For most writers, writing feels like a process of creativity that naturally ebbs and flows, which means it can’t be scheduled. If so, when you only write as you feel creative, you are bound to get writer’s block from time to time because the creativity is not always a stable source in this way.
Twyla Tharp once said: “Creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is a result of good work habits.” What we need to do is to start writing on a regular schedule and make our creativity a powerful habit.
Forming and keeping a writing routine is hard. But the fruit is sweet. Be it every day, every other day, or just on weekends, as long as you can stick to it and keep writing, you will make progress step by step.
Here are some tips for creating a writing routine:
1. Find a time that suits you the best. If you are a night person, the quiet midnight could be the best time for you to create.
2. Find a place you like to write. Park, river bank, café, library, bedroom, or even toilet seat as long as you like.
3. Set a daily, or weekly word count goal. Start with an easy target. Then gradually move to a higher goal with some challenges. The gist is the sense of achievement.
4. Publicize your work. The readers could be a real inspiration, motivation or pressure for you to keep updating. Let them be your muse or supervisor if you need some push.
5. Join a writing group/community. Share your ideas and questions with other writers and get motivated and inspired by them.
You can start with some or all of them. Or you can do it your own way if you have a better one. Hopefully, they can all help to do the trick for you on forming a writing routine. And most importantly, stick to it! The longer you hold on to it, the more progress you would make, and the easier it would be to conquer writer’s block and many other writing problems.