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Are Writing Routines Important to Success?

With the start of a new school year, I couldn’t keep from looking at the calendar and having a near panic-attack. During the month of September, in addition to the usual work of teaching, mothering, and managing my busy household, I’m attending a national writer’s conference, getting ready for my first book-signing, preparing for my debut launch party, writing up interviews, and starting other marketing efforts.

With everything going on, I couldn’t help but wonder how I would ever get anything done. And when would I have time for the additional edits I’m sure to get from my publisher on Book 2? And how would I find time to continue researching Book 3?

As I pondered the upcoming month, I decided to sit down and write up a weekly schedule. Then I could see exactly where I’d have free time and how much. Once I did that, I was able to find pockets here and there most days when I’d have time to devote to my writing.

How important are writing routines in helping us strive toward success? Does it really make all that much difference whether we plan out our days and weeks, or can we work at writing in a hit-or-miss fashion and still achieve the same results?

I love what James Scott Bell says in The Art of War for Writers: “A goal is just a dream unless it has legs.” Not everyone thrives in a structured routine, but I think the more specific and intentional we are with our writing goals, the more likely we are to seeing our dreams come true. In other words, we need to give our goals “legs.”

What are some of the ways we can get specific in developing writing routines? Here are just a few of my ideas. I’d love to hear yours too.

1. Make a plan.

When I’m in the process of writing my first drafts, I give myself daily word count goals. I keep track of how many words I write a day in a notebook, challenging myself to 800 to 1000 words. When I’m editing, I usually give myself the goal of one chapter a day. When I’m researching, I give myself a daily time schedule—like, reading and researching for three hours every day.

Not everyone can or wants a daily word count or editing goal or hourly research quotas. Some people would just dry up and wilt under the structure. But . . . if we don’t give ourselves any tangible goals or deadlines to help us get to our destination, we risk wandering off the path, getting lost or distracted, or even taking much longer than necessary.

So, my advice is to come up with some kind of “map,” something that can keep us on track—whether that’s clocking in a certain number of minutes a day, weekly word counts, or monthly deadlines.

2. Stick to the plan.

When I make my plan, I let my family know. My husband and kids then ask me, “Have you met your word count yet today, Mom?” Even my four year old daughter “types” on her Barbie laptop and does her “word count.” Their questions not only give me accountability, but when my goals are tangible, it’s easier for them to support and understand what I’m doing.

And likewise, when I stick to my plan and take it seriously, day after day, my family has grown to accept that it’s part of my life. I try really hard not to let other activities interfere with the time that I set aside specifically for writing.

3. Challenge the plan.

For some of us, it’s all too easy to get into a comfortable routine. We grow complacent with our word counts, complacent with our methods, and perhaps even too busy to learn more. Before I delve into my next book project, I want to look at the areas where I need to grow, and I want to challenge myself to try new things, push myself to write with more diligence, and be even more productive.

~Summary: We need to have a long term vision for our writing and dream big dreams. But then we need to give those dreams momentum, get them moving forward, and keep them on track . . . and that’s where a writing routine of some kind can help. The routine can guide us and prod us until we finally reach our destination.

Do you have a writing routine of some kind? How does it help you stay on track? Do you think most writers can benefit from some kind of routine?

P.S. Don't forget to answer this week's Trivia Question for a chance to win The Preacher's Bride! I'll announce the winner on Friday.

51 comments:

  1. Excellent post! No routine here but I know it would help, probably. What you did was very smart. I can't believe it's book launch time!!!

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  2. Excellent post, Jody! I definitely thrive on structure (I'm a teacher...whadaya expect?). I am ALL about routines and making plans. So naturally, I did a little fist pumping as I read this post, "Right on, sista!" And by the way, I loved your idea of keeping a running record of daily word counts so much, that I used it for my last rough draft, and it was totally motivational.

    Can't wait to see you later this week!!!

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  3. I have to have routines and goals or I wouldn't know what to focus on or how far I need to get or when to stop and exercise or clean the house! :)

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  4. I'm setting aside daily time this week as I start working on a new story. I'm trying hard to get in a schedule that will work for me. I don't really know what that looks like yet, but hopefully it will settle into something I can manage. Great post!

