#writingroutine

📖 Behind the scenes

Between the lines, the scribbles, and the endless rereads.

I write, print, correct with a pencil, then type everything again.

Each chapter lives several lives before finding its way to AO3.

Thank you to everyone who reads, comments, leaves a kudos, or follows me on Tumblr. It means the world to me 💙

My AO3 profile with fanfiction of Broadchurch and Good Omens

Spanish Sahara on repeat while editing :D

If you're a writer or interested in becoming a writer or content creator, it's essential to put writing into practice daily. You don't have to write a whole book or even a page—just something simple. It can be as straightforward as writing a small paragraph on a story you want to develop. Any practice is better than no practice. This will keep your creativity flowing, which is crucial to building your skills and creating content.

Avoiding Burnout

However, if you're starting to feel burnt out, it's okay to take breaks to avoid pushing yourself to the point where writing feels like a chore instead of something you enjoy. It's important to find a balance that works for you.

In situations where you have many responsibilities, take a few minutes out of your day to write during a break or before bedtime. This will help your skills grow while also allowing you the time you need for your personal life.

Staying Determined

As long as you're determined, you can make it work, and you will succeed. It may take some time, but determination is key. Keep vigilant, and you will get there.

Crazy to think I’ve been writing since elementary school—crafting tales about Jack and Jill and how they didn't fall down the hill, or just random stories about how my day went (or how it should have gone).

I’ve never really followed a specific routine to "get in the mood" for writing. A lot of writers prefer solitude in a quiet space, with everything organized on their desk and a little music in the background. I get that, but I don’t have that luxury!

I live in a super loud community, and I usually have to sit outside to write because inside is ALWAYS crowded. So you can imagine the trucks rumbling by, honking horns, and my argumentative neighbors going at it while I’m just trying to focus!

But you know what? I actually got used to it. Now I find it hard to get into the "mood" if it’s too quiet! I also love writing when it rains… I mean, who doesn’t? It’s just a shame because I love sitting in my yard to do it. And yes it's raining right now!

What about you guys?

—courtesy of cosmicawg

Inspiration. It’s that spark that every writer, artist, and creator chases. We often imagine it as a sudden burst of clarity, a lightning bolt that strikes us out of nowhere, compelling us to create. But here’s the hard truth: if you wait for inspiration to come, you’ll likely be waiting for a very long time.

I used to be one of those who believed that the best work comes from a place of sudden inspiration or intense infatuation. I would sit on my sofa, staring at a blank computer screen, waiting for the perfect idea to arrive. Days, sometimes weeks, months, or even years would pass without a single word written. Even while wasting my time, I knew that waiting for inspiration was just an excuse for not doing the work.

Create Inspiration from Your Own Life

Sometimes, you must create inspiration yourself or carve it from your own life. The world around you is full of stories waiting to be told, lessons waiting to be shared, and emotions waiting to be expressed. Here are some ways to cultivate your own inspiration:

1. Draw from Personal Experiences

Your life is a rich with experiences that can serve as a wellspring of inspiration. Personally, I have drawn significant inspiration from being deaf and navigating recent physical disabilities, as well as having gone through fertility issues, miscarriages, and mental health challenges. These experiences, both the uplifting and the challenging, have provided me with a deep reservoir of emotions and narratives that I attempt to weave into my writing.

Think about the challenges you’ve faced, the victories you’ve celebrated, the love you’ve felt, and the losses you’ve endured. Write about these moments with honesty and vulnerability; don’t sugarcoat them. Authenticity is key to connecting with your readers. Not only will this practice help you find your voice, but it will also resonate with readers who have shared similar experiences.

2. Observe the World Around You

Inspiration can be found in the most mundane places. Take a walk around your neighborhood (or for those like me, a limp), sit in a park, visit a lake, lose yourself in nature or in another’s art. Try people-watch for a while, imagine conversations or dramas they’re facing, and try to notice the small details that often go unnoticed. The world is full of stories waiting to be told, and all you need to do is pay attention.

3. Set a Routine

Honestly, this has been one of the most challenging aspects for me. Managing unmedicated ADHD can be quite demanding. Creativity is rarely about waiting for inspiration but rather about cultivating it daily. The reality is, creativity thrives on routine. Set aside time each day to write, even if it’s just for a few minutes. The more you engage in writing regularly, the more you’ll notice inspiration flowing naturally. It’s about committing to the process consistently and putting in the effort, even on days when motivation and energy are lacking.

