Often it helps to set aside a specific chunk of time in your schedule when you know you will be free. Early mornings when you first wake up might be best (maybe your day hasn’t gotten crazily busy yet) or evenings might work for you if that’s when you have free time (maybe right before you go to bed if you’re not too tired).
Writing, Copywriting, & Marketing Strategies

# How to Develop a Daily Writing Habit: 7 Effective Strategies

Ray Bradbury once stated, “I know you’ve heard it a thousand times before. But it’s true — hard work pays off. If you want to be good, you have to practice, practice, practice.”

If you need thousands of hours of practice to become an expert at your craft, then writing every day is the quickest way to start racking up those hours in order to become a master wordsmith.

Writing daily has other benefits besides helping you sharpen your writing skills.

It forces you to clarify your thoughts and arrange them logically. It helps you become a more creative person because you must think up new ideas each day to write about. And, finally, it gives you a constructive way to redeem the time by training you to work productively every day.

Of course, if you’re not used to writing regularly, you’ll probably find it difficult at first. I know I did. I’d make excuses that I didn’t have enough time that day, that I wasn’t inspired, that I had just finished a project and had no idea what to write about next, that I was suffering from an incurable form of writer’s block.

However, these are all bad excuses. Writing every day actually boosts your creativity and helps you overcome writer’s block. Writer’s block is more difficult to beat if you write only sporadically because then writing is unnatural rather than being second nature.

Ultimately, when you start writing every day, eventually it becomes easier and easier to write every day.

Now I make sure to write something every day: it might just be an entry in my journal or it might be several paragraphs of a new article or a new short story.

Here are the seven steps that help me write every day.

## 1. Make It A Habit

If you are going to train yourself to write consistently every day, it must become a habit like eating dinner or brushing your teeth. Work it into your schedule so that it becomes something that you truly miss if you forget to do it.

Often it helps to set aside a specific chunk of time in your schedule when you know you will be free. Early mornings when you first wake up might be best (maybe your day hasn’t gotten crazily busy yet) or evenings might work for you if that’s when you have free time (maybe right before you go to bed if you’re not too tired).

The important thing is to choose a block of time (say, 8:30 in the morning or 4:00 in the afternoon) and always write at that time. Your brain will become so used to writing at 8:30 that it will automatically focuse and switch into “writing mode” at 8:30 in the morning.

Now, if writing at a specific time doesn’t work for you, try choosing a special place to write and always return to that place when it’s time for your writing sessions. This should be a relatively quiet place where you know you will be able to write for a set period of time and not be disturbed.

If you have trouble focusing, try timing your writing sessions with the Pomodoro technique. I wrote an article about the Pomodoro technique here.

When I’m struggling to focus on my writing, I like to play a piece of music that’s a specific length, say, thirty or forty minutes. I tell myself that I have to write until the music ends. There is one movie soundtrack I’ve listened to so many times during my writing sessions that now, as soon as I start playing it, I feel eager to start writing.

(Listening to a specific piece of music is a type of writing ritual. I wrote more about how rituals can awaken your creativity in my article here.)

This is how Ernest Hemingway described his daily writing practice:

I love Hemingway’s advice for not using up all of one’s inspiration. If you’re working on a piece of writing that isn’t finished by the end of your writing session, make sure you leave off at a place where you still have an idea of how you want to move forward the next day.

This will prevent writer’s block.

## 2. Start Small

As I mentioned before, if you’re not used to writing daily, you’ll probably find it a bit difficult to stay on track when you first start out. Don’t let that discourage you.

You obviously don’t have to write a novel in your first week, and you certainly don’t have to write for two hours each day. The important thing as you take your beginning steps is just to write, to feel the words flowing from your fingers.

Set small goals for yourself that you know you can accomplish and gradually build up to longer writing periods. That first week you might just challenge yourself to write for fifteen minutes each day or maybe just set a small word count goal for yourself. It can even be as small as 100 words.

Be careful though. Writing has a way of drawing you in, and soon you might be finding it harder to stop than it was to begin.

## 3. Find A Writing Partner

When I was in middle school, my friends and I started a writing club. We’d meet once a week and share the stories we were working on. This was a great way for us to stay motivated and receive feedback on our writing.

Now, I like to meet up occasionally with friends for writing sessions. It helps me to focus when I’m working on a story when I know my friend is busy writing too. If you enjoy working with others, then finding a writing partner might be the perfect way to keep you accountable to your daily writing sessions.

You might not be able to meet up with your friends for every single writing session, but they can certainly hold you accountable and can critique your writing and help you when you get stuck.

Writers sometimes find their best ideas when brainstorming with others.

## 4. Keep A Journal Or Start A Blog

You can also hold yourself accountable and watch your writing grow by keeping a journal or starting a blog on a free website like Medium or Substack (depending on whether you want to keep your writing private or share it with the world).

