How to Build a Solid Writing Routine

Writing every day is not easy, especially if you have plans to publish around three or four pieces in 24 hours.

Fortunately, it is quite possible, and this is particularly true if you have a knack for crafting short poems.

1. Decide How Much You Want to Write Each Day

Personally, I enjoy writing every day because I feel like it helps me get better, and I love putting words on a page more often than not, but that's just me.

Perhaps you are someone who only wants to write every week or every month.

That's fine too.

You should probably ask yourself the following questions in either case:

• How long will it take me to finish my book if I write x amount of words per day?
• How large do I want my portfolio to be on Vocal, Medium, etcetera to be?
• How long will it take me to build that portfolio if I write x amount of articles, short stories, poems, etcetera per day/week/month?
• How many pieces can I reasonably write per day/week/month without burning myself out?

These questions can help you decide exactly how much you'd like to write each day/week/month, etcetera.

This will likely depend on your goals as well:

• Do you plan to earn a living from your work someday or is it solely a hobby?
• Are you indifferent either way?
• Do you have a full-time or part-time job that only affords you a certain amount of time to write?
• Etcetera.

At the end of the day, each person is different, so it's important to consider what works best for you.

2. Choose an Optimal Time to Write

Personally, I feel that I do my best work in the morning and then have time to do other things in the afternoon, but you might be more of a night owl.

It's probably a good idea to decide which time works best for you:

• Are weekends ideal if you have a job?
• Can you get up early and work on projects?
• Do you find yourself feeling relieved and refreshed in the evening after you have finished completing your responsibilities for the day?

Honestly, everyone is different, but it can be helpful to schedule writing into your routine, that way you can do it consistently.

3. Consistency Is Key

Every successful writer I've seen is consistent, whether that means they write at least one book a year, two articles per day, or an advice piece every week.

If you prefer time in between your work, that is just fine, as long as you are consistent. This also helps you build a habit so that you can continue working, even if you don't always feel like it.

Of course, this is all optional, but consistency can be especially helpful if you want to grow your audience, for example.

4. Give Yourself Some Wiggle Room

Perhaps you've planned to write once per day but something comes up. If that's the case, you really don't have to.

Instead, you can skip that day and get to work the next.

To be frank, there are reasons not to write: Illness, burnout, family matters, etcetera. Those are all quite valid and deserve attention.

5. Set Yourself Up for Success

It might be nice to create a little office for yourself, even if it is just a desk in the corner of the room.

Sometimes, simply lighting a candle with your favorite scent can help you get in the mood to be creative.

In conclusion, writing routines are personal, but there are a few steps you can take that may inspire you to do your best work, like setting up a space for yourself or making sure you sit down to write every morning at 7:00 a.m.