I’m often asked about my writing routine. What techniques have I found most useful for making the most of my writing time, getting in the groove as fast as possible, and making sure I’m writing to my full potential every day? Although my writing routine evolves in minor ways depending on what’s going on in my life and what story I’m working on, I’ve discovered that organizing my daily writing routine into a series of specific steps, designed first to center my thoughts on my story, then to ground me in the requirements of the specific scene I’m working on, then to pump me into readiness for the actual writing, helps me get the most out of every minute I spend writing. Below is a pictorial tour of my writing session. Take a look. You might find some ideas worth implementing in your own writing routine!
Daily Writing Routine: 4-6 p.m.
4:00: Prayer
I ask God to guide my writing, to grant me inspiration and efficiency, and to make my words pleasing to Him.
4:01: Outline
I refer to my outline in yWriter to make sure I remember all the details of the scene I’m supposed to be writing today.
4:05: Current Writing Journal
I warm up my creativity with an entry in my writing journal. I discuss my feelings about my story and go over ideas for the upcoming scene.
4:15: Old Writing Journal
I read an entry from an old writing journal to remind myself of the challenges I faced and overcame in previous stories.
4:17: Writing Article
I read one of my filed articles about the craft of writing, both as a warm-up exercise and a reminder of important techniques.
4:20: Character Sketches
I review notes about the character whose POV I’ll be writing from today.
4:22: Research Notes
I review a pertinent segment from my research notes.
4:24: Proofreading
I proofread the scene I wrote the day before.
4:30: Music
I choose a soundtrack.
4:30: Chocolate
I fortify myself with chocolate sustenance.
4:30: Write
And we’re off!
Wordplayers, tell me your opinions! What’s your writing routine? Tell me in the comments!
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