How to Write Every Day: Tips and Strategies

So you want to develop a writing habit and start writing every day, but you’re not sure where to begin. I’ve been there! When I first set the goal to write daily, I’ll admit – I was a bit intimidated. The thought of coming up with meaningful words to put on the page day after day seemed daunting. Would I be able to stick with it? Could I carve out time in my busy schedule? What if I run out of inspiration?

All the uncertainties made taking that first step feel scary. But once I actually established my routine and built some writing momentum, the doubts faded. Turns out, developing a writing habit isn’t nearly as hard as I imagined. Sure, some days the words flow better than others. But showing up consistently at my desk and putting in the time has worked writing wonders.

In this guide, I want to share all the tips, tricks, and strategies I’ve learned through trial and error to make writing every single day totally doable. I’ll cover how to get started, beginner mistakes to avoid, ways to optimize your schedule, beat writer’s block, and most importantly – turn writing into a lifelong habit.

By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with more than enough information to make daily writing a reality. No more procrastinating! Let’s dive in and get you ready to establish an awesome writing routine.

Getting Clear on Your Motivation

Before we get logistical about word counts and optimal writing times, let’s get clear on why you want to write daily and develop writing habit in the first place. Without a compelling ‘why’ to anchor you, it’ll be incredibly hard to stick to the habit long-term. After all, writing every day takes commitment and discipline. Your motivation needs to be strong enough to get you through the inevitable obstacles.

So take some time to dig deep and get clear on the intention behind your goal:

• Do you want to grow and sharpen your skills as a writer?
• Is your eventual goal publishing a book or building an audience for your blog?
• Do you hope writing daily will reduce stress and bring you joy?
• Are you seeking community with other writers through shared experiences?
• Do you want to process emotions and heal from past traumas?
• Is a creative outlet missing from your life that writing might provide?
• Do you just need relief from racing, anxious thoughts?

Really reflect on what draws you to establish this habit. What burning needs or desires would a daily writing practice fulfill? The more meaning and purpose attached to writing, the easier it becomes to stick to the habit. Our motivation wanes when something feels like a ‘should’ versus a genuine want.

So be honest with yourself. And don’t worry about having the ‘right’ reasons. Your intentions can be entirely personal and still be valid. Maybe you just need a space for unfiltered self-expression and access to your inner world. That’s a beautiful motivation to nurture a writing habit!

Once you gain some clarity, write your reasons down somewhere visible to review when you need inspiration. Re-read them whenever you feel like skipping a writing session to re-center yourself and spark motivation.

Realistic Expectations to Set

Now that you’ve explored your motivations, let’s set some realistic expectations so you start off on the right foot. I know – expecting the perfect writing environment or flow of prose every time you sit down is alluring. But placing those unrealistic standards on yourself is a recipe for frustration, disappointment, and eventually – giving up.

Here are some healthier, more sustainable expectations to set instead:

• Not every second of writing will be deeply meaningful or profoundly inspired. And that’s okay.
• Some days your output will be pages long. Other days a few paragraphs or even sentences. That’s normal.
• You won’t always “feel like” writing when it’s time. But do it anyway. Motivation follows action.
• Your writing environment and mood will vary day to day. Roll with the changes.
• Perfection is impossible. Good enough is good enough, especially as a beginner.
• You’ll inevitably miss days or fall off track. Just resume as soon as possible.

Your goal is simply to build a lifelong writing habit. And habits take time to cement. By giving yourself permission to be human instead of demanding immediate perfection, you set yourself up for success. Progress will ebb and flow. Ups and downs are par for the course.

The only true failure is giving up completely. Everything else is just part of the process. Hold onto that mindset from day one.

How Long Should You Write Each Day?

Now comes the question every beginning writer asks – how many minutes/hours/words should I be writing per day?

The short answer: Whatever you can consistently manage.

When you’re first cultivating the habit, shorter sessions are key. Multiple studies have shown it takes 66 days on average to cement a new habit. Shooting for marathons right away is unrealistic. You’ll hit mental exhaustion and frustration quickly.

