Writing Essentials
It was a Saturday morning and my alarm went off at 6:30AM. At at the sound of the first beep I turned it off and hopped in the shower. After my shower I went down to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. I frothed the oat milk in my favorite bright yellow mug and added the brown sugar and cinnamon. I poured the coffee, filled up my water bottle, and went back up to my room. I set down the two drinks, lit a candle, and sat down at my desk to do one of my favorite things…write.
I absolutely love writing and have for so many years. In a season where I had been dealing with a lot of grief I was setting my alarm for earlier than I actually need to get up so I had some time to write before leaving the house. I always write best in the morning.
I have a few things that I find “essential” to make my writing time the most successful but also the most fun. For me, writing is a hobby, it’s healing, it’s a way to express myself and use my creativity, and I think it’s so fun!
The following are some ideas and tips for successful and fun writing…
Set up your writing space. This will look different for everyone. For me my writing space needs to be clean and organized. I don’t like dust or extra clutter on my desk. I suggest keeping the things you use daily “at-reach.” For example I keep the books or notebooks I use on a daily basis on my desk because I refer to them all the time. I have a mason jar of the pencils and pens that I need on my desk as well. And a pile of post-its because I use them so frequently. And of course my computer as well. I also have a sun lamp that is especially helpful on rainy or cloudy days. I have a drawer filled with paperclips, tape, a stapler, erasers, and notecards. I also add in a few things to make the space more “inspirational.” I like to always have a candle, flowers, and of course a cup of my favorite coffee. Your work space will look different according to what you like and what inspires you. I think the most important thing is to make it inspirational for you! What will help you feel comfortable? What will make the space more quaint and enticing if you will be spending several hours there? What are your essentials? Find what works for you and make the space your own.
Create a routine. I am a big believer in routine and having a schedule. Routines help me stay organized and sane when life can feel overwhelming. Just like creating a workout routine or a morning routine, creating a writing routine is important. Find what time of day you are most productive with your writing and stick to that. You can always switch it and a lot of times I will go way off routine and write at random times throughout the day or week. But starting with a set schedule will help you know that is your time you set aside to do this work. For me I love the early hours of the morning, it is more predictable and less interrupted. Add your writing time in your calendar on your phone or in your planner and try to stick with that schedule throughout the week.
Practice daily: Think about any hobby or skill you have practiced, you usually had to practice it daily to see results. Just like with learning a new language or training for a half marathon, you need to practice and have consistency with your writing. As I talked about in the paragraph before, having a set schedule for your writing time will help to keep it consistent. However you choose to write or whatever you are writing, you are practicing, you are growing your skill, and you are learning. And I guarantee if you continue the work you will see the progress.
Sign up for courses: I took a writing intensive by one of my favorite authors when I really wanted to pursue writing outside of just journaling. And I think it was so worth the time and money. It kept me motivated, connected me with other people, and taught me a lot about the writing process. There are lots of available courses online, some cost money and some are free. I personally believe they are worth it!