Have you ever wondered whether there’s a secret to writing more and better?
I’ve been studying the habits of famous and less famous writers for years.
And I’ve come across a lot of nonsense.
As if we only have to emulate the writing rituals of some famous writer, and we’d write a bestseller, too.
Unfortunately, life is a little more complicated than that. We’re all different.
But in the quagmire of crazy rituals, I’ve found a couple that have merit. Below follow 3 weird rituals that might help you become a faster, better, and more prolific writer.
Shall I explain?
Writing ritual #1. Write blind
Typing blindfolded may sound like a crazy idea, but it’s exactly what novelist Kent Haruf used to do.
As William Yardley writes in Haruf’s obituary in the New York Times:
Kent Haruf pulled a wool cap over his eyes when he sat down at his manual typewriter each morning so he could “write blind,” fully immersing himself in the fictitious small town in eastern Colorado where he set a series of quiet, acclaimed novels, including “Plainsong.”
I can see two huge benefits to typing blindly.
Firstly, when you can’t see what you’re typing, you can’t go back and edit your sentences. So, this strange ritual may help silence your inner critic and get your ideas onto paper faster—without faffing about minor details such as word choice, transitions, grammar and punctuation.
If you don’t want to go as far as blindfolding yourself, setting a timer and challenging yourself to write a first draft as fast as possible can have a similar effect. It works for me.
Secondly, blindfolding allows you to picture the scenes you’re describing, seeing what your protagonist is seeing, feeling his emotions, and understanding what actions he’ll take. This helps you write more vividly.
It’s no surprise that Haruf is good at ‘show, don’t tell.’ Here’s how he describes a farmer checking whether a heifer is pregnant:
Meanwhile Harold had taken off his canvas jacket and pulled on an old orange sweatshirt that had one of its sleeves scissored off, and he had greased his bare arm with lubricant jelly. Now he stepped up behind the chute and twisted the heifer’s tail over her back. He fit his hand inside her and pawed out the loose green warm manure and shoved in deeper, feeling for a calf. His face was turned skyward against her flank, his eyes squinted shut in concentration. He could feel the round hard knot of the cervix, the larger swelling beyond. He rotated his hand over it. The bones were already forming. Yeah. She’s got one, he hollered to Raymond.
Haruf’s work is so imaginative, it feels like you’re watching a movie.
We might not have Haruf’s writing talent nor his huge empathy for his protagonists, but we can become better writers by using his technique. Instead of blindfolding yourself, try closing your eyes, and imagine your ideal reader. What are they doing? What are they feeling? What are they telling themselves?
9 Enthralling Examples of Show, Don’t Tell
Writing ritual #2. Fix your start or finish date
On September 1st, 1993, Lee Child goes out to buy paper.
When he gets home, carrying the paper, he sits down and starts writing his first Jack Reacher novel.
At that time, he doesn’t know the title—Killing Floor. He doesn’t know yet, this will be the first in a bestselling series and he doesn’t imagine Tom Cruise playing Reacher. Child doesn’t even know yet whether he’ll become a writer.
But he starts writing, with pencil, on the paper he has just purchased.
Exactly 20 years later, on September 1st, 2013, Lee Child sits down to start writing his 20th Jack Reacher book: Make Me. As Andy Martin reports in his book Reacher Said Nothing:
It had to be September 1. Every year. Without fail.
Some people thrive on an irregular publishing schedule.
But I’m guessing they’re a minority.
Most of us need to find our rhythm to write and keep writing. Knowing that I want to get my next post published in two weeks forces me to pick a topic, to start writing, and to finish a post, even when I feel like it’s going nowhere.
A regular schedule helps beat perfectionism, allowing us to say, it might not be perfect, but it’s good enough for today. Onwards to the next one.
A 5-step plan for writing fresh content every week
Writing ritual #3. Have a cigarette (even if you don’t smoke)
Whoa! A cigarette?
Yep. Let me explain …
Do you ever struggle to get in the mood for writing? You’d like to write, but somehow you can’t get started?
Perhaps you check your emails, scroll through your Insta or LinkedIn feed, and catch up on the latest news. You procrastinate, procrastinate, and procrastinate a little more until your motivation to write has completely evaporated. I know it because I’ve been there, too.
A tiny ritual can help you beat procrastination.
You’ve probably heard of pre-game rituals in sport. A tennis player who bounces the ball 11 times before each service. A baseball player tapping the home base three times. An athlete who listens to a specific rap song before each game.
Some say such rituals are superstitious. But they serve a real purpose: to trigger a state of intense focus so athletes can perform at the top of their game. Research in sports psychology suggests rituals boost confidence and improve motivation. When you feel anxious, a ritual can also calm you so you can focus on your next task.
