8 Practical Ideas on How to Effectively Develop a Writing Schedule
Guest Post: This post is a guest post from Eri of Weird Lifestyle. If you would like to write a guest post for me, check out my guidelines!
I am delighted to welcome Eri onto my blog today with this helpful post that covers the how-to’s of developing an effective writing schedule! I love Eri’s style of writing, the way her voice shines through, and especially the way her tips and advice can be acted upon and implemented. Without further ado, I present 8 Practical Ideas on How to Effectively Develop a Writing Schedule!
Are you wondering why it is important to develop a writing schedule?
Do you want to become a writer or maybe a blogger? Is it your dream to write a book?
If so, it is important to develop a writing schedule for several different reasons. Writing is mostly a skill improved by constant effort rather than a talent with which you are born.
You cannot sit and wait for inspiration to arrive to start writing. Instead, plan the hours you have to write and start writing. You might not be productive every single day but, as a runner friend of mine says, “Even a bad run is better than no run.”
There are several things that you should consider when developing a writing schedule. Below I have summarized the points I consider the most effective to help you.
How to Effectively Develop a Writing Schedule
1. Why Do You Want to Write?
Do you want to write because you would like to be an author? Do you want to write because you find it a liberating and creative process that makes your mind travel in places you never before imagined?
Whatever the reason is, be aware of it. Knowing why you want to write will help you develop a writing schedule and allow you to stick with it.
2. Set a Goal and Make a Schedule
Usually, people who develop a writing schedule are, for example, looking to have the first draft of their book ready within a specific time limit or, for bloggers, maybe a specific number of posts written within a specific time frame.
Let’s say you would like to write a novel of about 60000 words and you would like to have the first draft ready within 3 months. This means that you have around 90 days out of which you can write on about half of them. This means that each time you sit down to write you must produce 60000/45 = 1333 words.
Of course, some days you might be more productive than others and others you might be a bit behind. The target date and the number of words or pages are there to help motivate you. Motive is needed to put you on your way and will effectively allow you to develop a writing schedule in the long run.
3. Understand that if You Truly Want to Write, You Will Make Time For it
I often hear people around me say that “I want to write a book one day, but I just can’t find the time it takes to sit down and write it.” 60000 words can be disheartening! Not everyone has the time or energy to write for as long as it takes for such a book to be written. So, do you really want to write this book badly enough?
We all have the same 24 hours available every day. How do some people run their busy lives, have full-time jobs and a family to take care of, and yet manage to write? I would say it happens because these people have made writing one of their priorities and that is what you should also do if you need to write.
Learn to be intentional with your time and the way you use it. Maybe you waste too much time scrolling on social media, watching tv, or pursuing a hobby that puts writing in the sidelines.
4. Find out Which Time of the Day You are Most Productive
Not every hour of the day works the best for everyone. We are all different and we all have different lives and things to do also. If you have kids, it might work better for you to write after 9 o’clock at night when the kids are asleep or early in the morning before they wake up.
If you are like me, I am more creative and ready to work in the morning. Waking up one or two hours earlier in the morning gives me the perfect time frame to devote to writing.
If you keep finding excuses about how you do not have the time, then maybe you do not really feel a need to write.
Also, make sure that the time of day you choose as your writing time offers you the chance to be alone and enjoy the privacy writing needs.
5. Create or Find a Space That Puts You in the Mood for Writing
Create a spot in your home that you use as a dedicated space to get into the “zone”. Make sure you have everything you need near you, e.g., your notes, your coffee, water, music, etc. Return to your writing spot every day and don’t worry about inspiration. Once you are settled at your desk, the inspiration will find you.
Some writers prefer being in crowded places while writing e.g., cafeterias. They are inspired by being among other people and overhearing interesting discussions. If the spot you choose as your writing spot works for you, you are good to go!
6. Commit Yourself to Your Writing Schedule
Writing needs commitment. Haruki Murakami in his book “What I talk about when I talk about running” compares his commitment to his writing habit to his commitment to his running schedule when he is aiming to complete a marathon.