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  5. Great post, Jody. If I didn't have a routine that has time in it specifically for writing, I'd never get any writing done!

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  6. Another interesting post, thanks. I am finding that I need a routine now. I am writing far more than I ever dreamed, so DH needs to taken into consideration.

    I think 2 on your list is a good one.☺

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  7. Even though writing is a job (for some), it is also a creative side which routine can halt if we aren't careful. But, for me routine writing keeps me on track. I like structure and knowing what I expect out of myself is half the battle.

    Great post, Jody.

    Teresa

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  8. Lately my usual "plan" has been full of social networking - which sucks up way too much time. But, I'll be getting back to my usual, which is write for most of the day, beginning in the morning after coffee/checking email/walk dogs kinds of things . . . then it's work until the afternoon or early evening.

    Although, "social networking" and all that is a part of this "job" as a "novelist" without the writing, there is no job and no novels to be a novelist of! :-D

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  9. Hey, I talk about moving dreams on my post today! Cool. My routine is for sure out of whack. Just learned picture day is this Friday. Oh good, just in time for me to catch that 5am flight. Wonder what the nice grandma lady (who has agreed to get my kids on the bus that morning) will do to their hair. :D

    ~ Wendy

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  10. I think a word count a day is a great idea, and how cute is it that your daughter "types" on her Barbie lap top? I love these tips, thanks for sharing!

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  11. When I don't plan out some sort of structure for my writing (or anything really), even a loose one, I set myself up to fail a lot more easily than when I set tangible, challenging, but reachable goals. Setting daily, weekly, monthly, even yearly goals, keeps us reaching for a specific prize.

    BUT, I do believe we must alter those from time to time as life changes. And forgive ourselves when we do fall short.

    I've been working more than I had planned for this time of year, and I have fallen short of my writing goals. But it's okay. I just need to pick myself up, re-adjust and get back on track.

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  12. I need a routine. Good idea to try and schedule it and stick to it. :O)

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  13. I had a routine of 2000 words a day. Then I quit writing for about a month, and now I'm very happy to hit 1000. However - I need to get back to seriousness (for me, 2000 words) if I'm going to get this thing done! Thanks, Jody, for your encouragement and ideas. :)

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  14. I am THE most scheduled person I've ever met, but I don't have a writing routine. I just wait until I'm inspired to write and then I will write for hours - until 4 in the morning once, recently. I find my own writing is better if I wait for the "spirit to move me" as my mother would say. If I try to force it, I have to redo most of it later and that just annoys me.

    Now when I'm in editing phases, it's a different story. I will make a plan and stick to it then!

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  15. Thanks for sharing some of the secrets of your success, Jody.

    I do have goals. I have found that weekly goals seem to work best for me. I thrive when I set a weekly goal and keep track of progress.

    I did this with my hiking. I started with a simple goal of 12 miles a week. That's only 2 miles a day, 6 days a week. 2 miles is the length of my neighborhood loop which has many hills and takes me 40 minutes, so I knew I could do that much. But my mileage can be divided up any way I need to throughout the course of the week. This gives me flexibility, too.

    Many weeks I exceed my goal. Then I celebrate. And of course, I have increased my weekly goal over time.

    I think you'll enjoy my Monday post at the Moonboat about how I resolved some issues with making it all work and living well.

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  16. I'm normally a very routined person, but the birth of my daughter shook things up a bit. I'm still trying to figure it out. I have a feeling I'll have a better handle on it in a few months. (at least, I hope so!) :)

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  17. There's something really nice about having exactly the same tasks and deadlines coming up. I also will get my line edits later this month, plus I have to research novel #3 right after the conference!

    I am SO looking forward to conference as that little island of recreation and refreshment in the middle of it all.

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  18. I'm sure I would benefit from having more of a routine. I have things written down that I want to accomplish each day, but they're pretty broad. I could probably refine them more and make them more effective.

