Your ideal writing routine

One thing I’ve noticed about writing routines and writing environments is that different writers have wildly different preferences. What works for one writer might not work for another (it might even be hell for them!).

I find it useful to explore how other writers write, without feeling obligated to do what they do. I’m only looking out for inspiration and the possibility of understanding my own preferences, even if that means I find another writer’s routine intolerable.

I have a strong personal aversion to scheduled commitments. I refuse to stick to a calendar. I prefer to follow a calendar-ish. That means I plan activities in a general sequence of events, and often in 30 minute blocks. But I don’t stress over when those blocks must start.

My day can look like this:

• Wake up (with the intention of sleeping well, but not being too strict on when I wake up)
• Get ready for the day (without worrying too much how long that would take)
• Go to my favorite cafe
• Schedule 30 mins to read Lifelog posts
• Spend 30 mins outlining a course
• Watch a video on course creation
• Follow up with habit coachees
• Etc

Associating these activities with rigid times (wake up at 8, 15 mins to get ready, go to the cafe by 9, 9am: read Lifelog posts, etc) feels suffocating to me. I want some flexibility in my schedule.

Again, this is MY preference.

When it comes to writing, I can sometimes tolerate some background noise and movement. Other times (esp when outlining) I prefer to be isolated with no possibility of distraction or interruption.

I encourage you to start noticing what your ideal routine/writing environment is. We don’t always get to experience our ideal, but at least we can be aware of the kind of environment we aim to create for ourselves.

Feel free to share some of your preferences in a reply, or to write a post about this topic. 😃