To effectively develop a writing schedule, you must commit yourself to it. Don’t stick to it for a few days this week and a few more next month. Stick to it every single day until it becomes a part of you. Until you come to the point of feeling empty when you don’t do it and seek for it as if it is your breath.
7. Keep Track of Your Progress
When you want to complete a big writing project, keeping track of your progress is important for all these days you feel like you want to quit. Seeing how much you have accomplished gives you this sense of satisfaction that you have already completed a part of the hard job. You know you can make it. You will make it.
8. Start Writing!
The last tip on this list is to just start writing! Ok, yes, choose and decide all the above, but most of all just start writing. Grab your notebook or sit in front of your laptop and write.
To effectively develop a writing schedule and start producing written work, be there when you say that you will be there and do the damn thing you promised yourself you will do. Write as if your life depends on it!
If you do happen to be feeling stuck, read also: How Does Freewriting Help to Overcome Writer’s Block
Final Thoughts on How to Develop a Writing Schedule
Developing a writing schedule is equal to developing a new habit; the habit of writing. Thus, writing, above all, demands commitment and consistency.
Make sure you have a clear “why” in your mind which makes you want to write, set a goal, and build a schedule that will help you move towards your goal. Make writing one of your priorities and make room in your life for it.
Find out which hours of the day you are most likely to be more productive, choose a spot, and dedicate yourself to the creative process of writing. Make sure you commit yourself to your writing schedule, keep track of your progress, and most of all start writing. Write the book you are dying to write!
About the Writer
I am Eri and I blog at weirdlifestyle.com. I blog about everything I would also like to read, such as inspirational and motivational articles, creative writing, and writing tips. From time to time I also post some of my short stories and poems. Short stories of mine have been published in collections and online magazines in Greece. I hold a master’s degree in creative writing, and I am currently writing my first novel.
Connect with me on my social channels!
Do you stick to a writing schedule or are you more of a write-when-you-can kind of person? Does having a writing schedule bolster your creativity? Tell us below!
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I'm All Booked Up YA
Great advice! Honestly, start writing is the best piece of advice because you can’t get better without practice. Sometime we’ll read old stories we wrote and will be shocked how much has changed.
mindbeautysimplicity
this was a wonderful and insightful read. i especially loved when you said “if you want to write, you will make time.” wow
Jaya Avendel
I thought that was a killer line too! 😍
Clem Loves
Thank you so much for this post. Some really great tips and advice, thank you.
Clem
https://www.clemloves.co.uk
Lux G.
Sound advice, Jaya. I wish I’ve known these when I started writing.
jessica
thank you for sharing these great tips! they’re going to be super helpful when i get back to creating a writing schedule
jessica | http://www.overdressedblogger.com
Jodie | That Happy Reader
I enjoy Eri’s blog posts and this is no exception. I appreciate all the these tips to keep me organized and on track. Thanks for sharing.
traveladdictedunicorn
Those are great tips! For me number 8 works the best which is to just start! A lot of times, I don’t have the motivation or don’t feel like writing but the only thing that actually works with getting over that slump is to begin. I write anything and once I begin, the ball starts rolling.
Maria Khan
This is some really helpful advice!
Charity
These are all such great tips for developing a writing schedule. I currently don’t really have one so I need to invest some of these tips into my life!
Her Digital Coffee
Incredible post! I especially love idea #4. We all have different times where we’re most creative, for me it’s mostly during the afternoon or evening. Finding a time that works for you ensures success! Thank you for sharing Eri and Jaya!
Maria Khan
These are great tips!
Aspen Hite
Great advice and so true! Thank you for sharing Eri!
pacioalita9
We all start with our whys. Why do you want to write? Once answered then you can set goals and schedule. Consistency is the key here and sticking to your schedule. Thank you for these valuable tips!
Jaya Avendel
It is a pleasure! Thank you for reading.
The Crazy Bookworm
I really want to be on a writing schedule but life is hectic with everything going on. I need to straighten out my priorities for sure.
Karalee
It was great reading Eri’s guest post! I have a writing schedule for my blog, but years ago I started writing a book, but I never finished it. I should definitely make some time to work on it!
