Building a Writing Routine That Works for You
Let’s be honest: the biggest obstacle to writing your book isn’t inspiration… it’s time.
Between kids, business tasks, groceries, and that never-ending pile of laundry, writing can feel like a luxury you don’t have time for. But the truth is, the difference between people who write books and people who don’t… is often consistency, not creativity.
You don’t need hours of free time or a perfect morning routine.
You do need a plan that fits your life.
Let’s build a writing routine that actually works. For your brain, your schedule, and your energy.
Common Excuses and How to Move Past Them
We hear these all the time:
“I don’t have time.”
“I can’t focus with all the distractions.”
“I’m not disciplined enough.”
“I’ll write when life slows down.”
Here’s the truth: You don’t need a lot of time. You just need a system.
And there’s really only one strategy you need to counter any excuse you may come up with… Give yourself permission to write imperfectly, in short bursts, without pressure to finish your entire book in a weekend. Small, consistent effort beats occasional bursts of motivation every time.
Morning vs Evening Writing: Which One’s Best for you?
There’s no magic hour for writing, just the one you’re most likely to protect.
There are benefits to both morning and evening writing time.
Morning Writers:
Fresh mind, fewer distractions
Easier to build momentum
Great if you’re already an early riser
Evening Writers:
Brain already warmed up
Quieter house after bedtime
Can use the day’s emotions/energy as fuel
So how do you decide what’s right for you? You try both!
Dedicate a week to each writing in the morning and evening and track which one works better for you. Not just in theory, but in reality. Which one felt easier to make happen? When were you more creative and the words flowed better?
Once you’ve decided which works best for you, make a plan to protect this time in your schedule. Make it non-negotiable. Set up your writing station in advance to make it even simpler to get there and get started.
Helpful Writing Tools & Techniques
Sometimes, it’s not about motivation, it’s about friction. And how to keep your writing routine smooth and easeful.
These tools can help reduce resistance and keep you moving:
Pomodoro Technique
Write in short bursts: 25 minutes on, 5 minutes off.
It’s perfect if you’re easily distracted or struggle to get started. Scheduling breaks makes it easier for your mind to focus knowing it’s got a chance to wander already on set in the future.
Writing Apps
Setting up the right tools can often mean the difference of a productive writing session and a half hour spent staring at a blinking cursor.
Here’s some of our favs:
Google Docs - Easy access anywhere. With access to your project from any device in any location, every pocket of free time can be utilized to move the needle forward on your project
Scrivener - Organized and powerful. Allows you to break down your work into small, manageable, easily tracked pieces
Notion or Evernote - For idea capture and structure. Incredible tools when your project requires a lot of notes or details to remember.
Hemingway Editor - Simplify and strengthen your writing. When you’re stuck on the details of your writing, this tool can help you simplify and clarify your writing.
Distraction Blockers
Apps like Freedom, Forest, or just putting your phone in another room = game-changers. While anything can become a distraction, our phones and tendency to doom-scroll might be the most detrimental to a writing project. Lock it up. And get to work.
Daily vs Weekly Targets
Writing routines fall apart when we aim too high or measure the wrong things.
Here’s how to make your goals sustainable.
First, decide which works best for you: daily or weekly goals.
Daily Goals
Great for building a habit
Even 300 words/day adds up
Works well with shorter writing blocks
Weekly Goals
More flexible
Allows space for busy days
Focuses on momentum over perfection
Choose ONE as your anchor and let the other support it. If weekly goals work best for you, give a general breakdown of what needs to happen daily, but don’t focus on that number. If daily goals work best for you, don’t bother even looking at what a week overall total should be.
Accountability Strategies That Actually Help
Here’s the truth… most of us do better when someone’s expecting us to follow through.
Try one of these:
Writing buddy: Check in weekly or co-write on Zoom
Public deadline: Tell your audience, friends, or family you're writing a book
Work with a coach: Hi, we do that!
Track your streak: With a calendar or app. Even just a sticky note of tallies on the fridge
Accountability doesn’t have to mean pressure. It’s just support for your future self and the encouragement of watching your work grow.
Final Thought
Writing a book isn’t about finding time. It’s about making space in your schedule and in your mind.
So instead of asking, “When will I have time to write?” ask yourself this:
“What small moment can I claim today just for me and this dream?”
Start with 15 minutes. A voice memo. A single sentence. Then keep showing up. Keep going. We’re right here cheering you on.
Need Support With Your Writing Routine?
We help authors build writing habits that actually fit their life. No guilt. No shame. Just progress.
Want to chat more about how we can support you in your writing?
