I write in the morning before the sun wakes up. For that matter, I write before anyone wakes up. Or anyone has the compulsion to email, text, or call.

This hour before dawn is like a secret room that only I have access to. That means I can type at my computer without interruption. I can let my imagination go without worrying it will fall or get lost or chase a butterfly. I can plot a new novel or write a new scene or edit a chapter without feeling guilty that I have shut my door to the world.

This practice started when I was commuting and working a structured full-time job. I would wake up at 5 or 5:30am—depending on how many times I pressed the snooze button—and give myself the space to write. I would drink coffee and stare at things and write some words until eventually I began to associate the morning with writing.

I’ll be the first to admit, this was hard. I’m not a morning person. I don’t enjoy being awake when it’s dark outside. Sometimes I’d stare at a blank Word document. But eventually, I began to enjoy it. Well, after the getting out of bed part.

Now, even though I no longer commute and I work for myself, I still maintain the practice. Turns out, for me, it’s easiest to focus on writing when I don’t feel guilty about not responding to people. No one expects a response at 5:30am. (If they do, you should unfriend them. Immediately. No, no just don’t respond until later. They’ll get the idea.)

Some authors will write all morning then exercise and move on to other things in the afternoon. Stephen King follows this routine. How do I know? We’re basically best friends. And he talks about it in his book On Writing. Other authors find they do best at night after dinner or when the kids are in bed. Still others prefer to write at lunch.

The point is, I recommend finding a time that works for you. Try out different times in the day for a few weeks and see what you think. Your brain will start to associate that particular time with writing and you’ll be able to dive in faster.

Also, by creating a routine, you’ll get the added benefit of showing up even when your motivation or inspiration might be lacking. You’ll show up because it’s your everyday practice to do so. And by showing up each day, you’ll leave a crack in the door that inspiration will sometimes slip through.

What is your writing routine? What time of day works best for you?

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