Does the ‘perfect’ writing schedule exist?

I’ll answer that right away: no, it doesn’t.  Or at least, there’s no such thing as one ‘perfect’ writing schedule that suits each and every writer just the same.

You’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise, though.  Especially since we’re in January; that hallowed month of schedules, rituals, and plans.  Let’s face it, if you haven’t set yourself some sort of goal by now, you’re doing January all wrong.

(I’ve lost count of the amount of silly goals I’ve set myself in the misty Januaries of yore.  Things like cooking meals from scratch and doing yoga for 10 minutes every day… which would be fine, except I hate cooking and I hate yoga).

So by coming up with the ‘perfect’ writing schedule, you might think, you’ll FINALLY write that book you’ve been planning in your head for what feels like forever.

But… do you need a writing schedule at all?

Some people do.  Some people don’t.

I don’t, but I used to think I did.  This delusion led to many (many) years of hard scheduling and rigid routine-setting that never, ever worked and only made me feel like an utter failure.

The problem with scheduling writing for the sake of scheduling writing, is that you can easily end up paying more attention to your schedule than your writing.

First, you have to create the schedule in the first place.  For me, this is a time-consuming slog that involves ordering myself to be in a certain place at a certain time (something I will always rebel against).

Then, if you’re even five minutes late for a scheduled session, you can feel rushed and down.  Why couldn’t you just be on time, for a change?

And then, if something unexpected crops up and you have to miss that session entirely, it can feel tempting to throw the entire week into the bin.  It’s OK, you think, because “I’ll just start again on Monday.”

Meanwhile, actively trying to ‘eliminate distractions’ only makes me hyper-aware of each one, and setting a writing-timer means I’ve always got one eye on the clock.

(Is all that really just me?)

If you’re a ‘schedule and routine’ kind of person, you probably already know it.

In which case, try a few scheduling methods on for size – like Cal Newport’s super-organised Time Block Planner, for example.  Or simply look through your diary and identify where writing slots can be fitted in.

Build your ideal routine with productivity hints such as ‘pay yourself first’, or by taking a tip from established writers’ crazy rituals (though I wouldn’t go as far as eating rancid apples!)

I’d still advise you not to spend too much time creating your writing schedule or routine, though.  It’s a great way to procrastinate – I know this from experience – and really, only the actual writing counts.

If you care about your writing, relax and trust that you will do it.

It’s the only way.

The fanciest, most perfect-looking schedule won’t make you sit down and write.  You’ll always have to do that bit by yourself.

For me, freeing my mind from abstract clutter is key.  That means making sure my working days are organised.  It also means not checking my emails on evenings and weekends, and turning off random notifications during the day.

(That second point is a genuine revelation and I’d urge you to try it, whether you want to write or not).

Writing something big – like a book – can feel seriously overwhelming.

Whether you use a writing schedule or not, tackle your project in small chunks and keep on chipping away.

You’ll get there, I promise.

If you’d like some help, I offer flexible writing mentoring sessions that can include designing a schedule or routine that works for you…

…but that mostly focus on you, writing whatever it is you really, really want to write.