How I Write

My writing process is a deeply personal and meticulously structured affair, one that I've honed over years of practice and experimentation. It's a delicate balance of discipline and creativity, routine and spontaneity, that allows me to consistently produce work that I feel truly represents my voice and vision as a writer.

The cornerstone of my writing practice is my daily routine. I write every single day, without exception, dedicating the early hours between 4 am and 8 am to my craft. This commitment to writing during the pre-dawn hours is more than just a habit; it's a sacred ritual that sets the tone for my entire day. There's something magical about these quiet hours, when the world is still asleep and the day's distractions have yet to begin. In this liminal space between night and day, I find my mind is at its most receptive and creative.

My writing space is carefully curated to minimize distractions and maximize focus. The room is sparsely furnished, with just a desk, a comfortable chair, and a small side table for my ever-present cup of coffee or tea. The walls are bare, save for a single, inspiring quote that changes monthly. This month, it's Maya Angelou's words: "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."

Speaking of Maya Angelou, her influence on my writing practice cannot be overstated. I've been deeply inspired by her approach to the craft, particularly her famous writing routine. Angelou had a unique and somewhat unconventional method. She would wake early in the morning and check into a hotel room, where she instructed the staff to remove any pictures from the walls. She would write on legal pads while lying on the bed, surrounded only by a bottle of sherry, a deck of cards to play solitaire, Roget's Thesaurus, and the Bible. Angelou would average 10-12 pages of written material a day, which she edited down to three or four pages in the evening.

Intrigued by this approach, I once attempted to replicate Angelou's hotel room practice for a month. It was an enlightening experience that taught me a lot about the power of a dedicated writing space. While I ultimately decided that the hotel room method wasn't sustainable for me long-term, elements of it have been incorporated into my current routine. The idea of a distraction-free environment, for instance, has become central to my writing practice.

One of the key elements of my writing routine is what I call "freeflow" writing. On certain days, I engage in this practice where I let my thoughts pour onto the page without censorship or conscious direction. During these sessions, I don't think - I simply write, and write, and write, allowing my subconscious to guide my hand. It's a liberating experience that often leads to surprising insights and ideas that I might not have accessed through more structured writing.

The role of beverages in my writing routine cannot be overstated. I always ensure I have a steaming hot cup of coffee or tea within reach. The warmth and aroma serve as a sensory anchor, helping to ground me in the present moment and maintain my focus. Over the course of a writing session, I often go through several cups. There's something about the ritual of sipping a hot beverage that seems to lubricate the gears of creativity.

Music plays a crucial role in my writing environment, but I'm particular about what I listen to. I avoid music with lyrics, as I find them distracting and potentially influential on my writing. Instead, I opt for classical music or instrumental pieces. The works of Bach, Mozart, and Chopin are particular favorites, their complex harmonies providing a soothing background without interfering with my thought process. On some days, I might choose more contemporary instrumental music, like the atmospheric works of Brian Eno or the minimalist compositions of Philip Glass.

One strict rule I adhere to is avoiding any form of content consumption before I start writing. I don't read books, articles, or watch videos prior to my writing sessions. This self-imposed restriction helps ensure that my writing remains as authentic and uninfluenced as possible, allowing my own voice and ideas to shine through without the immediate impact of external influences. I find that this practice helps me maintain the purity of my creative voice, ensuring that what ends up on the page is truly my own.

After my writing session concludes, I spend some time reviewing and lightly editing what I've written. However, I'm careful not to get too caught up in the editing process at this stage. The goal is to capture ideas and get words on the page, not to produce a polished final draft.

In the afternoons, I often engage in research or reading related to my writing projects. This might involve delving into historical accounts, studying scientific papers, or exploring philosophical texts, depending on the nature of what I'm working on. I find that this afternoon research time helps to fuel my creativity for the next morning's writing session.

As evening approaches, I begin to wind down my day with a period of reflection. I'll often take a walk, allowing my mind to wander and process the day's writing. Sometimes, this is when the best ideas come - seemingly out of nowhere, sparked by the rhythm of my footsteps or the sight of a particularly beautiful sunset.

This routine, developed over time and through much experimentation, has become my sacred writing ritual. It allows me to consistently produce work that I feel truly represents my voice and vision as a writer. While it may seem rigid to some, I find that this structure actually provides the freedom and space for my creativity to flourish. In the words of Maya Angelou, "What I try to do is write. I may write for two weeks 'the cat sat on the mat, that is that, not a rat.' And it might be just the most boring and awful stuff. But I try. When I'm writing, I write. And then it's as if the muse is convinced that I'm serious and says, "Okay. Okay. I'll come."

Do you have writing routine?