Developing a Daily Writing Practice
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
As aspiring writers, we often get carried away by the notion of getting published. And when we focus on chasing opportunities for publication, we tend to forget the real essence of creative writing: self-expression, learning, growth, and artistry. In this article, I’ll delve into the process of creating a daily writing practice and discuss how to effectively develop a habit, as well as explore the benefits of having the right attitude and mindset when it comes to learning and growing as a creative writer.
Considering a Daily Writing Practice?
Ideally, you’re on the road to developing a daily writing practice, but don’t worry if this is a tall order for you at this point in your writing journey. Writing is a habit and the good news is—habits can be built. A daily writing practice allows us to nurture our creativity, hone our skills, and exercise our brain muscles in a way that helps us continue showing up to our creativity. When you’ve established a writing habit, you don’t have to depend on the muse or wrestle with writer’s block. Inspiration visits the writer at work, not the one waiting to be struck by insight. The more you practice, the less you might suffer fear of judgment, too, as you will become more confident in your skills.
The Daily Writing Practice Mindset
Having the right attitude and mindset is essential to a daily writing practice. The goal is not about chasing publication or external validation, though. Instead, the writing journey is all about learning, growing, and nurturing the creative writer within. Aspiring writers should focus on the process of writing, rather than the outcome.
Writing is no easy feat, and at times it can feel disheartening. However, the low points often teach us valuable lessons about ourselves and our craft. We learn to value the importance of perseverance, self-reflection, and continue to push ourselves outside our comfort zones. The more we play around and experiment, the more we loosen up and embrace the wide range of creative options available to us.
To help overcome vulnerability, blocks, and the self-criticism inherent in a daily writing practice, treat yourself with kindness and patience. Those negative thoughts we might have about our writing do not define us. Instead, we should embrace the lows as opportunities for growth and appreciate the small victories along the way. If you fall in love with the process, you set yourself up not only for a daily writing practice, but a lifelong sense of creative purpose.
Why a Daily Writing Practice Might Not be For You
All this said, not everyone is ready to take on the challenge of a daily writing practice. Setting such a rigorous goal for yourself might feel like it's too much pressure or too overwhelming. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing, and it's up to you to find what works best for you. Try fifteen minutes every few days or half an hour on weekends. Whatever helps you get going toward your eventual goal, whether it’s daily, weekly, or on your own schedule.
Developing a daily writing practice is no easy feat, but one can also be an incredibly fulfilling way to learn, grow and thrive in our craft. Mindset and attitude are important, as are self-reflection, perseverance, and self-compassion. We nurture the creative writer within us, changing the outlook of chasing publication to pursuing our creative expression. By embracing daily writing practice, or whatever our schedule allows, we become the best versions of ourselves, and we continually build on our intentions and skills. Nobody’s going to do it but you, so what are you waiting for?
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