Instead, start with writing sessions of just 15-30 minutes to make the habit seem accessible and manageable. Use a timer if that helps keep you focused. Aim to write 250-500 words during the beginner stage. As the habit sticks, you can gradually increase your session length and word count.

The sweet spot for daily writing is typically 60-90 minutes for most writers. That seems sustainable long-term without cutting into other important areas of life. But again, do what works for you. There are no word count requirements to hit. As long as you’re writing regularly, you’re making progress!

What Time of Day Should You Write?

Alright, so we’ve covered the expect duration of your daily writing sessions. Now let’s talk about timing. Finding the right time of day to consistently write can make a huge impact. We all experience peaks and valleys in our energy levels during different hours. Writing during your peak hours is crucial.

These are common times that work well for writing:

• Early Morning – Wake up 30-60 minutes early to write before responsibilities pile up. Our willpower and focus is highest.
• Lunch Break – Squeeze in a quick writing sprint in the middle of your workday.
• Afternoon Lull – Many people experience a slump in the late afternoon. Perfect time to get the creative juices flowing.
• Evening – Wind down and debrief from the day by journaling or freewriting before bed.
• During Kids’ Activity – Take advantage of your kid’s sports practice or music lessons. Bring a notebook and retreat to a quiet corner of the bleachers or lobby.

Bottom line: Choose whatever time allows you to write consistently without distraction or fatigue. And definitely experiment to see if certain hours feel more productive. Just like sleep patterns, we all have different energy cycles optimize for.

Where to Write for Maximum Focus

Speaking of distraction, finding the right location to settle in and write every day is critical too. With so many potential sources of distraction at home, you may fare better heading to a coffee shop or library to get your daily writing done undisturbed.

Here are some great options to consider:

• Coffee Shops – A lively cafe can provide just the right amount of ambient noise to stimulate creativity. Bring headphones in case it gets too loud.
• Library – Find a quiet, tucked away table or silent study room to dive deep into your writing.
• Office – Use breaks or come early/stay late to get writing done if your work space allows.
• Park – Bring a notebook or laptop outside to soak up the benefits of nature while you write.
• Coworking Spaces – More affordable and flexible than traditional offices with resources for remote workers.
• Inside Your Car – Park somewhere peaceful and use your vehicle as a portable distraction-free cocoon.
• Wherever Inspiration Strikes – Keep tools handy to write during downtime like doctor’s appointments, errands or travel.

Experiment with different locales until one feels like your ideal creative home base. Having a dedicated writing nook helps cue your brain that it’s time to focus. Treat yourself to a cup of tea or favorite snack while you write as an added incentive.

Accountability Partners & Writing Communities to Join

Here’s a fact every writer needs to accept – writing is a solitary endeavor. We have to get comfortable spending large swaths of time alone with our thoughts in order to succeed.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t find community as a writer! In fact, connecting with other writers can provide so much value: friendship, support, inspiration, exchange of ideas, accountability, and the solidarity of people who simply “get” your passion.

If you’re new to writing, seek out connections through:

• Online writing forums and social media groups
• Local writing organizations and workshops
• Classes at community colleges or collaborative spaces
• Writers groups that meet to critique each other’s work
• Connecting with individual writers whose work you admire

Don’t be shy about reaching out and making writing friends. You’ll find most writers are quite generous about mentoring and supporting newcomers. We’ve all been there.

And prioritize finding at least one dedicated writing partner to share the journey with. Email or text each other for encouragement, celebrate milestones together, exchange feedback on works in progress, and hold each other accountable on days motivation runs low.

Having even one person who understands the writing process and cheers you on makes all the difference. So reach out and find your people, both locally and globally. Your writing community will motivate you to keep creating day in and day out.