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  19. For a disorganized, fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants procrastinator like me, this post is golden! Thanks, Jody.

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  20. Great post, Jody,

    My writing routine is a bit "loose". I spend about 2 or 3 hours a day writing on a project. (But a lot more time thinking about it. It seems I'm always preoccupied with it when it's at the initial stages.) If it's going well and I have the extra time, I'll spend more. But the writing isn't necessarily at the same time every day. I just make sure I get those 2 or 3 hours in sometime during the day.

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  21. Yes, indeed you are busy this month! I want to hear all about your launch party so be sure to jot down every detail, inquiring minds want to know. ;) I'm so thrilled for you I can hardly wait for my copy to arrive in the mail so I can read your wonderful book!

    And regarding the conference I SO wish I was going to be there. God willing I'll meet you next year. =)

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  22. My basic routine: rough draft, distance, begin edit, distance, next edit phase, distance, beta readers, edit, distance, etc.

    Do I write everyday? No. There are weeks/months where I will, and then there are weeks/months where I won't.

    When do I write? Normally in the evenings after I send my partner off to work. On the weekends, well, just about any time I can.

    I do what works for me. : )

    S

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  23. Hi Jody,

    For me, forward motion is the goal. Sometimes I set word-count goals, and, like you, when revising I sometimes set a goal of a chapter a day.

    My routine is to rise early and have a writing session before the distractions of the day start to pour in. And then hopefully have one or two more writing sessions.
    But showing up six days a week is key for me.

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  24. Hi Jody, I believe following a writing routine is great. Sometimes like you I follow a word count and while editing a chapter or two a day.
    But at times I badly mess up my routine.I am trying to stick to a routine ( will not even pick up phonecalls during that time.)

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  25. Jody, this is great. We can easily become overwhelmed, then freeze and risk not accomplishing anything. Deep breath and a list will do wonders. I'm going to pass this on to a childhood friend who has expressed a strong desire in writing and is looking for tips. Excellent!

    So glad to see you this morning! I had a radio show to do so couldn't respond right away but it's always lovely to cross paths. I've been thinking of you so much lately, knowing it's almost time. I need to get my hands on a copy of your book!

    Peace and hugs, friend,

    Roxane

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  26. Thank you! You've inspired me to make a plan. Schedules never get kept in my house, but at least I can make a daily goal and reassess it every week. Thanks for the insights.

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  27. I love the James Scott Bell quote! I want my dreams to have legs, and like Wendy put so beautifully on her blog~ I want my dreams to flow like a river.

    The reality for me is that my schedule looks different from day to day. I have to embrace the writing time that I get when it comes, because I can never seem to predetermine when that is.

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  28. Wow, so true! And even though I manage to find regular time now, I do wonder if (when?) I ever get published, how I'll balance the demands.

    Thanks for the pep talk!

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  29. This is so helpful. I need to work on a plan. Until recently writing was something I squeezed in when I could. I'm a busy mom too. Over the last few months my writing has turned into more of a passion... but my passion needs some purpose and focus to really go anywhere. Thanks for a glimpse into yours.

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  30. I'm blessed to have a flexible lifestyle and plenty of time for writing but that also allows for procrastination. Sometimes that's more of a problem than lack of time! In addition to scheduling, self-discipline is important for me.

    From what I've learned about you I have no doubt you'll find your stride in this new season and meet all your commitments. I know it's a challenge but God is with you in all your endeavours. Lean on him.

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  31. Gotta have some routine here, but it gets tough when you're juggling several books...

    Things pop up!!!
    Patti

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  32. Routines and goals are key for me, or nothing would ever get done. But I also need flexibility and forgiveness, because sometimes life happens, and that's just as important! :)

    Good luck with your September!

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  33. For me, goals are important. Otherwise, I'd squander the day away on unimportant tasks. I set a word goal for the day, usually 500-1,000 words. Once I accomplish that, then everything else I get done is gravy. By the way, I've learned that I must turn off email and twitter before I start. I'm easily distracted!

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  34. Routines are great. I don't have a specific time for when I write, but usually my writing is done late at night.

