Developing a writing habit (the easy way)

Whether it’s drafting blog posts or writing your novel, you need to get into the habit of doing it regularly. You need to establish a writing routine and stick to it as best you can. For me, 'regularly' means every day. Sometimes I achieve this and sometimes I don't, but my aim is to write some words every single day, even if it's only a couple of hundred words. I know this isn't feasible for everyone. Life - day jobs, family, and other obligations - sometimes get in the way.

What happens if you don't write?

That novel you are writing isn't going to write itself. Every day you spend writing, every word you add to your manuscript, brings you that little bit closer to finishing your story and realising your dream.
Making progress on your story can slow down and become more difficult. The more time you allow to lapse between writing sessions means a loss of momentum. Each time you pick up the story, you have to refresh your memory. Your task becomes harder and less enjoyable.
Your blog won't thrive if you don't draft and publish those blog posts. Your readers may forget about you.

The good news is, that once you get into a habit of writing regularly, it becomes second nature - before you know it, you'll have a writing habit!

How long does it take to form a habit?

Maxwell Maltz (in the 1960’s) claimed it takes 21 days to form a habit. Since then other studies have shown it takes on average 2-3 months to develop a habit. I work off this same principle and aim for 10-12 weeks.

How to develop a writing habit in 2 easy steps

Step 1: Write every day

Write every day (or every weekday is that works best for you and you need your weekends free).

Step 2: Track your progress for 10-12 weeks

Record each writing session on the Form A Habit Printable to provide a visual representation of your progress towards forming your writing habit.

That's it! Easy!

Tips & Tricks:

Remember, this isn't about writing lots of words, this is about writing some words. Later on you can focus on setting word count targets and increasing your output and I'll have some posts that cover that. But the priority for now, is on building the habit of writing every day.

Set yourself up for success

Find the best time of day that works for you? Are you an earlier riser or perhaps a night owl? Do you need to fit writing time in between your day job, your family and all your other commitments.
Organise your writing area and any tools you'll need. If you write by hand, have a new notebook ready. Clear your desk space. Take your laptop to a quiet area of the house and request uninterrupted time from other members of your household.
Download the Form a Habit printable and have it ready to go (it's available as part of the Free Printable Starter Bundle when you subscribe to the Love. Writing. Life newsletter).

Keep motivated