Developing a writing routine — better late than never

February 13, 2024 — I admit I haven’t had any kind of routine around my writing or book associated activity since I retired. Come to think of it, maybe not ever. We all know how life is — full, busy, unpredictable. Maybe we have to get children ready for school, get to work, come home and make dinner. Our children need something, maybe simply our time and attention, and that’s a priority. Even without all of that, some days we have this or that appointment, dishes, seeing friends and family, exercise, meditation and errands to fit into the day. Ad infinitum. 

When I took part in the book fair for the Troy Public Library, a young student asked me a series of questions for a class assignment. I was happy to help him. When he asked me if I have a writing routine, I thought briefly, and answered simply and honestly, “no.” And he dutifully wrote in his notebook. Thinking I should give this kid SOMEthing, I started to talk about what I tend to do when I write. He said, “that’s OK.” I laughed, then and now, thinking about it because my first response was an easy answer for him. And in a way, I guess it’s been easy for me. But not very smart or productive. 

I took part in a webinar on growing and successfully managing our writing careers earlier this week and the first thing the guy spoke about was the importance of a writing routine. Somehow, it sunk in. Finally. I’m sitting in my little office space upstairs at my desk with my laptop propped up high and connected to my ergonomic keyboard. This is so much better for my back and neck than lounging around on the couch or in bed with my feet up (even though the latter sounds much more comfortable). If I work long enough that way, I can pretty much guarantee a sore neck and/or back the next day. I remember a conversation with a coworker during COVID at a rare in-person event, an outdoor ice cream social for communicators. Yum. I was amused when I realized the several times I returned to campus while I was working exclusively at home during my recovery were when food was part of the deal. She was talking about her sore back and neck and said she was diagnosed with WFH. When I asked what it was, she said “Working From Home.” 

So, several days ago, I put on a nice instrumental Spotify playlist for creative flow. There are others specifically for writing. I made tea and have my water with freshly squeezed lemon juice handy. I even have a plan about what to work on today, for an hour or two (sometimes it might be longer or shorter, I think even routines need some flexibility). At the time of this writing, it was my third day in a row and it feels really good. I’m getting to some important things that I’ve been slacking off on. I started a spreadsheet of book expenses (lots) and income (not so much). Ha, but par for the course for many authors and that’s something I’ll be working to improve when I spend more dedicated time on Amazon ad research, for example. 

The first day, I edited my manuscript for Into the Thicket. I’d thought it was ready for prime time but then I realized it has been about 20 years since our rabbit encounter. I knew I had to check with a current wildlife rehabilitator to ensure the related information is updated and correct. I found someone with many years of experience and success with notoriously difficult rabbits and we spoke on the phone. Needless to say, it wasn’t all up-to-date. During this designated time, I’ll blog, work on book marketing, research for ads, create ads, work with the illustrator (and toward our fall publication date) on Into the Thicket, and begin writing a new book, and/or editing an existing manuscript. The experts advise that you keep writing. 

Interestingly, one of my first manuscripts from over 25 years ago was called To the Moon and Back and it was a mother and father telling their young child a bedtime story about how much they love him. I’d been sending it to publishers without success and around that time a similar book was published (featuring rabbits) and I was crushed. What I learned was that writers can’t copyright ideas. They’re floating around out there, and someone had a better presentation and it most likely was totally independent of my manuscript. There are loads of parent’s-love-for-a-child themed books and they’re wonderful. What better topic for a book? I may have to spend some time rethinking my presentation on this beautiful theme. My father used to say that he loved me to the moon … and back again (as I’m sure many of your parents told you). My husband and I say it to each other and we say it to our sons. It’s poetic. 

My office space is messy but spending regular time in here makes the straightening up and organizing more of a priority. My husband and I are going through our home a bit at a time and getting rid of things as if we’re moving. I nearly cleared off the futon (a.k.a. dumping ground) today! It will be at least a couple/few years before a move to downsize, but it’s a good motivation and also feels very freeing. 

Image: Gail’s workspace

Do you have writing routine habits you’d like to share? As always, I’d love to hear from you.

Read more about our next book Into the Thicket (expected fall 2024) in my previous blog post >>