Four Pillars For Crafting A Reliable Writing Routine

Contrary to popular belief, a diary isn’t just for jotting down appointments and creating a never-ending schedule of things to do. We all have the same twenty-four hours in a day, yet we often find ourselves saying, ‘I don’t have enough time.’ What if the secret to having more time for what truly matters was to keep your diary as empty as possible?

An overflowing diary isn't the badge of honour we think it is. Time is precious, and once it's spent, you can't get it back. This is why so many people fill their diaries, falsely believing that this chaotic fuelled organization means you're spending your time wisely.

However, spontaneity is the spice of life, and life will be spontaneous regardless of your plans. A full schedule often spells disaster for a writer’s routine. And trust me, chaos is the last thing a writer needs.

Writing is more than just a quiet moment with your thoughts; it’s a disciplined craft. So, where does that discipline come from?

Over the years, my writing routine has seen more twists and turns than a freshly made noose. Life loves to throw curveballs, and when they come flying, you either dodge them or end up with a face full of broken teeth. Nobody wants that.

Through the ups and downs, I’ve crafted a routine that's adaptable yet resilient. While I’m not about to drop a detailed blueprint of my writing life just yet, I’m eager to share the core principles that keep my routine on track, even when the world feels like it's spinning out of control.

THERE IS NOTHING MORE SILENT THAN THE DEAD

When I say that, I'm speaking metaphorically. Sleep, when seen through this lens, is a kind of death and rebirth. While everyone else is asleep, I revel in the peace and calm that only silence can provide.

I rise at 4:00 AM every day, no exceptions unless I'm unwell or visiting friends and family.

Yes, this means I’m usually in bed by 7:30 PM, which doesn’t exactly scream ‘social butterfly.’ But the benefits are undeniable. While others are still in dreamland, I dive into my writing, uninterrupted, focused and at my best.

This early start isn't just a quirk; it’s a cornerstone of my routine that sets the stage for a productive day.

And as I delve deeper, you'll see how this disciplined approach contributes to building a reliable writing routine, and why these early hours are just one piece of a larger puzzle.

EARLY START, EARLY FINISH

Writing isn’t a quick fix for when you’re bored out of your skull. It’s a craft that takes time, dedication, and a dash of patience.

Sure, I’d love to say I’m scribbling away 24/7, but let’s be honest—no one can sustain that without burning out. We all need breaks or else our writing goes stale, and procrastination swoops in like the blade of a throwing knife. That’s why I stick to my schedule like glue.

I kick off my writing at 4:00 AM and usually call it a day between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. This setup isn’t just about cranking out words; it’s about carving out time for the rest of life’s chaos.

Want to grab lunch with family? Easy. Got an invitation to a live stream at some ungodly hour? No problem. I write, then take a nap, and unleash my particular brand of insanity on the stream.

The bottom line is writing time is sacred. By sticking to a consistent routine, I make sure that even when life throws curveballs, I can always say, “Yep, I wrote today.”

It’s not just about the hours I put in; it’s about building a reliable routine where creativity can flourish and distractions don’t throw me off course.

IF THE JUICES NEED TO FLOW, THEN YOU NEED TO MOVE

Alright, I’ll confess: I’m no poster child for fitness. Given the choice between an afternoon of chasing a ball in the sun or vegging out with horror flicks and soda until I pass out, I’m choosing the couch every time.

But here’s the kicker—while being glued to the page is essential for writing, sitting still for too long can turn your creativity into stagnation. So, as much as I’d rather stay in the dark, I make myself get moving. Because if I don’t, my writing risks becoming as bland as a slice of toast.

When I roll out of bed at 4:00 AM, I don’t dive straight into writing. Instead, I start with a little water, a multi-vitamin, and a walk. I slip on my shoes, wrap myself in a coat, and set out to clock in 10,000 steps. During my stroll, I take breaks to feed the local wildlife and bask in the peaceful surroundings. I’m lucky to live in a spot where I’m not likely to run into too many oddballs, but I get that not everyone has that luxury.

This morning ritual isn’t just about staying fit; it’s about kick-starting my brain. While there’s a scientific explination behind why this works, I don’t get bogged down by the details. All I know is that getting moving helps my creativity flow, keeping my writing from turning into something as uninspired as a “It was a dark and stormy night” opening.

Without this morning movement, my work would be as dull as it is dreadful—something no writer wants to face.

IF YOU’RE NOT READING, THEN YOU’RE NOT WRITING

     Isn’t it a little sickening that the only book some folks read every day is Facebook?

I know people who loudly declare they don’t read, yet the moment they wake up, barely able to see, their first action is to scroll through Twitter or Facebook. It’s not a time issue—it’s an excuse issue.

Audiobooks are fine if you’re actually listening. But if you’re using them as background noise while juggling chores, are you really absorbing the content?

If you claim you don’t have time to read, then explain to me how you find time to read endless posts about people’s “special” everyday activities.

Every actor has watched more films than they’ve starred in. Every comedian has heard more jokes than they’ve cracked. Every musician has listened to more albums than they’ve recorded. That’s what makes them great—immersion in their craft.

Reading is not optional if you want to be a writer. You need to dive into books, not just listen to them or skim social media. To write well, you need to understand what makes a story tick, what makes a sentence resonate. And that means picking up a book—physical or digital—and actually reading it.

That’s why I make sure to find time to read. Without it, my writing would turn into a dismal mess, a car pile-up of uninspired words that could make even the most dedicated reader cringe.

Reading sharpens my craft, ensuring my stories aren’t just a mangled mess of sentences but something worth your time.

These four pillars are the bedrock of my ever-evolving writing routine: rise early, stay active, write before the world wakes, and make time to read. With this foundation, you can weather any storm that threatens your routine. It’ll make you creatively resilient and more disciplined.

Adapt it as you see fit, and you’ll never have to worry about disrupting your sacred writing time.

So here’s to those quiet hours before the dawn, the ink-stained pages, and the unwavering dedication to the craft we cherish so deeply. May your routine become as sacred to you as mine is to me, and may it support your creative journey through every twist and turn.

From the depths of my Hellish heart, I hope your routine helps you write with passion and purpose, and that it stands as a testament to your commitment to the craft.

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