Mastering the Muse: Crafting the Perfect Writing Routine
From the 10,000 foot view to ground-level details, uncover how I've honed my daily routine to elevate every word.
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Hello readers! In this edition, we're diving into the core of writing: the consistent rhythm of a daily routine, the structure of outlining, the commitment of drafting, and the refining touch of editing. These are more than just steps; they're a testament to dedication. With shared tips and insights, let's tackle the challenges head-on and keep our motivation burning.
Routine Revelations: Crafting My Story One Day at a Time
I fondly recall the early days of my writing journey. There I was, perched at my desk during the most unpredictable hours, a cup of lukewarm chai by my side. And as I settled into that chair, eyes fixated on the intimidatingly blank screen, there was this underlying pressure that, in that very moment, I should miraculously embody the essence of a “Writer.”
I had painted this romanticized, almost cinematic vision of what a writer's life looked like. Imagine a scene of undisturbed serenity, a fountain pen, perhaps, and an unceasing cascade of ideas transpiring into words on paper. And trust me, every time I sat down and this scene didn't materialize, it felt as though I was trying on a role that wasn’t meant for me.
It took time (and, admittedly, a couple of panic-driven nights before looming deadlines) to have this epiphany: "Writer" isn’t some grand title you earn after a certain number of words penned or books published. It’s not about an idyllic scene or some elite club membership.
Instead, it’s an identity, a state of being.
You become a writer each time you pick up your pen (or start tapping away at your keyboard) and dive into the dance of words and worlds.
It's the dedication, the late nights, the revisions, the moments of doubt followed by bursts of inspiration. And most importantly, it’s about the journey and practice of expressing, exploring, and sharing stories.
So, if you're waiting for a sign or for that "perfect writer's moment" to start - here's your nudge. Start now. Write a sentence, a paragraph, a page. With each word, you're stepping closer to embracing the writer within.
Writing Routine
Every author has their rhythm, and here's a glimpse into mine:
On average, I dedicate 2.5 to 3 hours every day, focusing either on outlining, editing, or drafting. While it's typically five days a week, those days aren't always consecutive. Flexibility meshes with consistency in my routine, allowing my world to fluidly revolve around my stories when inspiration strikes and my schedule allows.
How I Write
For me, writing is a dance between the macro and micro perspectives, a constant shift between the broad strokes and intricate details.
The 10,000-foot View: Initially, I rise high above, visualizing the vast landscapes of my narrative. Here, I sketch the major plot points, the climaxes, and the fun & games.
Character Crafting: As the larger image takes form, I introduce the lifeblood of my story—the characters. They're conceptualized to complement the broader narrative, ensuring harmony in my tale.
On-the-Ground Realities: With the big picture in mind, I descend to the ground, drafting scenes that breathe life into the overarching structure.
The Ebb and Flow: This process is cyclical. With every few scenes drafted, I soar back up, realigning and refining based on the detail I've put down on paper. Adjustments, especially early on, are common and embraced as part of the evolution of the manuscript.
How I Edit
Editing for me is as integral as the writing process itself. Because of my dynamic method of alternating between overview and detail, much of the foundational editing happens as I write.
Strategic Pauses: At various milestones, like a quarter-way through, I pause and polish the preceding sections. This iterative method ensures consistency in tone and plot progression.
Flexibility in Narrative: Upon reaching the story's midpoint, I'm not hesitant to rearrange chapters, ensuring the narrative builds tension and flows smoothly. Recently, I found the need to shift the inciting incident earlier in the plot, prompting a reshuffling of several chapters.
Personal Touch: My approach to writing is deeply influenced by my inherent strengths—particularly my roles as a Developer and Relator. This won’t resonate with every writer, but it's what works for me. Becca Syme's "Write Better, Faster" is a fantastic resource if you're seeking to harness your strengths in writing.
Release Schedule
The journey to the finish line is thrilling yet unpredictable.
The Goalpost: I'm working hard to finish the completed manuscript by the end of August, which means finishing the first draft… well, as soon as possible. I’d like to note, this is my first time writing a work of this length, so the exact timeline is uncertain.
Revising & Copyediting: After the draft is complete, I'll begin revising. I'm currently in the middle of developmental edits as part of my drafting, and can't predict exactly how long they'll take.
Accountability with Insights: To keep track, I log my hours, the chapters I work on, and the number of words I write. This helps me monitor my progress closely and will help me schedule my releases with more accuracy in the future.
Cultivating an Empowered Author Mindset: Crafting Your Personal Routine
The inner world of an author is as intricate as the stories they weave. A harmonious blend of discipline, passion, and self-awareness, the mindset of a writer is its own epic tale.
There's No Universal Blueprint
Writing, much like art, is subjective: While there are countless methodologies, workshops, and courses offering the "perfect" routine, the truth is, there isn't one. Every writer is on a unique journey, and the footprints they leave behind are distinctively theirs.
Personalization is Power
Your Rhythm, Your Rules: The "right" routine is essentially what resonates with you. It's an understanding of when your mind is the most lucid, the surroundings that inspire you, and the triggers that transport you into the world of your characters. For instance, I've discovered that the natural light of mid-day is my ally, helping my words flow effortlessly.
Embrace Your Individuality: Just as characters in a story have their quirks and idiosyncrasies, writers too possess traits that define them. Recognizing these characteristics and channeling them is essential.
You have permission to craft a writing routine that's as unique as your narrative voice.
Continuous Learning & Adaptability
The Literary Landscape: This industry is ever-evolving, and staying adaptable ensures your relevance and growth. It's about being a student of life, learning from experiences, feedback, and even mistakes. This agility not only refines your craft but also ensures your stories resonate with changing times.
Tools of the Trade: Time-Tracking and Planning
From time management to understanding the mechanics of storytelling, there's a multitude of skills a writer should arm themselves with.
The art of writing isn't confined to mere creativity; it is intertwined with pragmatism.
Here are some practical insights to guide you through the literary labyrinth:
Time Management: Tracking is Key
Understanding Your Timeline: By meticulously tracking the time you invest in each aspect of your book, from ideation to the final draft, you gain a holistic view of your writing journey. This clarity is instrumental in planning future projects.
Efficiently Allocating Time: With a clear understanding of your time consumption patterns, you can effectively delegate hours based on your strengths and challenges. If outlining consumes the lion's share of your time, perhaps it's worth investing in courses or tools to streamline the process.
Flexibility & Adaptability in Planning
The Power of Iteration: Just like software, your writing process can benefit from iterative approaches. The back-and-forth between detailed outlines and spontaneous drafting can be seen as version updates, each enhancing the previous one.
Pivot, Don't U-Turn: Sometimes, the journey deviates from the map. Instead of viewing this as a setback, see it as an opportunity. Adjustments can lead to richer plots and deeper character development.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Wrapping up today, we've journeyed through the vital aspects of the writing process. From setting a solid routine to the intricacies of editing, we've seen that consistency and motivation are key. Reflect on these steps and tips as you shape your own stories. Remember, it's the daily commitment that turns ambition into accomplishment. Stay motivated, and let's keep writing!
Hugs & happy authoring,
Ella
Want more peeks behind the curtain? Join our author community, subscribe to the newsletter, and let's traverse this path together. And stay tuned! In our next edition, I'll be sharing more about my writing processes.
I only write when inspiration strikes. Fortunately, it strikes at nine every morning.
- William Faulkner