A writing schedule provides the fertile ground, while a writing practice acts as the nourishing rain. Together, they cultivate the seeds of creativity, allowing writers to blossom into the storytellers they were always meant to be. — The Book Druid
For the aspiring writer, the path to success can often feel like a tangled forest. Inspiration flickers like fireflies, elusive and fleeting. Amid the chaos, two guiding lights emerge: the regimented structure of a writing schedule and the free-flowing commitment of a writing practice. While seemingly distinct, these elements work in beautiful synergy, propelling the writer forward. Understanding their differences and their intertwined power is the key to having a fulfilling and productive writing life.
A writing schedule is the scaffolding of a writer's day. It lays out dedicated blocks of time for writing, carving out space in the ever-encroaching tide of life's obligations. This structure offers several benefits. First, it combats procrastination. By treating writing like any other important appointment, the schedule ensures that precious writing time isn't sacrificed to the alluring time-suck known as of social media or the bottomless pit of household chores. (Raise your hand if all of a sudden the refrigerator needed a good clean out when there’s writing to be done. Yes, my hand is raised.)
Second, a schedule fosters consistency. Regular writing sessions, even if brief, keep the creative muscles warm and the writer in the flow of their project. Imagine a pianist who only practices sporadically; their technique would suffer. Similarly, a writer with erratic writing habits risks losing momentum and struggling to recapture their voice. Note: Consistency looks different for everyone and does NOT mean daily.
However, a writing schedule alone is a sterile environment for creativity to flourish. This is where the concept of a writing practice comes in. A practice is more than just showing up for your writing session. It's about cultivating a personal and sustainable approach to writing.
As a coach and editor who prioritizes her clients’ well-being alongside their writing projects, sustainability is something I’m always going on about. This idea that you have to write to the point of burnout to be considered a “real writer” is absurd to me. I don’t stand for it at all.
A practice encompasses activities that feed the writer's wellspring of ideas, like devouring literature, attending workshops or simply observing the world with a curious eye. Engaging in these activities regularly keeps the fire of inspiration burning, ensuring the writer always has something new to say. Additionally, a practice encourages experimentation. Trying new writing prompts, exploring different genres or even participating in freewriting exercises allows writers to discover their strengths and weaknesses, ultimately honing their craft.
The true magick lies in the way schedule and practice complement each other. The schedule provides the necessary structure for the practice to thrive. Without dedicated writing time, the writer's practice becomes a collection of good intentions, never translated into concrete work. Conversely, the practice fuels the schedule. Without the constant exploration and inspiration gleaned from a dedicated practice, the scheduled writing sessions can become stagnant and uninspired.
The benefits of this combined approach are undeniable. A writer who adheres to both a schedule and a practice becomes a master of both productivity and creativity. They develop the discipline to write consistently, even when the well of inspiration feels dry. Often, the act of putting pen to paper (or finger to keys) sparks unexpected ideas, proving that sometimes inspiration needs a gentle nudge from routine. This is why I’m always telling my writers not to sit around waiting for inspiration to come. Go after it!
And by constantly feeding their practice, they ensure a steady flow of ideas, ensuring their writing remains fresh and engaging. Most importantly, the combination of schedule and practice fosters a sense of self-compassion. Real talk: there will be days when life is seriously life-ing and you miss a scheduled writing session. A strong writing practice ensures you haven't lost momentum entirely. You can rely on journaling or a quick brainstorming session to keep the creative spark alive.
Don’t wait for inspiration! Go after it with a butterfly net, lasso, sweet treats, fishing rod, court orders, beguiling smells and sincere flattery. — The Book Druid
Ultimately, a writing schedule and a writing practice are not rivals but rather two sides of the same creative coin. The schedule provides the structure, the "when" and "how long," while the practice cultivates the "what" and "why." Schedule your writing sessions, but don't forget to nurture your practice. By embracing both elements, you create a holistic approach to writing, one that fosters consistency, fuels inspiration and paves the way for a successful and fulfilling writing life. After all, the best way to capture the fleeting muse is to be ready for her arrival, with a well-stocked toolbox of skills and a dedicated space on your calendar waiting to be filled with the magic of words.
Practical steps for schedule and practice
Now that you understand the power of a combined approach, let's look into some practical steps to get you started:
Crafting your writing schedule:
Identify your prime time: Are you a morning lark, an afternoon robin or a night owl? Schedule your writing sessions when you're most alert and focused. (I’m an afternoon robin, in case you were wondering.)
Start small: Don't overwhelm yourself. Begin with achievable goals, like 20-minute sessions three times a week. Consistency is key, so prioritize small, regular steps.
Block your time: Treat writing time like an important appointment. Block it out on your calendar and inform loved ones not to disturb you during this sacred period.
Find your space: Designate a specific writing space, free from clutter and distractions. This could be a quiet corner in your home, a local coffee shop or even a library. If it is a space within your home, I suggest having items around you for energetic and/or magickal purposes. For example, on my desk I have a salt lamp for healing energy and clear quartz to help me think clearly and open my mind to new ideas.
Cultivating your writing practice:
Feed your inspiration: Devour books in your genre and outside it. Watch movies, listen to podcasts and engage with the world around you. Keep a notebook handy to jot down ideas sparked by these experiences. Or if you spend a lot of time walking on trails and in woods like I do, use the notes app on your phone to either type or voice record what you see and hear.
Embrace experimentation: Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Try freewriting exercises, participate in writing prompts or explore different genres.
Find your tribe: Connect with other writers online or in person. Share your work, offer feedback and learn from each other's experiences. I’m always curious about what other writers are doing and how they nurture their practices. PS: The goal of this Substack is to foster said tribe.
Develop rituals: If you’ve been around for a while, then you’ll know of my love for ritualizing things. Create rituals that signal to your brain it's time to write. Perhaps it's a cup of coffee or tea, listening to calming music or spending a few minutes meditating.
Reflect and refine: Reflection is an important part of writing. Regularly assess your practice. Is it keeping you inspired? Are you exploring new avenues? Don't be afraid to tweak your approach as your needs evolve. And trust me, they will evolve. It’s a natural part of the process.
The ideal schedule and practice are unique to you and you alone. This is where I see a lot of writers going wrong — they try and copy what other writers are doing without taking their own needs and lifestyle into account. The writers you’re taking inspiration from are doing what works for them. You need to experiment and find what works best for you. The journey of writing is as much about the process as the product.
Embrace the structure of your schedule and the freedom of your practice, and watch your writing life flourish.
Until next time,
The Book Druid xo