How to Write More

Writing is one of the most complex yet fulfilling endeavors. For many of us, having vivid ideas for a book or a story isn’t the challenge; it’s finding the discipline and resilience to sit down and actually write. If you’ve ever felt this way, know that you’re not alone. Today, we’re going to explore the universal struggle of writing, dispel a few myths about the process, and talk about how to build consistency and motivation in your writing routine. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting your first draft, I hope these insights resonate with you and help you on your journey.

There’s a common misconception that writers are perpetually inspired, effortlessly turning ideas into words with ease. But in reality, writing is hard work. It demands creativity, patience, and the mental endurance to push through when the words just don’t seem to flow. Often, people assume that being a writer is all fun and inspiration—“Oh, you're a writer? That's amazing!” they might say, without realizing the challenges that come with it.

The reality is that even the most experienced writers struggle with self-doubt, distractions, and days when words feel just out of reach. Writing can be one of the most satisfying activities, yet it can also be one of the most frustrating.

Routines

The number one thing I want to touch on today is writing routines. Now, I know you’ve likely heard all about writing routines before—and maybe you've even tried to follow the “perfect” daily routine to make writing feel easier. But here’s the thing: writing routines aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and, frankly, they aren’t for everyone.

Just as not every diet works for every body type, not every writing routine will fit every writer’s style or lifestyle. People have different learning styles, energy levels, and schedules, so routines that work wonders for one person may simply not work for another. Some people thrive on structure, able to sit down at the same time each day, while others find that rigid scheduling adds unnecessary pressure and stress.

If you’re not a routine-oriented person—trust me, I know the feeling—don’t force yourself into one. Forcing yourself into a strict schedule can actually do more harm than good, especially if it makes you feel discouraged when you inevitably miss a day or two. Instead, aim to create a rhythm that works for you, on your terms. Maybe that means planning your writing times on a weekly or monthly basis instead of a daily one. Look at your schedule and decide how many times you’d realistically like to write each week, then slot it in where it fits best.

And remember, a successful writing routine doesn’t mean writing every single day. You don’t have to be glued to your keyboard “every goddamn day” to make progress on your work. Setting goals in terms of weekly hours or sessions can be a flexible and sustainable way to approach your writing.

Don’t Forget Time for Brainstorming and Planning

A crucial element that often goes overlooked is making time not only to write but also to brainstorm and plan. When you sit down to write without any idea of what you’ll work on, you’re likely to stare at the screen, feeling unprepared and frustrated. This can easily lead to self-doubt and make you feel like you’re a “bad writer” simply because you weren’t ready to jump into the actual writing.

To avoid this, schedule brainstorming and planning sessions as part of your routine. Set aside time to think through what you want to accomplish in your next writing session, whether it’s fleshing out character details, mapping out scenes, or just jotting down loose ideas. This way, when you do sit down to write, you’ll already have a plan of action and feel ready to dive in.

Find What Works for You

Ultimately, the goal is to find a routine—or lack of routine—that feels natural and productive for you. Your writing journey is your own, and it’s okay to take a path that’s different from others. Focus on building habits that energize you, motivate you, and most importantly, fit seamlessly into your life.

So, as you set out to create your own writing routine, keep in mind: flexibility is key. Whether you’re writing daily, weekly, or whenever inspiration strikes, as long as you’re moving forward, you’re making progress. Here’s to finding a rhythm that works for you and making your writing dreams a reality—on your own terms.

Pre-Writing

Another essential component of successful writing is pre-writing. While it’s easy to measure progress by word count alone, there’s so much more to storytelling than simply putting words on the page. Pre-writing is the work that sets the stage, and in many ways, it can be even more crucial than the actual drafting process. By taking time to plan, outline, and explore the motivations of your characters, you can prevent a lot of the roadblocks that might otherwise stall your writing.

Think of pre-writing as a foundational investment in your manuscript. Spending time on activities like outlining your story, revisiting chapter summaries, or deepening your character backstories is still an essential part of the writing process. The effort you put into pre-writing will ultimately make the drafting phase smoother and more enjoyable. It’s a misconception that only writing words into a manuscript counts as progress. Pre-writing is also valuable, and you should reward yourself for the planning work you do. It’s laying the groundwork that will help you write with more confidence and direction later on.

Why Pre-Writing Can Help You Avoid Writer’s Block

One of the most common reasons writers get stuck is due to a lack of pre-writing. Without a solid plan, you might find yourself facing an unexpected roadblock in the middle of a scene. You’re not sure where the story is going, or why your characters are acting the way they are. This can be frustrating, and it often happens because there hasn’t been enough time dedicated to planning or understanding your characters’ motivations.

When you’re at an impasse, it’s often a sign that you may need to backtrack a bit and take a closer look at the elements you’ve glossed over. Re-examine your characters’ motivations, understand the dynamics between them in that particular scene, and flesh out the arc you want them to follow. Spending just a few hours on this can help you push through those blocks, giving you a clearer sense of direction and enabling you to continue your story without feeling lost.

Practical Pre-Writing Tips to Keep You Moving Forward 

• Outline and Refresh: Take time to develop or revisit your outline. Even a brief outline of the chapter you’re working on or a quick review of the story arc can provide clarity.
• Character Motivations: Ensure that you’re clear on why your characters are acting the way they are. Their motivations should align with their overall development and arc within the story.
• Identify the Roadblocks: If you hit a block, identify which character or story element is causing it. Sometimes, understanding the character a bit more deeply or re-evaluating their motives can resolve the issue.

