Mastering Your Writing Routine: Tips for Boosting Productivity

So, you've probably noticed by now that ShearingHome has quite a few books out in the world (17 as of now, with one scheduled to release in September). As we've only been published since September of last year, you might be wondering how have we been able to write and publish so many books. Well, that's largely in part to having a solid writing routine. That's why we are here to discuss why a writing routine is so important, tips for creating your own writing routine, and the different routines Kelly and D. A. Shearing employ. Keep on reading to find out.

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Why a Writing Routine Matters

A consistent writing routine — even if you're only writing a few paragraphs at a time — can make the world of difference when it comes to completing your writing project. Life gets busy and there are million and one reasons to put off writing every day, which is what makes the routine essential. If you don't have one, your project will likely stay in your head, begging to get out.

Another big benefit of a consistent routine is that your writing will get better over time. You know that saying, Practice makes perfect, well that's true when it comes to writing as well. So, not only are you writing paragraphs, pages, or chapters every day...you're creating better quality work that will require less editing later on.

Crafting Your Perfect Writing Schedule

Everyone's perfect writing schedule is different. Some have less time to dedicate to their craft while others have hours on end. When creating your schedule, first think about how much free time you have each day or week. Be realistic. Do you have 10 minutes to spare without sacrificing other things? Is there downtime in your day that you spend doom-scrolling social media? These little spaces of time are perfect for getting something down on paper. These reasons are why Kelly and D.A. have such different writing routines with D.A. writing nearly every day and Kelly often writing on weekends and during downtime during her normal workday.

When you find those moments of free time, it's time to set your writing goals. Now this goal can revolve around word counts, character counts, pages, chapters, or scenes. Whatever works for you is the right thing to track here. For example, D.A. often has goals revolving around character count whereas Kelly focuses more on chapters and scenes.

Be mindful that these routines aren't set in stone. There is flexibility, and it's important to adjust your schedule when you need to. Feeling burnt out? Scale back for a little until you feel like you can add more writing time to your day. Do kids have something during your scheduled writing time? It's okay to miss a day. Don't beat yourself up over missing some writing time to live life!

Designing an Effective Workspace

Part of actually getting in the writing mode when you've scheduled your writing time is having the right space to do so. Having a loud or busy space can keep your mind from entering the creative zone. Having a writer's workspace can help you avoid everyday distractions and help you get even more words on that screen (or page). Here are some tips to help you with your workspace setup that can keep you focused and productive:

• Keep your space organized and clutter-free.

• If you like background music, try to keep it at a low volume.

• Pause notifications on your devices.

• Silence your phone or set it on do-not-disturb mode.

• Set your phone in a completely different room to avoid temptation (which is something Kelly does on the regular).

Writer’s Rituals and Routines

Though not originally planned to become the writing ritual, D.A. has found that they have a routine every day when it comes to writing. This helps to get the creative juices going and can help set the mood for whatever scene is in the works. Here is what a typical writing day looks like for D.A.:

• Wake up and make coffee.

• Do some reading.

• Make breakfast and shower.

• Writing time!

• Lunch.

• More writing!

• Remember that dinner is a thing and needs to be made.

• Relax and enjoy family time.

This routine lets D.A. focus on writing while also having plenty of wind-down time afterward, ensuring a healthy balance of writing time and family time.

Want to Experience the Results of a Solid Writing Routine?

While a writing routine won't generate the ideas for you or hash out that storyline, it's an essential part of actually getting the words stuck in your head on a page. Over time, the routine you create will become a sort of habit — seamlessly integrating into the rest of your life. If you want to see what a writing routine can do for authors or aspiring authors, check out some of the works that ShearingHome has published. From the foundational Perfect Series to the exciting ResQ'd One Series, you're sure to find your next binge read (and perhaps some inspiration for your own works).