How Published Authors Stay Unstuck

When it comes to writer’s block, accomplished authors know the truth: The best defense is a good offense. Across genres—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or memoir—professional writers agree that developing a well-defined writing practice is the most powerful tool to prevent writer’s block, keep ideas flowing, and stop the page from going blank in the first place.

According to Megan Baxter, award-winning author and creator of many of Interlochen Online’s writing courses, building a writing practice is an important part of developing your craft. The term "writing practice" refers to the specifics of where, when, and how you write. The writing practices of famous authors are often studied by aspiring writers. For instance, Ernest Hemingway wrote 500 words a day. While it can be interesting to learn about other people's writing practices, it's essential to remember that these practices were developed over time by individuals. It's what worked for them, and that doesn't mean that it should, or will, work for you.

How to Write

Your writing practice should reflect your personal habits, space, and focus. Do you write best in 15-minute bursts? Or do you find you need a solid hour to immerse yourself in a story? Once you are aware of your most effective time frame for creative work, you can schedule your writing time accordingly. There's no reason to sit in front of your computer for two hours if you only are able to focus for 30 minutes! And if you know you need at least an hour to connect with your writing, then trying to work in 30-minute sessions isn't going to help you at all.

When to Write

You'll also want to observe whether you write best in the morning, afternoon, or evening. “I write best in the morning and, by about 3 p.m., I've lost all ability to focus on creative work,” Megan says. “If I'm scheduling a writing day, I'll reserve the early morning for generating new text and the afternoon for editing and reading.”

Where to Write

Setting up a space can also help you focus on your writing practice. Some people enjoy a bit of distraction while they are writing and others need complete quiet. Many writers find that having a spot reserved in their house just for creative work helps them focus. You might have a special stone, candle, or photo that you like to keep near you for inspiration, or you might find that a busy public library or coffee shop creates the best writing environment.

Jeni McFarland, author of Interlochen Online’s Introduction to Creative Writing course, also advocates for the critical importance of developing a writing practice:

“At the end of the day, there is really only one thing writers all have in common: We write. Those who are most successful tend to write often, and many try to write most days. One reason for this is to keep your work in the back of your mind, so that your subconscious is always mulling things over. It’s also helpful in keeping the ‘brain queue’ clear. The brain queue is all the thoughts you have in your head that you’re trying to process. Getting those thoughts on the page helps you process each thought and move on to the next.

A daily writing practice doesn’t have to look like you at your desk for five hours a day. It could be you jotting down ideas in a little notebook you keep in your back pocket. Or you sitting down for 20 minutes with your computer. Or even, texting yourself lines, or phrases, or thoughts when they come to you. So grab your writing implement of choice, and get writing!”

Remember: There's no right way to go about establishing your writing practice. It's all about you. So don't try to replicate what you think a writer's practice should look like. Just pay attention to what works best for you.