Blogging lets you share your writing with others. At first, you might be hesitant to share your work if you’re a newbie writer. But as you continue to write each day, you will become more and more confident with your writing ability and better able to teach and inspire others.Starting a daily writing habit isn’t as scary as it sounds

I don’t publish every day but sharing my writing on my blog and seeing that people are reading my writing does keep me motivated.

## 5. Use Writing Prompts

Inevitably, you may come to a writing session and really have no idea what to write about. This is a great time to use pre-written prompts. Just like an essay assignment, a short prompt tells you exactly what to write about.

I know some people who have gotten ideas for novels from work that they did while following a prompt.

If you write nonfiction, sign up for an account on Quora. You can follow topics related to your interests and see the kind of questions people are asking in those fields.

If you write fiction, a quick search on Google will turn up lots of websites with story prompts. I also sometimes search Pinterest for pictures and use them as prompts.

You can also steal Ray Bradbury’s method for banishing writer’s block. Onto a blank page jot down a list of nouns — any nouns that tumble from your fingers: “THE LAKE. THE NIGHT. THE CRICKETS. THE RAVINE.” Let the words spark memories and ideas for stories or new articles.

The lists don’t even have to be nouns. You can also write lists of your favorite books and movies, lists of places you’ve visited, lists of all the most interesting experiences you’ve had, lists of the things you love or hate.

## 6. Experiment With Different Kinds of Writing

Writing sessions are also a great time to experiment with different kinds of writing. If you usually write nonfiction, then why not spend a writing session trying your hand at fiction? Maybe attempt writing a poem or recounting a story that happened in your own life.

When you’re first starting out with your daily writing practice, try to find the type of writing that is easiest and most enjoyable for you, the kind of writing that you get excited for and look forward to each day.

You might want to try writing a novel (just for the fun of it). You’ll have to continue the story each day so you’ll always have something to write about.

## 7. Get Away From Your Desk And Gather Experiences

Sign up for a class to learn a new skill, pick up a new hobby, or maybe visit a place you’ve never been to before (it doesn’t have to be far away — it could just be the new restaurant that opened in your town). These experiences will give you more topics and ideas to write about. Reading books is another fantastic way to gather new topics to write about.

Julia Cameron observes in her book The Artist’s Way,

## The Takeaway

If you make time for your writing every single morning or afternoon or evening, despite the distractions and the craziness of your everyday life, and if you don’t give up when you miss a day, you will gradually develop a daily writing habit.

And that means that you will also develop an incredible amount of focus and determination and passion for your craft.

Steven Pressfield writes in The War of Art,

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to share it on social media or with a fellow writer who you think would enjoy it too. And if you’d like to support the blog, you can buy me a virtual coffee .

Thank you! Wishing you much success with your writing projects! God bless.

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### Comments

1. jishnu kpsays

   September 26, 2023 at 1:27 am

   I really enjoyed your article, I’m trying to commit more time to write more, and your article is very helpful.

   Reply

2. Mubaris Rahmansays

   March 21, 2023 at 3:15 am

   Dear Nicole Bianchi ,

   I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for writing such an informative and helpful post. “How to Develop a Daily Writing Habit: 7 Effective Strategies” was just what I needed to kick-start my writing routine, and I’ve already started implementing some of the strategies you outlined.

   Reply

3. Shanibasays

   February 24, 2023 at 1:56 am

   I completely agree with your coach’s emphasis on “Butt in chair” – it’s a straightforward but essential reminder that the act of doing the work is often the most challenging part of any creative endeavor.

   Reply

4. Don Karpsays

   February 5, 2023 at 10:44 pm

   I write every morning shortly after I get out of bed. But it is not what you propose. It is a type of automatic writing I stumbled across in Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way.” I write with pen and notebook very fast whatever enters my mind. The flow of ink on the page is the catalyst for exploring subconscious material. These few pages are not edited or ever even re-read. The benefit is in the present and not about the practice of becoming an author.

   Reply

   - Nicole Bianchisays

     February 7, 2023 at 12:40 pm

     I started writing morning pages after discovering Cameron’s book as well. But mine are more like a diary — I usually write about my creative projects and anything else I’m up to. I’ll use them to come up with ideas for a story, etc., and I do re-read the month’s entries at the end of the month. So, not quite the same as what she recommended, but I do find writing by hand first thing in the morning very helpful for creativity.

     Reply


5. Pulok Devsays

   January 11, 2023 at 9:34 am

   Very straightforward and inspirational that encourages amateurs to start writing even if they can’t

   Reply

6. Karimsays

   January 10, 2023 at 3:24 pm

   Nice blog post!

   I’m not a professional writer. But as a blogger, I have to devolp some writing habits. It’s hard to keep up with the digital writer’s block. You made a great points that are full of value.

   Thanks for sharing these amazing tips.

   Reply

   - Nicole Bianchisays

     February 7, 2023 at 12:40 pm

     Thanks, Karim!

     Reply


7. Archana Kumarisays

   January 10, 2023 at 11:35 am

   Thanks Nicole!

   I found my best blog.