4. Engage with Other Creative Works

Read books, watch movies, listen to music, and visit art galleries. Engaging with other forms of creative expression can spark new ideas and provide fresh perspectives. Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from others and incorporate it into your own work. Creativity is often a collaborative process, even if you’re working alone. Just remember, there’s a huge difference between inspiration and plagiarism, so make sure you’re on the right side of the line.

5. Embrace the Process, Not Just the Outcome

Focusing solely on the outcome can stifle creativity. Instead, try to embrace the process of writing itself. Allow yourself to make mistakes, write poorly, and experiment with different styles and genres. The act of writing is a journey, and it’s through this journey that you often find the most profound inspiration.

Practical Tips to Keep Writing

Here are some additional practical tips to help you keep writing, even when inspiration seems elusive:

Set Specific Goals: Whether it’s writing a certain number of words each day or completing a chapter each week, having specific goals can help keep you on track.

Find a Writing Community: Surround yourself with other writers who can offer support, feedback, and encouragement. Join a writing group, participate in workshops, or connect with other writers online. I know this one’s not easy for a lot of creative types, myself included; being creative is often isolating, and it’s hard to break out of that.

Keep a Journal: Use a journal to jot down ideas, thoughts, and observations. It can be a valuable resource when you’re struggling to find inspiration.

Take Breaks: Sometimes, stepping away from your work can give you the clarity you need. Take breaks, go for a walk, play with your children or pets. Engage in a different activity for a bit to refresh your mind.

Be Kind to Yourself: Writing is hard work, and remembering to be kind to yourself is sometimes hard. As creatives, we are often our own worst critics. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned.

Conclusion

Inspiration is not something you wait for; it’s something you create. By drawing from your own life, observing the world around you, setting a routine, engaging with other creative works, and embracing the process, you can cultivate your own inspiration and keep writing consistently.

I have a very chaotic and anxious mind, and on top of that, I’m a perfectionist, so having a system is extremely important to me. At the same time, I can’t focus on one task for more than an hour. 

If you’re anything like me, here’s the system that helps me stay organized:

1. Write down your most important tasks somewhere (especially the ones you keep putting off).  

2. Assign a specific time to each task (I write for 30 minutes every day).  

3. Find a timer online and use it every time you start working (take a short break every 30 minutes).  

4. Put on ambient music or Lofi Girl (any calm instrumental music).  

5. Keep a journal and mark off what you’ve accomplished.

Every six months or so, I post something for the curious—writers who ask how I shape my writing routine. It’s not a template. It’s a rhythm. And here’s the full truth:

If you spent as much time writing as you do figuring out how to write, your word count would be a lot higher.

I say that with love. I’ve been there.

🧠 No One Writes the Same

Writing routines are as personal as fingerprints. What works for one might feel foreign to another. Our minds are wired differently, so our methods follow suit. Some write in bursts. Others in silence. Some need structure. Others need spontaneity.

There’s no wrong way—only your way.

🤖 This Year, I Invited AI into the Process

I’ve started integrating AI into my workflow—not as a replacement, but as a companion. When used with intention, it can be one of the most invaluable tools in your creative arsenal.

For me, it helped me revisit old fragments—first-draft icons, half-kept ideas, notes I left for “later.” Now, later has a voice.

But let me be clear:

I don’t rely on AI constantly. I’m old school. There’s something deeply satisfying about writing with your own rhythm, even if no one else ever reads it.

🛠️ My Core Tools

• PC — Obvious, maybe. But I still meet writers who work solely from phones or tablets. That’s fine, but for me, it’s impractical. My PC is the anchor.

• iPad — Once just a social media scroll machine, it’s now my go-to for first drafts, editing, and even publishing. It’s become a portable writing studio.

• Scrivener — The backbone. I use it on both PC and iPad, and the seamless sync between them lets me complete the creative circle without friction.

🧭 My New Assistant: Copilot

For organizing, brainstorming, and even light editing, Copilot has become my most trusted AI companion. I’ve tested others—still do, occasionally—but for my workflow, Copilot fits best.

Your mileage may vary.

But for me, it’s the one that listens, adapts, and gets out of the way when it should.

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If you’re building your own writing setup, I hope this helps you shape it with clarity and confidence.