Join today’s dialogue as we begin to unpack how we can build a creative life that truly works for us throughout August. This week’s Dialoguers chat is now open!
I'm a firm believer in setting a routine for my creative time. It works, and I've managed to write my first 3 books (my memoir and 2 crime fiction novels) in as many years! I get up at 5 a.m. every day. During the week, I can only invest an hour, but on weekends, I extend the writing time through the morning. The "5 a.m. club" isn't an original concept. Actually, I learned of it years ago when I met Mary Higgins Clark—and she shared in her memoir that the only way she could raise her young children as a single mom and also manage to write was to get up early before the day got started. This greatly inspired me, and I said to myself, "One day, that's how I'm going to do it." Fast-forward, and I've now put it in motion. But I will always add as my caveat that everyone has to protect the best pocket of time that works for them!
That's amazing! Well done! I also do my writing first thing every morning, but after I walk my dog and get in my morning workout. And I think the caveat you mentioned is important to remember. Even if you don't work in the AM, carving out time is what counts. I used to be a night owl and could only work after ten PM, but that was when I was younger. I find the quiet mornings provide the same type of environment for me now though, which also works!
I'm a firm believer in setting a routine for my creative time. It works, and I've managed to write my first 3 books (my memoir and 2 crime fiction novels) in as many years! I get up at 5 a.m. every day. During the week, I can only invest an hour, but on weekends, I extend the writing time through the morning. The "5 a.m. club" isn't an original concept. Actually, I learned of it years ago when I met Mary Higgins Clark—and she shared in her memoir that the only way she could raise her young children as a single mom and also manage to write was to get up early before the day got started. This greatly inspired me, and I said to myself, "One day, that's how I'm going to do it." Fast-forward, and I've now put it in motion. But I will always add as my caveat that everyone has to protect the best pocket of time that works for them!
That's amazing! Well done! I also do my writing first thing every morning, but after I walk my dog and get in my morning workout. And I think the caveat you mentioned is important to remember. Even if you don't work in the AM, carving out time is what counts. I used to be a night owl and could only work after ten PM, but that was when I was younger. I find the quiet mornings provide the same type of environment for me now though, which also works!