Help! Do I Absolutely Need A Writing Routine To Call Myself A Writer?
Although writing comes with an amazing sense of freedom, it can also leave us with a stream of questions. One of the issues that crops up frequently is whether we need a writing routine. Should we copy the writing routine of our favourite author? What steps do we need to implement? We can all struggle with uncertainty sometimes, but Derbyshire Writing School is here to help!
Do I need a writing routine?
It can be difficult not to compare ourselves to others. However, it’s important to remind ourselves that we all have different personalities and work best under different conditions. Writing routines often reflect this. It’s perfectly okay if we don’t work the same way as others. Constantly comparing ourselves to others is likely to lead to self-criticism. Instead, we should focus on being kinder to ourselves and forging our own writing path. Plus, how boring would it be if we were all the same?
While there is no rule telling us we must have a writing routine, it is another key element for us to consider. This creative writing blog will explore some of the benefits of having a writing routine and reasons why a routine might not be for you.
3 Reasons Why You Need a Writing Routine
Flexibility
Writing routines are just as prone to change as any other element of our lives. If working for two hours straight, four days a week isn’t working for you, change it. Keep playing and tweaking until you find something that suits you. Embrace trial and error until you find the routine that makes you the most productive.
Even the most well-known writers experience changes in their writing routines. While F Scott Fitzgerald initially ‘demonstrated remarkable self-discipline’ at the beginning of his literary life, after his military career, he ‘always had trouble sticking to a regular schedule.’ The wonderful flexibility of creative writing also rings true for writing routines. You can adapt, adjust, and alter as and when you feel the need.
It's normal to work at it until you find something that works for you.
2. Focus
Having a set writing routine can help with focus. Creating a devoted chunk of time where we know we’re going to write, can help our minds zone in on getting those words out. This can be particularly helpful if we’re easily distracted. A writing routine can help give order to things and get us into that concentrated mindset. Cal Newport talks about this in his book Deep Work. A routine can help you find your flow.
Life throws so much at us, that a sense of routine could be a valuable antidote. It’s committed time to focus on you and your writing, away from the stresses that life can bring. Your writing routine might even become a precious part of your day.
3. Consistency
Typically, the more we do something, the easier it becomes. Consistency is a powerful tool that lives right at our fingertips. A consistent writing routine can help us build momentum, and help us get those words behind us. It can be a crucial factor in helping our writing routine feel like a natural part of our lives. Once something begins to feel normal, it often feels less daunting. We want our routine to feel more like a welcome friend, not a dreaded chore.
Now let’s look at the other side…Dare we say a writing routine is a waste of time? Dare we say we should throw our plans away and write as we wish? Dare we say write whenever you feel inspired? If this sounds like you, read on…
3 Reasons Why You Don’t Need a Writing Routine
Restricting
A writing routine might not work for you. Perhaps it feels too restricting. That’s okay too. Writing contains a world of endless possibilities. You don’t need to be tied down to anything. Author Toni Morrison has said that she wasn’t able to write regularly. Allocating set time to write wasn’t for her. Instead, it was this sense of focus that was most important. As she has said, when she does write, the important thing is that I don’t do anything else.’
Maybe there is something more important to you than routine which aids your productivity. Maybe you work best by setting yourself a word count for the day, or there might be a certain condition that you need such as background music. It’s all about finding what works for you.
2. Forceful
Ideas for our writing don’t just come from writing routines. Ideas can come from anywhere. A routine is by no means the centre of our creative ideas. It’s one of a huge variety of sources of inspiration. Perhaps a rigid routine makes you feel that you’re trying to force the ideas out. Perhaps we need a change of scenery or environment for a while. Something with a greater sense of freedom, like an artist’s date, could be a refreshing antidote to the strictness of a writing routine.
3. Your Writing DNA
While you don’t need a routine to be a writer, you do need to get those words down. A writing routine can be a fruitful and helpful way to fulfil this. However, routine isn’t for everyone, and that’s why experimenting is key. It helps you to discover your personal writing DNA, and the conditions you may or may not need.
What are your thoughts on writing routines? Do you have one? Or do you have an alternative way of working? Get in touch and let us know your thoughts! We’d love to hear from you.
We all want to develop good writing habits, but making sure we stick with them is hard work. This workbook will show you how you can fit your writing into your busy schedule and finally finish your first draft.
