Welcome to another edition of The Indie Author Method. Today, we delve into a powerful secret that many successful authors swear by: rising early and starting the day strong. Let's explore why this habit can play a crucial role in your writing journey.
As Benjamin Franklin, one of America's Founding Fathers and prolific writer, famously said, "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." Although this quote isn't from a traditional author, Franklin's wisdom speaks to the heart of productivity and can apply seamlessly to any writer's routine.
Waking up early gives you quiet, uninterrupted time to focus on your writing, plan your day, and mentally prepare for the journey ahead. It provides a clean slate before the hustle and bustle of the day begins, offering solitude that is often a friend of creativity. It's a time when you can pour out your ideas onto the page without distractions.
Prolific novelist Ernest Hemingway famously said, "When I am working on a book or a story, I write every morning as soon after first light as possible. There is no one to disturb you, and it is cool or cold, and you come to your work and warm as you write."
Being an early riser doesn't mean you sacrifice sleep. It's about shifting your schedule to capitalize on the peace and quiet of the early morning. Adequate sleep is necessary for good health and optimal brain function, so ensure you get enough of it.
Bestselling author Murakami Haruki has this to say about waking up early: "When I'm in writing mode for a novel, I get up at four a.m. and work for five to six hours. In the afternoon, I run for ten kilometers or swim for fifteen hundred meters (or do both), then I read a bit and listen to some music. I go to bed at nine p.m."
Like Murakami, you can use the early morning to solidify your writing habits. Make a routine that works for you and stick to it. Writing is a craft that requires consistency, discipline, and practice.
Remember, every day is an opportunity to create something remarkable. Whether you rise early or not, make sure you begin your day strong and motivated. Your dreams are worth it.
-Andrew
The Indie Author Method
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