Do you have effective writing rituals? Maybe I should ask, ‘Do you even have any writing rituals?’ Many people have writing rituals that they’re not even aware of. Others just sit down and write when they have time.
You may not realize it, but writing rituals are actually a great way to kick-start your writing. They help inspire creativity. They can start a routine to help you get in the mindset and frame of being creative and producing copy. After all, writing is a skill (just like playing a sport or a musical instrument) and the more you practice the better you get. Having some rituals will help that repetition and get the process flowing.
Here are three effective writing rituals to consider.
#1 A shot of caffeine
It may sound cliche but there’s something soothing and invigorating about a cup of coffee (have you tried Death Wish Coffee yet?). You can even make it a slightly decadent ritual and make a cappuccino, or drink your favorite tea instead. Of course, if coffee or tea isn’t your thing, consider a different drink. Perhaps a glass of sparking water or a smoothie.
It’s not really the drink that matters but the ritual. The process of making the beverage helps set the stage. You’ll probably begin thinking about your writing while you’re brewing your coffee or making your smoothie. Then, once you sit down at your desk you are already in the right mindset.
#2 A breath of fresh air
There’s something about sunshine and fresh air that stimulates creativity. It gets the blood pumping through your veins and into your brain. Embrace the out of doors and take a walk before you sit down to write. You can also take a walk in the middle of your writing workout to refresh and re-energize.
If the weather isn’t cooperating with your ritual, consider doing yoga or stretching for a few minutes indoors. The goal is to get your heart pumping and the blood flowing. It stimulates your brain and your creative energy.
#3 Outlining
The process of outlining your content accomplishes several things at once. It’s an effective ritual that can help you get in the right frame of mind. It’s also a great way to ensure a smooth writing process. If you sit down first to outline all of the articles, blog posts or reports you’re writing, then writing them is actually quite easy. You already know what you want to say.
Outlining doesn’t have to be elaborate either. You might simply write the headlines and sub-headlines for your content. Or if you do prefer to fill in the details, you can embrace a more formal outlining process.
Having effective writing rituals are incredible. Take a look at what you normally do before you sit down to write. If you don’t have a ritual, try one of these three or create one of your own. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
What are your effective writing rituals that you can share? Leave a comment below!
I have a wonderful plan that I follow, it took me some time to perfect it but works for me.
If it works, it works! Stick with it, Brenda!
Mine is pretty simple. I have to have the area that I’m writing in clean and tidy. I can’t focus on my writing otherwise.
I cannot boast that I have a clean desk… But I can focus and not put my attention on the junk that might be around me.
I am happy to note that I have all three in the bag – Yipee!!
And yes all three help a lot!
AWESOME! The perfect Trifecta!
I write best late at night – no risk of interruptions, unless it’s an emergency.
I keep a notebook with me to jot down ideas, otherwise I’ll forget most of them.
I totally agree with the steaming hot cup of strong coffee – or whatever your fave beverage might be.
And I’m up and walking around at least once every 1/2 hr. And I find if I get out in the fresh air, I’m better able to arrange my thoughts.
And when I’m posting, I have a step-by-step routine to get the post finished – before I hit Publish.
That is one thing I think I should do better… keep a notebook with me at all times. I think I would jot down more notes if I did. When I find I really need to keep track of a good idea, I open up Evernote on my iPhone.
I’m not sure I do have an official ritual, but these are all popular, effective ones. Fresh air, especially, helps with all kinds of thinking.
Fresh air helps A LOT of things, Alana! Thanks for sharing!
I was not practicing these things, but certainly will try now.Thank you.
Try them out, Mahesh! See if they work for you. If not, look for something else! Let me know how it works out!
Having the pressure of a deadline helps me focus, I’ve found. Aside from that, I’m on board with the coffee and fresh air. I should do more outlining, especially if I get stuck. Good suggestion!
Glad you liked these simple suggestions, Susan! I do a lot of outlining. I find it easier to come up with the concepts, and then fill in the details! Thanks for stopping by!
The best ritual I have adopted came to me from another writer friend: “Ass in chair!” LOL
I find that just getting myself seated at my desk is often enough to get me writing. If I find myself getting distracted by too many to-do tasks at home I will sometimes head to the library or a coffee shop to write.
Many times, a change of scenery helps break things up! 馃檪