As a person with ADD, I struggle to keep a consistent writing habit. My brain seems to flow from topic to topic all by itself sometimes. I start out writing and, almost without knowing how, I’m watching Let’s Make a Deal, or doing the laundry in the basement while my characters glare at me from inside my head.
Over the years, I’ve started doing some things that stack the odds in favor of getting my daily work count done.
Is a routine really necessary for good writing?
Yes and no.
The biggest step is actually writing. It doesn’t matter how, or where- on a laptop or in a notebook, at a cafe or in your bedroom.
The constant in my day is that I get words on a page- any page. I even manage to write at my job at the local supermarket!
However, when I am home, I like to set the stage, starting with my ‘writing area.’
Write where you are comfy
I have a nice writing desk. And there is a lovely coffee nook in the kitchen I could use.
But you know what works for me? Blankets and cushions and lots of dogs cuddling me.
It’s all about the atmosphere, baby!
I also have a great pair of headphones- over the ears, not earbuds, with noise canceling ability. These are a must for me, because they separate me from the world and let me focus on what’s in my head. Half the time I don’t even have music playing.
The other half of the time I am listening to what I feel is the best kept secret on the internet: ambient music. Okay, maybe it’s not a secret- but I only discovered it about six months ago, and for me it’s been a game changer.
It started when I couldn’t go to coffee shops to write (gasp!) I found actual sounds of a coffee shop for writing on YouTube. It went on from there.
Fantasy ambient music.
Narnia ambient music.
The hobbit.
Steampunk.
If you can imagine it, ambient music based on it is probably on YouTube. Gorgeous instrumental music to set the mood for whatever scene you are writing.
I will leave you with a list of my favorite music to use when I write.
Are there any things you do to help reach your writing goals? I’d love to hear! Comment below!
Cheers!
Just checked out the ambient music recs., OMG, they are so good. Going to use them daily. I like to listen to instrumental movie soundtracks, but these are way better. If you find other cool ones, I wouldn't mind a full post on ambient music