Ever wondered what writers really do all day? It’s not all coffee and typewriters.
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| Photo by Ekaterina Fedulyeva from iStock |
"What do writers even do all day?"
People often ask this with raised brows, imagining me curled up in a cozy nook, sipping tea, lost in poetic thought.
Writing is a blend of discipline, doubt, creativity, and coffee. Yes, coffee still plays a part.
So, let me take you through a day in my life as a writer - messy, mindful, and meaningful.
Morning: Stillness, Scripture, and Sparks of Ideas
My day begins at 6 a.m., not with a blinking cursor, but with the Bible. It’s my first book of the day. Without it, I feel like I’ve skipped breakfast for the soul.
Next, I journal.
I write about yesterday, what went well, what didn’t, and lay out goals for the new day. This daily ritual clears the fog in my mind and makes space for creativity to flow.
The silence of early morning is magical. It’s where my thoughts run wild, and inspiration shows up unannounced. I don’t waste that moment; I jot down every idea, no matter how random, in my notepad.
Then comes exercise.
Not just for fitness, but to sharpen my mind. Movement helps me think better, write clearly, and sit longer when the real work begins.
Midday: Messy Drafts, Guilty Focus & Music on Repeat
This is when I dive into the actual writing, mostly client work. I research, brainstorm, and type. I don’t try to be perfect on the first go. Honestly, I’ve learned that every polished sentence once started out rough, awkward, or just plain bad.
Behind every “perfect” article is a chaotic first draft.
When I’m working on something important, music helps. I often enjoy calm, lo-fi, or instrumental playlists. But truth be told, "guilt" is sometimes my biggest motivator. If a client task is pending, no playlist can relax me until it’s done. You feel me?
I also spend time writing blog posts (like this one!), shaping topics that reflect my journey, thoughts, and what I’m learning as a writer.
But after hours of typing, my energy dips.
So, I pause.
Sometimes I scroll through social media, other times I read articles, or watch inspirational videos. It’s not always productive, but it’s honest.
Afternoon & Evening: Brand Building, Boundaries, and Bookish Nights
Later in the day, I switch gears. I manage my LinkedIn presence. I read, comment, respond to DMs, connect with fellow writers, and join meaningful conversations.
It doesn't drain me like client work can.
Why? Because I read posts that inspire, teach, and challenge me. My creativity feels seen.
By evening, I return to the fictional world I’m building - my novel. Strangely, my best ideas come when the lights are low and the world is quiet again. It’s like my imagination knows when it’s safe to play.
Before bed, I read.
Even a single chapter is enough to expand my perspective and end the day with something new in my mind.
What Writing Has Taught Me
Yes, I struggle with writer’s block.
Yes, I have days when I write nothing useful.
But I’ve learned that stepping away is sometimes part of the process, not a sign of failure.
Writing is how I:
- Express myself
- Make sense of my thoughts
- Share my voice
- And remind myself that I know something worth saying.
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| Photo by Strelciuc Dumitru from iStock |
This daily rhythm may look simple, but it’s what keeps my creativity alive. The more I show up, the more ideas come, often when I least expect them.
Breaking the "Perfect Writer" Myth
I used to believe writers needed a cozy corner, a fancy desk, or perfect conditions. But now I know: I can write in imperfect spaces, with messy thoughts, and noisy minds.
The only perfect condition is showing up again and again.
Over to You
Writers: How do you structure your day? Do you have a morning ritual or a go-to productivity hack?
Non-writers: What part of this surprised you the most?
Let’s talk in the comments. I’d love to hear your perspective.
And if you enjoyed this peek into my writing routine, stick around! There's more to come.
I'll be sharing more posts like this, real-life stories, writing tips, and the behind-the-scenes of building a writer's life.
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