Crafting an Effective Writing Routine: Tools and Tips
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Chapter 1: Introduction to My Writing Routine
In my spare time, I often delve into the writing routines of fellow authors. Each glimpse into their processes ignites a spark of inspiration and encourages me to try out fresh ideas. If their methods yield success for them, why wouldn’t they work for me as well?
Recently, I found Mario Da Silva's "3 Quick Tips For Setting Up Your Writing Routine And Never Running Out of Things to Write" particularly enlightening. Thus, I decided to share my own writing routine for those looking for guidance on developing a daily schedule and the tools that can aid them. My hope is that my experience will motivate you too.
Before Writing
I dedicate considerable time to the prewriting stage. Ideas can surface from various sources—an event, a conversation, or even as I drift off to sleep.
Additionally, I take a moment to ponder the underlying purpose of my writing. Am I trying to impress, or am I aiming to provide assistance? When my goal is to help others, I feel a stronger drive and motivation to articulate my thoughts.
Starting My Day
I typically kick off my writing sessions with a warm matcha latte. This ritual helps set a positive tone for the day. Here’s how I make it: I brew matcha, mix in hot lactaid milk and monk fruit, then pour the blend into a frothing cup and use my trusty pink frother. With my matcha in hand, I immerse myself in writing as I savor that first sip.
Interruptions
To minimize distractions, I simply turn off Netflix. My setup includes a Vitamin D LED lamp, my Samsung 360 laptop, and a Samsung 34-inch wide monitor. The very first task is crafting a compelling title—it's arguably the most critical element I write, as a lackluster title can deter readers from engaging with the post.
Creating Featured Images
Once I’ve settled on a title and the essence of my story, I grab my Samsung Galaxy S7 tablet to create an AR avatar for my featured image. I edit these images using Canva, specifically with a blog banner size of 2240x1260 pixels.
Writing Bullets
Next, I begin jotting down bullet points. This technique helps me outline my main ideas efficiently. I often use Emojipedia for this, which enhances the visual appeal of my writing.
Crafting an Engaging Introduction
I usually play some Billie Eilish or Sara Bareilles on Alexa Music to set the mood before writing a captivating introduction. A strong hook is crucial for keeping the reader engaged. My favorite approach is to start with a humorous anecdote, as it tends to resonate more with my audience than dry statistics. For instance, I once opened an article with, “I don’t know about you, but I trust myself more than condoms.”
The Writing Process
Once I have my title, subtitle, and featured image, I unleash my thoughts onto the page. I sometimes write on my Samsung Z Flip phone when I’m away from my desk or jot down ideas in my pink notebook.
Editing
I prefer to separate my writing from editing, allowing a day to pass before revisiting my work. This break grants me a fresh perspective to identify mistakes and areas for improvement that I might overlook during the writing phase.
Additional Tools
My go-to tools include Medium.com, a stationary bike, and my Samsung Lite Tab 7. I often read Medium articles from other authors for inspiration while exercising, thanks to Mario Da Silva’s influence.
As Pam Allyn wisely said, “Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.”
What’s your writing routine like? What tools do you use to support your creativity?
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