   I was thinking to start writing as a habit and came through your blog ☺️

   Such a beautiful way you made this as an inspiration for many.

   Good luck 🤞

   Reply

8. Burhan Selmanisays

   January 9, 2023 at 7:22 pm

   Writing can be a therapeutic and cathartic activity that can help us to process our thoughts and emotions.

   Reply

9. Sebastian Isacsays

   January 9, 2023 at 7:19 am

   Very inspieinf

   Reply

10. Moyinoluwa Ogunjobisays

    January 9, 2023 at 5:58 am

    Nice article. Another point I would add is to read. Read often and read wide. This is because most accomplished writers are excellent readers. You should make sure to read a wide range of books. Read fiction, non-fiction, biographies, books on history, philosophy, etc.

    Reply

    - Nicole Bianchisays

      January 9, 2023 at 5:38 pm

      Thank you, Moyinoluwa! Absolutely agree about reading.

      Reply


11. Victoria Ogbonnasays

    January 8, 2023 at 5:42 pm

    Very interesting and encouraging. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

    - Johnsays

      January 8, 2023 at 9:43 pm

      Thanks! I just shared on Linked In, is that ok?

      John

      Reply

      - Catherine Jamessays

        January 9, 2023 at 4:53 am

        Sure. I just joined ĺinkedin.

        Reply

      - Nicole Bianchisays

        January 9, 2023 at 5:41 pm

        Yes, thank you for sharing on LinkedIn, John.

        Reply


    - Nicole Bianchisays

      January 9, 2023 at 5:38 pm

      Thank you, Victoria! I’m glad you found it encouraging.

      Reply


12. Idorenyin Bensonsays

    January 8, 2023 at 5:08 pm

    This is really made my day.

    I now have more reasons to create content, writer as often as i can.

    Reply

    - Nicole Bianchisays

      January 9, 2023 at 5:42 pm

      Fantastic! So glad to hear you found the article helpful, Idorenyin.

      Reply


13. Hailahsays

    January 8, 2023 at 5:23 am

    Very interesting and compelling to read your Article. Real inspiration for the person who loves to write. Keen observation , imagination and a quirky ideas are often present but to make it a regular habit is the key. You have provided with the ample guidance….. Thank you so much.

    Reply

    - Nicole Bianchisays

      January 9, 2023 at 5:43 pm

      Thank you for your kind comment, Hailah! I wish you all the best with your writing this year.

      Reply


14. Eric Madeensays

    January 8, 2023 at 2:32 am

    Happy New Year of the Water Rabbit, Nicole! As I’ve been distracted and blocked over winter break I’ve stalled out on starting back to work and starting a new work. Worse, my son’s bedroom is opposite my third floor garret and he keeps highly uneven hours and often calls questions, etc., to me when I’m in my working state. Plus I have a heavy teaching load at two universities so finding once again a precious consistent block of time is challenging. I just made a new year’s resolution to cut way back on Facebook NOW I need to get back to work writing. By the way I’ve published 6 books and sundry stories and articles. Perhaps I should work in longhand outside … to avoid family interruptions. Loved your advice!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!! With appreciation, Eric

    Reply

    - Nicole Bianchisays

      January 9, 2023 at 6:28 pm

      Happy New Year, Eric! Thank you. Hope you can find the best time to write for you. I know how difficult that can be. Wishing you all the best with your writing projects in 2023!

      Reply


15. Mark Bsays

    January 7, 2023 at 11:49 pm

    This are all great points. I had a coach that would constantly remind me of the very simple concept of “Butt in chair”. In other words, just sit down and write.

    Reply

    - Nicole Bianchisays

      January 9, 2023 at 5:46 pm

      Yes, that’s short and simple. I definitely agree, though sometimes I need to get away from my desk to gather inspiration first. Thanks, Mark.

      Reply


16. Khatijasays

    January 6, 2023 at 10:08 am

    Thanks for the motivation. I keep putting off my writing until tomorrow. God willing I WILL start tomorrow Saturday 7 January 2034

    Reply

    - Khatijasays

      January 6, 2023 at 10:09 am

      Thanks for the motivation. I keep putting off my writing until tomorrow. God willing I WILL start tomorrow Saturday 7 January 2023

      Reply

      - Nicole Bianchisays

        January 6, 2023 at 4:30 pm

        Cheering you on, Khatija! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed this blog post.

        Reply



17. Gerrard Foulkessays

    January 6, 2023 at 7:58 am

    I really enjoyed your article, I’m trying to commit more time to write more, and I have found your article very helpful.

    Reply

    - Nicole Bianchisays

      January 6, 2023 at 4:31 pm

      Thank you, Gerrard! Happy to hear it helped you.

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Nicole! I help creatives, business owners, and writers take their writing and copywriting to the next level and grow their online audience. I’m also a published writer of essays and short stories. As a Christian, I seek to follow in the tradition of artists like Johann Sebastian Bach, dedicating all my work Soli Deo gloria.

•••“My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.”__– Psalm 45:1

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