Deeksha Bhardwaj
These are some excellent tips. Thanks for sharing, Jaya💕
Sue Berk Koch
I assumed since I’m a morning person that I was also productive in the mornings! When I stepped back and evaluated my progress, I found this wasn’t the case. Since discovering this, I’ve done a better job of staying on task. Thanks so much for the interesting post.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you! It was a delight to welcome Eri onto the blog.
Unwanted Life
I used to want to write in order to try and help people, but now I also like to write because it helps me learn more about mental health. I still haven’t given myself a writing schedule though, probably never will
Jaya Avendel
What works for some of us does not work for others to be sure!🙂
Raji (@journeyintofantasy)
Great tips! I’ve never considered making a writing schedule, but it certainly sounds like it could be very helpful! I definitely relate to being in a better mood for writing at some times of the day over others, so I’m looking forward to trying out some of these ideas.
ellegracedeveson
You’ve shared some great tips on here lovely. I’ve recently got myself into a proper writing schedule and it’s changed the game. I’ve worked out I’m most productive first thing in the morning and last thing at night so I use that to my advantage! I’ll defiantly be keeping these tips in mind, thank you so much for sharing Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Elle!
Keep Calm & Drink Coffee
I always welcome your tips since they are meaningful and helpful, this time it has been nice also to discover Eri’s blog.
Me, for example, I never stated a particular time to write, while I think now it is really time to reflect on this.
Thank You!
Akhila
This is so well crafted deeply taking care of writers emotions too
Lucia’s Fiction
This is a very actionable post – I loved it!
Infinite Living
These are great reminders – very helpful to have time and again, as life happens and there is a continual start-over often.
Corinne
Great post! I’m a night owl so the evening is always the best time for me to write 🙂
Corinne x
https://skinnedcartree.com
I'm All Booked Up YA
I need to be better at setting goals. Sometimes I write a ton and then I go weeks without it.
Daphny Aqua
Thank you so much for sharing with this wonderful post Jaya, it a much needed one.
SelmaMartin
This speaks to me: plan the hours you have to write and start writing. You might not be productive every single day but, as a runner friend of mine says, “Even a bad run is better than no run.
Thanks. I needed to hear this today. Great share that adds value. Xo
Jacqui Murray
Great tips. There definitely is a time of the day I am more/less productive, but it took me a long time to realize that. So glad you included that.
Angela Jelf
Very helpful, thank you!
Lisa's Notebook
Some great tips here, Eri. My favourite is just to start writing – sometimes inspiration comes when you do that, it’s like the creative flow gets unblocked. That said, having a schedule does make things easier too!
Eugenia
Thank you for sharing these helpful tips, Jaya!
Rayo
I love Eri’s writing, I’ve visited her blog couple of times. This post is very well written and breakdown is so easy to follow. Thanks for the helpful tips
Jaya Avendel
Delighted, Rayo!
paeansunplugged
Always, always impressed by your clear-minded approach to writing.❤️ Thanks for introducing Eri.
Ingrid
This is such an interesting and informative post, Jaya! And thank you for introducing Eri. It is important to have a schedule and stick at it. I am an early morning writer, and I’ll often get up at 5am to write, as it is so quiet and peaceful with only the birdsong for background 😊
Jaya Avendel
Oo, that picture sounds so beautiful, Ingrid!
Lamittan Minsah
This is very informative and helpful. Time indeed is a crucial factor when it comes to writing. Thanks for these wonderful tips.
Eri Tz
Thank you for having me as a guest Jaya! It was my pleasure writing for your blog 💜
Jaya Avendel
The pleasure is equally mine, Eri! 😍
readandreviewit1
This is some really helpful advice! I really want to be an author one day but I often find I just don’t have the time, but I suppose I will have to work on making writing more of a priority! Keeping track of your progress must be great for motivation too. Thank you so much for sharing x
Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)
These are all excellent tips. I am most productive and creative in the morning. I notice a difference when I try to write at other times.
Michele Lee
Jaya, thank you for introducing us to Eri. I will visit her site. Her productivity tips are helpful and worth revisiting if one gets off the writing track. Thank you for the share!