Was always told writing routines kill creativity but I tried one for 30 days and my output doubled

I spent years thinking writing prompts and daily word goals were just for people who can't come up with ideas naturally. Then I had a month where I couldn't finish a single short story. Out of desperation I tried that whole "write 500 words every morning" thing. Ended up with 4 finished pieces in 30 days. But I still see posts on here arguing routines make writing feel like a chore. So which is it? Does structure help or just box you in? Has anyone else flipped their opinion on this?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_keith1mo agoMost Upvoted

Hold up, 7am? Every single day? Man, I can barely form a sentence before noon without at least two cups of coffee. That's impressive but also kind of terrifying. I tried forcing myself to write at the same time a while back and I just stared at a blank screen for 45 minutes before giving up and playing a video game instead. Different strokes I guess but 7am is like the middle of the night for me, I don't know how you do it without your brain trying to sabotage you.

james6611mo ago

Oh man, I gotta disagree a bit with the idea that routines are only for people who can't come up with ideas. I mean, I used to think that too, but what I've noticed is that having a set time to write actually helps me catch the ideas that are already floating around in my head. Like, before my routine, I'd wait around for inspiration to strike, but it never did. Now I just sit down at 7am every day and stuff starts coming out, even if it's not great at first.