Writing Tools & Resources to Gather

Alright, you’ve got your routine mapped out – now it’s time to equip yourself with writing essentials! Having the right tools on hand removes potential hiccups and reasons to procrastinate. Here are some must-have supplies:

• A designated writing notebook or digital document to capture all your writing. Using a single, consistent place prevents content from getting scattered.
• Writing instruments you love – favorite pens, stylish pencils, colored fine-tip markers if you prefer handwriting.
• A laptop, tablet or phone to compose on if you prefer typing. Make sure the battery life is reliable.
• Portable power charger and headphones for white noise if writing in public settings.
• Snacks and beverages to fuel your sessions and make writing more enjoyable. Treat yo’self.
• Reference materials like dictionaries, thesaurus sources, writing books, and author memoirs. Surround yourself with resources to consult.
• Back up power sources for cloud storage – USB drive, external hard drive, Dropbox account. Protect your hard work!
• Timers, alarms or productivity apps to stay on track and focused during writing sprints.
• Noise-cancelling earbuds or headphones to create a silent cocoon.

Take time to curate your writing toolkit – it will make your writing practice feel official. Check back to replenish supplies before they run out. Hunt for inspiration whenever you visit the bookstore or stationery shop. Enjoy the process of equipping your writing space. It’s your oasis!

Helpful Habit Tracking & Goal Setting Tools For Your Writing

Alright, so you’ve got your writing time blocked off, favorite notebook at the ready, preferred seat at the coffee shop…now let’s make sure you actually stick to your routine! Habit tracking tools are key for turning writing from a someday goal into a non-negotiable part of your day.

Here are some options to try:

• Bullet journal – Create a simple habit tracker by drawing out columns and rows of dates and marking off days completed.
• App – Fabulous, Way of Life, Streaks, Habitica and others gamify sticking to goals using reminders and motivational features.
• Calendar – Cross off your writing sessions day-by-day on a planner or app calendar view.
• Spreadsheet – Make columns for date, time spent, words written, location and quick notes.
• Paper chain – Loop strips of paper together for each day completed toward a numbered goal.
• Jar of beads, marbles, etc – Drop one in per writing session finished to see visual progress.

Pair habit tracking with setting daily, weekly and monthly word count goals to maintain momentum. But focus on consistency first and volume second. Sticking with the habit matters most.

Troubleshooting Tactics for Common Obstacles

Alright, we’ve covered the logistics. Now let’s talk mindset. Because every writer inevitably faces days where motivation lags, creativity stalls, and excuses for skipping the habit creep in. Here are some tactics for troubleshooting common obstacles:

You’ve got this! Remind yourself regularly that building habits requires patience. Some days will feel effortless. Others like pulling teeth. But bit by bit, those small daily actions compound. Have faith that the consistent effort will pay off, even when the path feels unclear or motivation wanes. You have everything needed within you to succeed.

Pre-Writing Rituals to Prepare Your Mind & Space

Alright, you set a reminder for writing time and are ready to dive in. But wait – starting a focused session cold can feel jarring. That’s why developing consistent pre-writing rituals is so valuable.

Rituals help transition your mindset from busy and distracted to present and creative. Here are some relaxing pre-writing rituals to try:

• Brew a fresh cup of coffee or tea (decaf if it’s evening!)
• Light a scented candle to create cozy atmosphere
• Diffuse calming essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus
• Turn on music, like a chilled out instrumental station
• Do light stretches to release tension from your body
• water plants in your space & tidy up clutter
• Change into a favorite comfy sweater or shirt
• Craft the perfect writing playlist to match your mood
• Review your intention for writing and attitude of gratitude
• Free write for 5 minutes to warm up and access your flow

When you make writing time feel special, you look forward to it more. So don’t launch straight in – give your mind space for the shift. Once your pre-rituals complete, you’ll feel fully present and ready write.

When to Make Exceptions to Your Routine

Alright, so by now you hopefully grasp that consistency is key when building habits. But perfection is unattainable. Life loves to throw curveballs and derail even the most tightly-regimented routines. Illness, travel, special events, unforeseen demands, and crises happen.

