If you're starting out as a writer or you don't know where to start, it's okay to emulate successful authors and their routines, at least until you find a schedule and routine that works best for you and your lifestyle. Perhaps you would like to get your writing done first thing in the morning like Ryan Holiday. Or you won't stop until you've written a thousand words like me. Another author who has a strict routine is Brandon Sanderson, the bestselling author of the Mistborn series and the Stormlight Archive. Sanderson is known for his incredible productivity and the quality of his writing. So, let's take a peek into his writing routine and see what we can learn from it.
Sanderson is known for his disciplined approach to writing. He treats it like a job and sets aside specific hours every day to work on his projects. He typically works from 9 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm, with a break for lunch in between. During this time, he aims to write around 2,000 words per day.
But writing isn't the only thing he does during those hours. Sanderson also spends time planning and outlining his stories, doing research, and editing his work. He believes that the time spent outlining and planning is just as important as the time spent writing, and it helps him create a cohesive and compelling story.
Sanderson is also a big believer in setting goals and tracking his progress. He sets daily and weekly word count goals for himself and uses a spreadsheet to keep track of his progress. This helps him stay motivated and focused, and it also allows him to see how far he's come and how much more he needs to do to reach his goals.
Though it's not something I would recommend for a new or aspiring author, Sanderson's routine is that he often works on multiple projects at the same time. He finds that working on different projects keeps his creativity flowing and helps him avoid burnout. For example, he might spend a few hours working on his latest novel, then switch to a different project like a novella or a short story.
Of course, Brandon Sanderson's routine won't work for everyone. Every writer is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, there are some valuable lessons we can learn from Sanderson's approach to writing: discipline, goal-setting, and the importance of planning and outlining.
So, if you're struggling to establish a writing routine, take some inspiration from Brandon Sanderson and find a schedule that works for you. Set goals, track your progress, and don't be afraid to try different approaches until you find the one that works best for you.
-Andrew
The Indie Author Method
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