Building a Writing Habit: Show Up for Your Words
- Deborah Ann Martin
- Jun 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Some days, I wake up ready to write a book, launch a blog, publish poems, and finish a workbook—all before noon.
Other days, I open my laptop, stare at the blinking cursor, and suddenly remember 10 other things I should be doing. I tell myself I’ll write tomorrow. Then tomorrow comes... and it starts again. If you’ve ever felt that way, this blog is for you.
Building a writing habit isn’t just about productivity—it’s about honoring your voice, your goals, and the stories only you can tell. Whether you're a brand-new blogger or someone who’s written for years, finding a routine that works for you can make all the difference.
I’m still learning, too.
Why Habits Beat Motivation
Motivation is great—when it shows up. But habits are what carry you through the days when motivation is nowhere to be found.
If you’ve ever said, “I feel like writing today,” then you know the danger of relying on moods. Our moods shift. Life gets busy. The dog needs a walk, the laundry pile grows, and the job gets loud. And writing? It becomes the thing you’ll do “later.”
The truth? Writers who finish projects aren’t always more inspired. They’re more intentional.
Real Talk: My Blogging Struggle
I started this writing blog because I wanted to share my journey. I’ve written poetry for years, and after being diagnosed with cancer, writing became my outlet, my healing. But blogging? That was new. And finding time to sit down, organize thoughts, and stay consistent—especially with everything else I have going on—has been a real challenge.
Some days I’m all in. Other days, I feel scattered. But every time I do show up to write, I leave feeling proud—and that’s what keeps me coming back.
What Counts as Writing?
If you're picturing a quiet cabin in the woods, hours of peace, and a leather-bound notebook, let’s bring it back to reality. Writing doesn’t have to be fancy to count.
Here’s what counts:
A five-minute journal entry
Scribbling a poem in your car before work
Freewriting a blog idea on your phone
Brain-dumping in a notebook just to clear your mind
Editing one paragraph of something you already wrote
Writing doesn’t have to be perfect or even shared. It just has to exist.
Tips to Build Your Writing Habit
Consistency doesn’t mean writing every single day. It means creating a rhythm that works for your real life. Start small, keep it simple, and adjust as you go.
1. Set a Timer
Start with 10 minutes. That’s it. Set a timer, open a notebook or app, and write anything. No expectations. Just get your thoughts out.
Example:“Today I don’t even want to write, but I’m here anyway…”
That counts. That matters.
2. Create a Writing Space
Your space doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours. A favorite chair, a certain candle, a playlist that calms your brain—create an environment that gently invites you in.
Tip: Keep your writing tools (pen, notebook, laptop) ready and visible.
3. Use Prompts or Structure
If the blank page feels intimidating, use a prompt. That’s why I include them in every blog. Prompts give your brain a starting line. Also, try using the same journal structure every day (like “Today I feel…” → “One thing I noticed…” → “One thing I want to remember…”).
4. Attach It to Something You Already Do
This is called habit stacking. Pair writing with something you already do regularly.
Examples:
After morning coffee = 10 minutes of journaling
Before bed = reflect on the day in writing
After your favorite TV show = write down one idea it gave you
How to Stay Consistent When Life Gets Loud
Consistency doesn’t mean perfection. It means returning—even after you miss a day (or ten).
• Use a Writing Streak Tracker
Mark every day you write on a calendar or use a habit app like Streaks or Done. Seeing your progress can be motivating.
• Celebrate Small Wins
Finished a journal entry? That’s a win. Wrote 50 words for your blog? Another win. Every act of writing is a deposit in your writing account.
• Be Honest with Your Season
Some seasons of life are loud and messy. New babies. New jobs. Health challenges. Give yourself permission to adjust your routine, not abandon it.
How to Stay Consistent When Life Gets Loud
You don’t have to earn your way back into writing. You just have to show up.
• Grace Over Guilt
Shame doesn’t make you a better writer. It just makes you avoid the page longer. Give yourself the same compassion you’d give a friend.
• Reflection Over Punishment
Instead of scolding yourself, ask, “What got in the way?” Were you too tired? Overwhelmed? Not inspired? Identify the block without judgment.
• Restart with Curiosity
Don’t jump in with a big project right away. Start small again. Write about what’s been going on. Or write about why it’s hard to write. That honesty is writing.
If You Feel All Over the Place... You’re Not Alone
This part’s especially personal.
I want to blog. I want to write poetry. I want to publish books and workbooks, and do it all with Google watching so I don’t lose momentum.
But I also get overwhelmed. I lose focus. One day, I’m on fire. The next day, I couldn’t even open my laptop.
Some of you might feel the same.
So here’s what I’m learning: I don’t have to do it all at once. I don’t need a perfect plan. I just need to show up and write the next thing. One blog. One poem. One paragraph.
Writing is still here, waiting for me when I’m ready. And it’ll be there for you too.
The Prompt Corner
The Prompt Corner is a special place to encourage writing. Whether you’re new or experienced, prompts help you dig deeper. Try one or all five and see what sparks.
Here are five prompts to explore your writing habits and rhythms:
What’s one thing that makes writing harder for you? Be honest.
What part of writing brings you joy, even on tough days?
Describe your ideal writing day—even if it sounds impossible.
When was the last time you felt proud of something you wrote? What was it?
Write a letter to your future writing self: What do you hope for them?
Voice grows with practice. The more you use it, the clearer it becomes.
Free & Paid Tools to Support Your Writing
Each week, we suggest writing tools to help you grow. Explore these to see which ones help you build your routine.
Written Kitten – Type your words, and get a new kitten photo every 100 words. Fun motivation!
750 Words – Daily writing tool that helps you stay on track with a private writing habit.
Streaks – Habit tracker to keep your writing streak alive.
Notion – Great for organizing your writing calendar, blog ideas, and works in progress.
Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to use them, it helps support our website at no extra cost to you. Want more tools? Check out the full list in the Resources tab of our site.
Want more tools? Check out the full list of writing resources on the resource page on our website.
Write with Us: Because No One Can Write Like You
You don’t have to write every day. You just have to return when you can.
If you’ve been waiting for a perfect time to write—stop waiting. There’s no perfect. Just progress.
Join our Groups to share your goals, find accountability, and be reminded: you are not alone in this.
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