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  35. Word count works for me, too, especially when I'm writing first draft. Evenings are good for research, but I get so wrapped up in rewriting that I forget to eat lunch, walk the dog, prepare supper - unhappy family! Thank you, Jody! Another great post.

    Sue H.

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  36. I definitely am much more productive when I follow my routine. I have to have a cup of coffee and put on my writing hat. And when they are clean, I put my goddess of creativity socks on.

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  37. Some poeple must have a plan (I'm on eof them-- even though it's flexible) and some people baulk at the idea of a plan and it becomes too stifling for them. Yet they are still successful. I like the idea of challenging the schedule though. It's good to push ourselves.

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  38. This is such great advice. I often feel so overwhelmed with LIFE that I don't think I can write.... and it's hard to break out of that. This is GREAT advice.

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  39. Hi Jody -

    When I'm working on a first draft, I have daily word count goals. I use an EXCEL sheet to track my progress. Seeing the numbers grow keeps me motivated and excited.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  40. Great ideas Jody. I've got the broader writing goals, but I think I definitely need to sit down and translate them into achievable daily targets. It's all too easy to get distracted by something, and at the end of the week I find I've only written a couple of hundred words. I like the idea of making yourself accountable to others as well, even if only family and friends...

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  41. Challenging the plan is important. You never know what unforseens await you, lurking around the corner. Blessed are the flexible. Go forth and challenge.

    Thanks for the well =wishes. Its going to be a great week for everyone. I'm thinking big thoughts.

    Stephen Tremp

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  42. As always, you have great suggestions! Thanks for sharing.

    What wonderful, exciting things thatare happening for/to you! I'm so happy for you!

    I try to stick to a schedule of writing that includes putting down the words in the morning, rereading and editing later in the day and evening blogging and reading about writing.

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  43. I like planning and scheduling and making lists. I dropped my word count when I started rewriting “to see how it went.” I was curious if my thoughts would flow more freely. They do not. LOL I find I write less and don’t push myself.

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  44. Great post! I am in the throes of writer-angst. With a few weeks left until my manuscript is due, it's amazing how the car broke down yesterday, I had a meeting the day before that took up all of my day and today I have a play I must attend for my little girl.

    All things that interrupt my writing. I think it's time I get out my calendar and start marking down times this week.

    Thanks so much for the encouragement. I'm heading over to post this on my FB page!

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  45. I do have a routine. Every week, I review what's on the non-writing schedule, and I write down daily goals based on available time. Because of this, I'm able to focus and push myself.

    Last school year, I didn't take the time to review and plan a weekly shedule, and I was about 1/3 as productive as I am now. My outside responsibilities haven't decreased. I found that last year on the days I had appointments, I didn't write at all. But this year, I've scheduled writing time in.

    The power of intention gives amazing results.

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  46. I'm working on the routine. I wll get nothing done this year unless I have one. I have quickly realized that after my first year of homeschooling;)

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  47. When I follow my writing routine, I stay on track. The key for me is following it and learning to adjust better to necessary interruptions.
    Have fun at the conference!
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  48. Great post! Goal-setting is my best tool as a newly published author. I set up broad goals for the length of my contract and broke it down as to what needed to be done each month. I note which month certain assignments come from my publisher and add them for future books so I know what to expect. Each month I set weekly goals and each week I set daily goals. I keep these goals posted above my computer to keep me on task. Far from confining, it actually frees me because I know I'm on schedule so I'm not as stressed.

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  49. Has anyone ever told you black on grey is hard to read?

    It seems kind of obvious, but

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  50. Great post, Jody! I have a writing routine, too; I dedicate certain days to specific writing. I also make a list with the writing goals I want to achieve that day. It helps me "see" what I need to do and I don't feel so overwhelmed. Plus, I get a sense of accomplishment every time I cross something off my list!

    I don't know if a routine would work for every one. I'm a planner; I like schedules, routines, and organization. It's hard for me to be spontaneous. Having a writing routine is essential for my productivity. But for free-spirited writers, a set routine might make them feel trapped and less creative.

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