Everyone’s writing system is different.
Some people love writing in the morning. Others, like me, try to write in the morning before the kids wake up, and chaos ensues.
Your writing system depends on who you are and where you are in your life. The goal is to implement a system that forces you to write.
As far as I can tell, here’s how to best develop a writing system.
Create a Writing Routine for At Least 30 Minutes
You don’t have to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to write.
While I love mornings, I know that not everyone is a morning person. Besides, it doesn’t matter as much when you write. What’s more important is that it happens.
That’s why I have a rule of writing for at least 30 minutes a day.
Creating that writing habit is most important. You’re creating consistency that builds on each other. James Clear did that when he wrote two articles a week.
Your goal is to build a writing routine that helps you put in the repetitions of what it means to write consistently.
Learn Where to Capture Ideas
Conversations with friends. Reading books and articles. Listening to podcasts and speeches (my favorite).
They all help you capture ideas. You’re listening intensively. Be an active notetaker of ideas. Write them down on your phone. Or go old-school and carry a notebook with you everywhere you go.
When you capture ideas, you capture creativity.
The more you do this, the more you realize that ideas come from everywhere. It’s your job to find them and capture them.
Master the Art of Editing
Editing your writing is art.
My golden rule for editing is to take a break. Your brain needs breaks. You see things differently when you don’t look at the exact words over and over again.
I like to think of writing and editing as opposites — Write fast. Edit slow. Get the words out on the paper. And then edit for word choice, clarity, voice, structure, and style.
Don’t Worry About Your Tech Stack
A few years ago, I wanted to know what tools other writers were using to write every day.
I soon realized that tools don’t make a writer.
AI, Grammarly, Hemingway App, and other tools don’t make the writer. You make the writer. Your ideas define your writing. These tools can make it easier to achieve clarity, but you ultimately form those words.
You’re the writer. You’re the storyteller. You’re the one that breathes life into your writing.
Find Your Writing System
The best writing system isn’t complicated. It comes down to mastering three things:
- Write
- Edit
- Publish
The more you do this, the more you learn about yourself. It’s a journey. It’s an exploration of your ideas. Something to remember is that there is no perfect writing system.
Everyone’s figuring it out. The best writers are learning what to do next in their journey. Don’t be afraid to start your journey.
Start writing.