When is the best time to write?

Do you need to get in the mood to write?

How do you do it?

Do you turn on music? Drink coffee? Meditate?

Whatever works to put you into the flow, the rhythm of writing, is fine.

You see, there is no single trick to igniting one’s writing. No single method is best or works for everyone.

Maybe you’re a runner and find that works to clear your head before writing.

Many writers find it best to write first thing in the morning before the mind is cluttered with all kinds of unwanted thoughts and worries and concerns of the day.

I recommend writing in the morning, the earlier the better, after a good night’s sleep when the body and the mind are refreshed.

If you’re just starting out as an author, chances are you have a day job or school or other responsibilities of life pulling at you and you have to squeeze in your writing time whenever you can.

You don’t have the time for a speed walk or that cup of tea before you write.

And that’s fine.

Years ago, working as a news reporter and with family responsibilities, I used to steal away time during my lunch hour to write.

Forget getting in the right frame of mind to write. I just did it, even when I didn’t much feel like writing.

As a journalist, I had grown used to writing on deadline after rushing back to the newsroom.

And really, that’s all you have to do when you sit down to write your book.

Get those words down – quickly – no matter how you feel before you begin every day.

After all, writing a book should be something you do five, six or even seven days a week, preferably at the same time each day.

Music, exercise, meditation beforehand is fine if that’s your ritual, if that’s what fuels you.

But the real key is just doing it, finding that daily writing habit and sticking with it.

Don’t wait for the right moment or when you’re in your Zen or the muse strikes you.

Don’t over-think and procrastinate, which for most authors are the two deadliest sins of all.