Remember, writing is a process, and pre-writing is a crucial part of that process. While it may not look like traditional writing, it’s a significant investment in the quality of your manuscript. When you embrace pre-writing, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, more fulfilling writing experience. So, the next time you find yourself staring at a blank screen, take a step back, dive into the planning phase, and give yourself credit for the essential work you’re doing.

The Idea of The First Draft

The concept of the “first draft” can be intimidating. You might feel like it has to be polished, coherent, and somehow perfect. Many of us have a little perfectionist in us that makes us feel like we should nail it on the first try. But here’s the truth: your first draft doesn’t need to be anything more than a “vomit draft”—a term I love because it strips away the pressure to be perfect. Instead, it encourages you to approach the initial writing process as messy, exploratory, and forgiving.

In calling it the “vomit draft,” you’re giving yourself permission to let the ideas flow freely. It’s a draft meant for you, the writer, to discover your story and characters, not to produce a polished, publishable piece. This reframing helps take the pressure off, making it okay for your draft to be rough, incomplete, and even chaotic. It’s your chance to tell the story to yourself—to get to know your characters, experiment with the plot, and see where your imagination leads you.

Why Writing More Matters in the Vomit Draft

The purpose of your first draft is to get words on the page, not to perfect them. “Writing better” comes in later drafts, where revision and refinement take center stage. Your goal here is to write more, allowing the story to unfold as you go. Only by writing through this draft will you start to uncover your story’s core themes, your characters’ motivations, and any potential plot holes that need addressing.

It’s entirely normal for the direction of your story to shift as you work through this draft. Somewhere along the way, you might zero in on a central question or theme that brings everything into focus. Characters may reveal unexpected sides to themselves, changing how they relate to the story or even shifting the trajectory of the plot. This discovery phase is not only normal but essential. It’s how you uncover what the story is truly about and where it’s meant to go.

How the Vomit Draft Leads to a Stronger Story

Many writers experience a transformative moment somewhere in the middle of their vomit draft. Perhaps it’s the realization of what your protagonist truly desires, or a plot twist that redefines the stakes of your story. These discoveries are the gold of the first draft process. They allow you to deepen the narrative, creating a clearer path for future revisions. Once you’ve completed this initial draft, you’ll have a roadmap of what works, what doesn’t, and what needs more attention.

Embrace this messy phase, and know that it’s through writing this first “vomit draft” that you’ll unearth the heart of your story. And when it’s time to dive into revisions, you’ll be able to refine and polish with a clear understanding of the story you want to tell.

How to Actually Write

For many writers, the act of writing itself is daunting. The process of putting words down on the page, especially in the first draft, can feel overwhelming due to a mindset rooted in perfectionism. We’ve been led to believe that our words should be polished from the outset, and that need for perfection can freeze us in place. Shifting this mindset is essential, not only for productivity but for finding joy and flow in your writing.

At some point in every writer’s journey, they confront the core reasons behind their hesitation. The reality for most of us is this: it’s perfectionism that blocks us from writing. Even if you don’t think perfectionism is the issue, consider this—how often do you hold back because you want your first draft to sound cohesive, complete, and nearly flawless? The need for immediate coherence is where many writers get stuck.

Finding Your Personal Writing Rhythm

Overcoming perfectionism often involves experimenting with methods that allow you to write freely without constantly looking back to edit. Each writer is unique, so here are two different approaches that have proven effective in freeing the creative flow.

For me, a typewriter has been transformative. On a typewriter, editing on the go isn’t an option—you can’t backspace or delete with ease. It forces you to keep moving forward, word by word. The first weekend with my typewriter, I wrote a full chapter—20 pages in print—without stopping to question every sentence. Yes, my fingers were sore (old typewriters are no joke!), but it was incredibly liberating to just keep going, mistakes and all.

Another method that works wonders is using a “free writer” device—a keyboard with a small screen that displays only a few lines at a time. One of my clients, who struggled with turning her intricate story ideas into actual words, discovered this tool and found it life-changing. For her, the tiny screen meant she couldn’t constantly review her work, reducing the pressure to make every line perfect. This “line-at-a-time” focus helped her overcome the fear of not translating her ideas perfectly from outline to draft.

Printing Your Pages: Celebrating Progress Tangibly

Another powerful tactic to help you see your progress tangibly is to print out your pages as you go. Holding your manuscript in your hands—even just a few pages—brings a unique sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. There’s something motivating about seeing your story physically laid out in front of you, and it’s a constant reminder that you’re building something real.

A quick tip: double-spacing your work not only makes it easier to edit later but also gives you a preview of how your pages might look in print. Seeing your work build up page by page can create a momentum that keeps you motivated, giving you a clearer picture of the book you’re crafting.

Embrace Imperfection to Unleash Creativity

Ultimately, finding a writing method that keeps you from obsessively editing is key to making real progress. Embracing imperfection allows you to capture the raw, original essence of your story, which can be polished later. Whether it’s a typewriter, a free writer, or printing pages as you go, finding what helps you ignore the critical voice in your head is essential. Write freely, celebrate your progress, and remember—your story deserves to make it to the page, one imperfect line at a time.