Writing Routines & Rituals

Novel-writing requires consistency and fortitude. While I know many people who are able to get great amounts of writing done by simply writing whenever they can, I’m able to write the most when I establish a routine and enjoy certain rituals.

As I’ve been line-editing my novel this summer, I’ve settled into an evening writing routine, which is a departure from my typical habit of writing in the morning.

It wasn’t a conscious decision. The summer sunlight hits my desk beautifully and my office is full of warm golden light. I make myself a mocktail and sit down and read through my chapter of the day, adjusting what I need to.

This routine is a far cry from my rewrite routine earlier this year. During those winter months, I woke up early, got my hot cup of tea or coffee, and wrote as the sun rose. I’m able to do my best “deep work” in the mornings, and the rewrite required focus and discipline.

Despite the stark difference between these two setups — intense winter writing, relaxed summer editing — I enjoyed them both immensely. The ritual of making myself a beverage, setting up my writing space, lighting a candle, choosing music to play (this year Folklore has been my writing soundtrack) and sitting down in front of my pages for the day brings me peace and satisfaction. It fills up my cup.

As a creature of habit, I’m happy to have a couple of different writing/editing routines that are different, but fulfill me just as much.