Storytelling and writing are pursuits that are easily romanticized and can be glorified as something very few can build a career or committed lifestyle around. Consistent habits of writing and reading matter, but, I argue, self-imposed writing routines and deadlines matter more. They make the pursuit real and progressive. Storytellers committed to the craft and with dreams of publication (self, indie, or traditional) hold their writing routine and time sacred. If this is you, take this routine and deadline exercise seriously.
Work through this reflective questionnaire to better understand how your writing routine may or may not align with your goals.
Creating a writing routine is about more than checking off a to-do. It’s about aligning yourself with a realistic, enjoyable structure you can stick to and feel good about your progress in.
Step 1: Analyze and audit your current routine
(If you want your writing to become a reliable second stream or even a full-time career, this is 100% necessary).
Take stock of what you’re currently doing.
Question: How often per week do you work on your book/stories?
Answer:
Question: When in the day do you usually do this?
Answer:
Question: Where do you write – a certain room/ space? (Consistency in location is important).
Answer:
Question: Do you write by hand or on your phone/ laptop?
Answer:
Question: Do you use a certain software – Word, Scrivener, Google Docs, something else?
Answer:
Question: Do you often find yourself procrastinating/getting distracted? If so, what distracts you?
Answer:
Step 2: Improve your routine
Think about your above answers and how to improve on them.
Question: How often would you like to write in the week?
Every day is great if you can manage it. But it’s also good to take some space from the book. Some people write 5x per week and take a couple of days off. Others do 3x per week. It’s about what suits you best.
How many days does your schedule allow?
Answer:
Question: When would you like your days off?
Answer:
Question: What’s a good time of day for you to write? From what time to what time?
NOTE: If you have a very unpredictable routine and a regular time is hard to pinpoint, that is okay. Do your best with questions 2 and 3, and focus on the more important one: the weekly goal. (You can work on the book/story whenever you have time, but make sure X is done by the end of the week).
Securing a certain time is great. Many famous writers write at a certain time of the morning or evening and write for a given period. For example: 11 AM-12 PM. Don’t be too ambitious. Make it realistic. If you do more, that’s great.
Question: When will your writing time be in the day? X time to Y time.
Answer:
Question: Where could your writing space be?
Ideally, this place should be comfortable, quiet, and focused. Keeping the place tidy and creative helps.
Best practice: Make it obvious and static, so that when you walk by it, you know, ‘this space is for writing and being with your work in progress.
Answer:
Question: Which software is your choice? (Microsoft Word, Google Docs, ProWritingAid, AutoCrit, Dabble)
Answer:
Step 3: Finalize Your Routine
Note the final details of your routine (from your answers above):
Days:
Day/s off:
Time (if applicable):
Writing Space:
Enjoyable activity while writing:
Software(s):
Step 4: The Deadline
My favorite sport in High School was cross-country – just me, a set finish line 5 miles ahead, and the willpower to make the final push once I saw that line. And, as I did in practice, I calculated how long it would take for me to work through the process from start to finish.
If you’re drafting, set your expectations and what needs to be done.
(This is not a perfect system and by no means should a writer hold themself strictly to this. Life happens. But setting expectations and putting coordinates on your map are important).
How many days you write per week? Answer from above:
How many words you write on average on each of those days? Answer from above:
An estimate for how long the first draft will be (ex. 70,000 words)? Answer from above:
How many words you have left to write? Answer from above:
Divide your answer to question (4) by (2) to get the remaining days. Answer from above:
Now you have a sense of when the draft will be finished!
Are you happy with your deadline? If so, great! If not, is it too far off for your liking, or too tight/soon?
Remember: Storytelling should be an enjoyable experience and one that brings you joy as you think about what your story means to you and whoever may read it.
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Written by:
Sean Willey
Information and Digital Services Assistant
General Writing Craft Titles (To get inspired and immerse yourself, whether your pursuits are authorship or to better understand good storytelling.)
Book: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
Book: Mastering the Process: From Idea to Novel by Elizabeth George
Book: On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
Book: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
Book: A Long Game: Notes on Writing Fiction by Elizabeth McCracken
TV: The Great Courses Writing Great Fiction
Audiobook: The Writing Life by Annie Dillard
Audiobook: Structuring Your Novel: Essential Keys to Writing an Outstanding Story
Audiobook: The Anatomy of Genre by John Truby
Audiobook: The Business of Being a Writer by Jane Friedman
Audiobook: Writing Series from Sandy Marsh (multiple step-by-step titles through the writing process)
Audiobook: Writing Fiction: A Guide to the Narrative Craft
Writing Workshops and Program Options at the Hoboken Public Library
1. Write and Share: Prompts and Projects
Whether you’re drafting a novel, developing a short story, exploring a new idea, or simply hoping to practice your writing skills, this space offers the chance to put words on the page alongside fellow writers.
Prompts for each meetup are themed and sent to registrants the morning of, so that they can develop ideas and thoughts for the evening’s gathering. These prompts are optional for those looking for a creative spark. Writers are more than welcome to focus on their own projects, too. This is time set aside to help us all get closer to reaching our writing goals.
To join us or if you have questions, please email reference@hobokenlibrary.org.
2. Writers Group
Get input and constructive feedback on your writing project in a friendly and supportive environment! Meets once a month.
If you are working on your next project – whether it is a novel, short story, memoir or poetry – our Writers Group is a great place to get input and constructive feedback on your work! Our supportive group of fellow writers can help give you insights you need into shaping your work for self or traditional publication.
Email hplwriters@gmail.com for more information.
