How to write every day

I write every day.

Not every single day – things pop up in life that can’t be avoided – but nearly every day.

And if the title doesn’t explain itself, this post is for writers.

The inspiration for this post emerged in a work meeting this week, where a scene formed in my head for a new book idea that I’ve been piecing together for the last few months (maybe year) and I couldn’t focus until I’d written it down, all rather coyly whilst listening to the (unserious) conversations happening.

But why this post? My aim is to share how I write every day, when it often feels impossible. And hopefully, you’ll finish reading this blog and feel a little more inspired than before.

How to find the time to write every day

You’re reading this either because, 1) It’s landed in your inbox, or 2) You’re looking to up your writing game and wondering how to write every day (or at least more often).

There’s nothing wrong with not writing every day, just like most of us don’t exercise every day.

Part of you knows you need to do it, but we all have our better times of the day when we do.

For me, it comes throughout the day, but also at the very beginning which I’ll dive into shortly.

Why do you write?

Work aside, why do you write?

Is it to destress? You have no one to talk to? Maybe you’ve a story that needs to be told. It doesn’t even be published.

I write because I want to. But also, because I need to.

I have an addiction to words: I read (a lot) and write (a lot). Not just blogging and journalling, but fortunately in my new job, where my work is valued.

Why do writers lack inspiration?

Note how I am allowing myself to be called a writer. And you should do the same.

Like any human emotion, we go through waves of ups and downs. With writing, it’s similar: maybe you’re in a slump, have writer’s block, or are just looking for inspiration.

Find writing inspiration

I am a writer. For me, writing is a muscle that needs to be worked. The reason most writers lack inspiration is that no one is asking us to write. It is very solitary, with no one to cheer us on but ourselves.

Finding yourself nodding? I see you.

If I find myself in need of inspiration, I do any of the following:

• Look around you
• Speak to people
• Re-read books or re-watch TV programmes that bring you joy
• Listen to a podcast
• Go for a walk

More importantly, don’t punish yourself if the words don’t come. That’ll just send you spiralling further.

My writing routine

Whilst it’s not completely etched in, the past 2 months in my new job have seen me adopt a new, sustainable writing routine.

I write before work when I know I’m going to the office. It’s also before my creativity is used up for the day. Having something to get up for does help. After getting myself and my dog ready, I head to the coffee shop just as it opens.

Sit down: the time for myself starts.

Between sipping chain-coffee and ripping bits of dry pastry before placing them into my mouth, I write for the next 30 to 40 minutes. Sometimes I’ll write a few hundred words. Depending on how quickly the coffee is working, it can be near 1000!

Most of the time, I dread doing it, worried that what I’ve written is poop, but feel much better for having done it – maybe you’ll even feel invincible!

During that time, I immediately become absorbed in the chapter or scene. For the remainder of the day, I find myself itching to write again, or dabble with a plot point to revisit in my next session.

What writing tools do I use?

Depending on where I am, it varies.

If I’m in the car, a notebook or laptop obviously isn’t the best option.

Most of the time, I flick between:

• Post its
• Notebooks
• Word
• Google Docs
• Scrivener
• Notes (on my phone!)

Looking to write more?

Take a notebook with you. Even a pen and a piece of paper just to get ideas going. Last resort, the Notes section on your phone, although I like to keep the two separate in case I fall down the procrastination hole of social media…

Whilst my thoughts are not a definitive list, I hope you’re feeling more inspired to write 🙂

Good luck writing x