.

Well, writing is important, too! Or at least, you’ve decided it’s important.

If you want to make sure your writing gets done just like those Pilates classes, then you have to schedule it into your day.

So, pull up that calendar and assign a block of time dedicated to writing.

6) Create a Comfortable and Conducive Writing Space

Just like laying in bed makes you want to sleep, having a dedicated writing space will put you in the mood to write .

Whether it’s a writing nook or a bedside computer desk, make sure your space is comfortable and clear of distractions.

It’s also a good idea to have your writing goals close by — either on a sheet of paper on your desk or on a sticky note affixed to your laptop.

That way, you can easily monitor your progress.

7) Create a Ritual That Puts You in the Writing Zone

Besides having a dedicated writing space, performing a ritual before you write will also get you in the writing zone .

A ritual is an action or behavior you follow repeatedly, usually in a specific manner.

In the context of writing, a ritual might be reading positive affirmations or setting a timer before you begin a project.

The repetition of this practice and its association with writing will let your brain know you are beginning a new session and allow you to focus on the task at hand.

8) Break the Writing Process into Small Steps

It might come as a surprise, but the writing process isn’t only about writing.

There are other steps to consider like…

• Brainstorming: In this stage of the writing process, you come up with story ideas. For example, you could choose to write about climate change for a research paper or homelessness for a news article.
• Researching: This step involves searching for facts, statistics, and other forms of reliable information used to guide your writing. So, if we use the example of writing a research paper on climate change, you could research the definition, origins, and history of climate change using the Internet or physical books.
• Outlining: After you conduct your research, you should create an outline organizing your arguments and the evidence you’ll use to support them. An outline for a climate change research paper would include an ordered list of points about the origins and history of climate change with relevant sub-points.
• Revising and editing: Once you finish writing a draft, read through the entire piece. Pay attention to structure, grammar, spelling, clarity, cohesion, and accuracy. Then, make changes to improve the piece.

Don’t complete all of these steps in one session.

Instead, have one day where you brainstorm and conduct research, one day where you outline and write, and another day where you revise and edit.

Breaking up the writing process in this way will prevent burnout and make it easier for you to complete the project you’re working on.

9) Experiment with Different Writing Approaches

When most people think of a writing routine, they think of chaining themselves to their computer desk and typing into the wee hours of the night.

But that doesn’t need to be the case.

Your writing routine is yours. Make it fit your mood, rhythms, and work style.

The three techniques below are just a sample of writing approaches you can adopt.

• Writing sprints: A writing sprint is when you write as much as you can within a specific period of time without editing your piece. This method works if you have a word goal in mind or if you want to improve your writing speed.
• The Pomodoro technique: Unlike the other approaches, the Pomodoro technique isn’t geared specifically toward writers. Instead, it’s useful for all people trying to make efficient use of their time. The method involves working (or, in our case, writing) for 25 minutes straight, taking a five-minute break, and then repeating the cycle. So, if you want to make the most of your writing session, consider using this technique.
• Writing prompts: A writing prompt is a statement used to guide a writing session. For example, “Describe a happy childhood memory” is a prompt inviting the writer to reflect on the joyfulness of their upbringing. Writing prompts are useful for activities like journaling because they provide ideas for what to journal about each day.

4 Trusty Tips for Sticking to a Writing Routine

You’ve created a writing routine that fits your goals, personality, and writing style.

Now, you want to ensure you adhere to it.

Luckily, the following tips will help you stick to the routine you’ve created.

1) Revisit Your Reason for Writing

Remember when you reflected on your reason for writing earlier in this blog post?

It’s time to revisit that reason because, without it, all the work you’re doing will feel pointless.

You’ll lose motivation and fall right back into the writing drought you were in before.

To make sure this doesn’t happen, you have to remember why you’re here in the first place.

Are you writing for joy? Money? Personal growth?

Remember your why and then move on to the next step.

2) Join a Writing Community

Typing on a laptop all day in a dark room will inevitably make you feel lonely.

You can mitigate that loneliness by joining a writing community , whether online or in person.

Being a part of a writing community means you’ll have like-minded individuals cheering you on and celebrating your success.

It also means you’ll have people who will hold you accountable to your writing goals.

3) Practice Self-Care

Don’t get so caught up in your writing that you ignore your mental and physical health.

While your writing goals are important, you should also prioritize your well-being.

Here are two ways to do so:

• Stretch: There’s no way around it. Writing is a sedentary profession . Sitting stiffly in a chair and staring at a computer screen can take a toll on your body, so periodically stretch your limbs so you can return to your work refreshed.
• Eat a snack: Your mind can’t produce quality content if your stomach is starved. So, pick up a snack from the kitchen. Preferably, something light like an apple or granola bar. And while you’re at it, quench your thirst with some nice cold water!

4) Reward Yourself

Ever heard the saying “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?”

Instead of typing that onto the Google doc you’ve been staring at all day, integrate some playfulness into your writing routine as a way to reward yourself.

You could play fetch with your dog or play a game on your phone.

Or you could reward yourself by eating a piece of chocolate.

Either way, simply take the time to acknowledge your progress.

And then, once you’ve celebrated, jump back into your writing routine.

Words don’t write themselves after all!

A Final Word on Writing Routines

Imagine crafting the last line for the novel you’ve been thinking about since you were 12.

Imagine building an archive of blog posts that will resonate with readers for years to come.

It’s all possible.

But only if you take that next step and implement the knowledge you’ve acquired.

So, what are you waiting for? Create a writing routine and achieve your writing goals!