During major upheavals, give yourself grace to take a break from daily writing. You’ll drive yourself to frustration and burnout trying to uphold your habit no matter what. Cut yourself some slack when:

• You’re sick with an illness that completely zaps your energy. Listen to your body’s need to rest.
• You’re traveling or on vacation in an unfamiliar environment.
• Family emergencies arise that demand your attention. Handle priorities first.
• Milestone life events happen – weddings, job transitions, moves, childbirth, etc.
• An overwhelming grief or trauma leaves you emotionally depleted for a period.

Grant yourself permission deviate from routine when necessary. Never heap on self-criticism for missing “shoulds” during chaotic times. Try to return to writing as soon as the dust settles, even if you start small again. But be patient with yourself as you regain momentum.

How to Rev Up Motivation & Inspiration When It Lags

Alright, so you made it through an especially energy-draining period and are ready to get back on track with writing. But uh oh – your motivation tank feels on empty and the inspiration well has run dry. Getting back into the habit suddenly feels way harder than starting. What do you do?

First, acknowledge this is normal! Our passion ebbs and flows. When you hit a low motivation point or feel uninspired, try the following:

• Reread your list of why’s. Remember your purpose.
• Surround yourself with nature or art to stimulate creativity.
• Pick a totally new location like a fresh coffee shop or scenic park.
• Let go of any pressures or specific outcome. Just create.
• Write by hand to access a more intuitive flow of ideas.
• Try a warm up writing prompt to get unstuck.
• Read or listen to a writer’s memoir to remember why you love it.
• Spend time with a friend who energizes you creatively.
• Take a 1-2 day break if you feel forced or frustrated.

Sometimes creativity needs space to breath and renew. Be intuitive about when to push forward versus when to pause and refuel. The key is not spiraling into shame when motivation dips. Flow forward with faith it will return, in time.

Celebrating Milestones Small and Large

This may sound cliché, but remember to celebrate yourself at each step along the writing journey. It’s easy to minimize milestones or constantly set sights on the next achievement. But consistent writing is no small feat! Honor both major and minor wins whenever possible.

Examples of writing milestones worth celebrating:

• Your first day completing a full writing session
• 7 consecutive days sticking to your routine
• 14 consecutive days (two full weeks!)
• 100 words written in one sitting
• 500 words written in one sitting
• 10 pages front and back filled in your notebook
• 30 minutes spent writing without stopping
• Reaching the end of a notebook or journal
• Sharing your work with someone for the first time
• Sending your work to an editor or publisher
• Submitting to a writing contest or publication
• Winning a writing contest (!)
• Publishing your work
• Completing a book draft
• Becoming a paid writer

The list goes on! And your positive reinforcement should too. Treat each of the above milestones by:

• Sharing your achievement with a writing partner
• Posting about it on social media (if you feel comfortable)
• Enjoying a favorite snack, meal out or sweet treat
• Buying yourself a small gift like fancy pens or a book
• Spending extra time outdoors/engaging in hobbies
• Doing self care like a bubble bath, massage, yoga

However you choose to celebrate, make sure to acknowledge your writing efforts. It will motivate you to keep going and recalled why you started in the first place – for the joy of it!

Conclusion

There you have it – everything you need to make daily writing a rewarding and sustainable habit! Remember to be patient and gracious with yourself throughout the process. Some days will feel magical and energizing. Others like pulling teeth. Such is the ebb and flow of creativity.

The tips above boil down to maintaining one core mindset: Consistency over perfection.

Aim to build longevity by showing up day after day versus judging your sessions by length or literary brilliance. No matter how much or little you write, just write. With regular practice, the quality and quantity will organically improve. But for now, focus only on cementing the habit with gentleness and persistence.

You’ve got this! Trust that the small steps each day will compound and take you to places a future you will be proud of. I’m cheering you on. May your writing journey fill your days with the joy of self-discovery and constant magic-making. Write on!