Jan
Establishing A Routine
I’m a deadline-oriented writer which means as long as I have a deadline, I’m good. In fact, the closer the deadline, the better.
Although this way of operating has/does work for me, I’m smart enough to know it’s not the best way to do things. After all, slow and steady wins the race, right?
That’s why, at the suggestion of a dear friend, I’m trying very hard to change my writing method. To embrace the “slow and steady” over the thrill of a tight noose. 
Unfortunately, change isn’t always easy. And it’s certainly not something that happens overnight. It takes effort and discipline and determination. Especially when the act of writing is only one aspect of being published.
I know what needs to be done. And, I must confess, I know what it’s going to take in order to get it done. Which means I need to establish a daily routine.
Knowing what needs to be done is half the battle. Slotting the time and then seeing it through is the rest. So here goes…
Exercise: 8-8:30 a.m.
Shower: 8:30-9:30 (old habits, what can I say?)
Writing: 9:45 a.m. – Noon
Lunch: @ 45 minutes
Marketing (setting up signings/talks/writing blogs/returning book related email): 1-2:30 p.m.
Even I can see that doing this daily makes so much more sense than a string of exhausting 14-hour write-a-thons at Panera for two weeks because I’m flirting much too closely with a deadline.
So that’s where the determination comes in. To make things easier.
How about you? Any routines in life that work for you? Any you’d like to establish? And if you’re a writer…what routine do you follow?
~Elizabeth
January 7th, 2010 at 7:58 am
One of the routines that I like to get back into is getting off the subway 3 stops before my stop (34th Street versus 47th Street) and walk the rest of the office. It’s about a 20 minutes walk and exercise for the day since I’m so not a gym person. Because it’s been cold, I haven’t done it lately but I need to get that routine back.
January 7th, 2010 at 8:00 am
I have to write first. I get up around 5, piddle on email and blogs, then write for 30 minutes. Even if it’s hard starting, it’s usually harder finishing up that last thought when I realized I still have to shower before leaving for work and I’ve shorted my get ready time.
Days I was off I tried doing it later, and usually found my self sitting on the couch watching old movies — shows.
So writer first works for me.
The gym is another story. I have to convince myself to go on the way home from work. I got four days in a row, then yesterday, not so much…. But my bag is packed and in the car so my only excuse is my laziness. LOL
January 7th, 2010 at 9:18 am
Dru, if I lived in the city, I would hope I’d do that, too. Though, in this weather, it would be tough. I got to spend virtually all of July in the city this past summer and I walked so much it was great. LOVE Central Park!!
Lynn, email and blogs are distractions, no doubt. I think I need to write first, too. Maybe check that stuff on my “lunch” hour.
January 7th, 2010 at 11:13 am
I also am trying to establish a schedule to include all aspects — including things around the house. It’s something I really have to plan out because every work day is a different schedule, especially once the semester starts, and the week includes 3 days that are 12-14 hours. Not much extra time there….I like to write early in the day but that only works 2-3 days of the week, so I am experimenting. I think I am going to purchase a full spectrum light because I found that I am much better at writing and being creative during daylight! Exercise always feels better when I do it first thing, so getting to the gym (where I work!) at 6:30 or 7am and then showering in time for the first client is the goal
January 7th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
For me, logging on before noon is the kiss of death to morning creativity. Can’t seem to take my thoughts off what I’ve read. So no net before noon works for me.
Yet oddly enough, I often read a few pages of fiction before I write. The sound of another voice somehow makes me want to sing.
January 7th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Nikki, VERY curious to hear if the light works. Keep us posted, okay??? Would be cool if you could fake your brain into thinking it’s morning…
Joe, I hope to be as diligent on the noon thing. I think that’s a key for me.