Just like a ritual can help athletes focus, it can kick your brain into writing mode, too. Writing coach Natalie Goldberg describes her tiny writing ritual as follows:
When I sit down to write, often I have a cigarette hanging out of my mouth. If I’m in a café that has a “No Smoking” sign, then my cigarette is unlit. I don’t actually smoke anyway, so it doesn’t matter. The cigarette is a prop to help me dream into another world. It wouldn’t work so well if I ordinarily smoked. You need to do something you don’t usually do.
Goldberg likes to get away from home and write in a café or restaurant—to feel a “human connection.” But she doesn’t write in the same café every time as she likes changing the scenery. However, she always has an unlit cigarette in her mouth when she writes, even though she doesn’t smoke. That cigarette is her trigger to get into writing mode.
So, don’t wait for the perfect moment to start writing. Instead, establish a tiny ritual and kick your brain into writing mode, wherever you are at whatever time of the day.
How to get into your writing zone
Bonus tip: Get a Magic Creativity Mug
Don’t like the idea of a cigarette?
Get an enchanting writing mug instead.
Brew your favorite cup of coffee or tea, and let the Magic Creativity mug kick your brain get into writing gear.
As Gill Andrews wrote:
(…) And while you can’t talk to a friend every time you experience that impostor syndrome, you can always look at the mug, read the words and remember Henneke’s many thoughtful posts on how you’re good enough, and that you should just take a deep breath and keep going.
Here’s Gill’s Magic Creativity Movie:
Browse the full range of enchanting mugs on Zazzle:
What fuels your writing?
Finding inspiration can feel like an impossible task.
But if you wait with writing until you feel in the right mood, you’ll never get your writing done.
So, what could kickstart your writing?
A cup of your favorite drink to trigger your writing mode? A blindfold to stir your imagination? A timer to spur you on?
A cup of green tea or something stronger?
When you become a master in triggering your writing mode, you overcome procrastination, and you learn to write with more joy.
Books mentioned in this post:
- Plainsong
by Kent Haruf
- Reacher Said Nothing: Lee Child and the Making of Make Me
by Andy Martin
- Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within
by Natalie Goldberg
by Kent Haruf
by Andy Martin
by Natalie GoldbergRecommended reading on writing habits:
How to beat perfectionism in the writing process
How I learned to dance with my fears
How to train your brain to write more
Hi Henneke,
I read your post and realized that I need a writing ritual 🙂
And I want your mug 🙂
Can I buy it on Amazon?
Thanks a lot
Best
Nadiia
Hi Nadiia,
The mugs are not sold on Amazon, but Zazzle ships worldwide: https://www.zazzle.com/s/enchantingmarketing
Hello my Professor.
Thanks for this latest tip of motivational trick, it’s good to learn new things.
You and the articles you post, are one of my wakeup call to face the hurdle of doing what I love.
Thanks for sharing and pl keep the good work going.
Ciao.
….Paula
Happy writing, Paula. And thank you for stopping by.
Fixing your start or finish date is a great idea. For people that write often it sounds like a great way to add dynamism and excitement into the writing process. No pressure no diamonds!
Yes, a bit of pressure and getting into a writing rhythm can help. Happy writing, Leonardo!
Hi, Henneke, I’m all smiles right now after reading this wonderful article. You shared a very interesting tip that immediately grabbed my attention: typing a book blindfold. You got me thinking and I am open to that idea. I truly believe that technique can yield some very good results. I will definitely try that approach when I write my next children’s book. I am eager to see what happens.
I’d love to hear how you get on with that, Derrick. Will you let me know? Thank you for stopping by.
You are so sweet and inspiring! Thanks for this fun article ~ Juliet
Thank you, Juliet. Happy writing!
Needless to say, for me it’s cup of cappuccino! When I can’t get that, it’s listening to a song by Tom Waits, I Hope I don’t fall in Love with you. Don’t know why, but that has been doing the cigarette job over the last 6 months. I put it on, and start writing and get into my writing zone.
That is a beautiful song! I’m happy to read it’s putting you into your writing zone. Happy writing, Elfin, and thank you for stopping by!
In stead of, or on top of blindfolding: record your voice, and use speech-to-text software later.
Yes, that’s a good suggestion!
Henrietta’s mug is my trigger too! That’s why I bought two of them, so I can choose depending of the mood of that day or what I need to write. And I didn’t start this only as a trigger, but it also makes me feel connected with other fans of Henrietta, whom I know are doing the same and finding their way, so I shall find it too. Thanks, and compliments to Gill for the video!
Yes, that’s what I feel, too. No matter where we are, we’re all drinking a cup of tea (or coffee or chocolate) and writing. We’re cheering each other on. Happy writing, Daniela!
Very good advice. I have to practice and perfect my typing if I have to type blindfold though. Anyway each one of us has to have somewhat of a trigger to bring out that motivation, that drive to write. The hard part is having to practice that every single day.
Yes, touch typing skills would help if you want to type blindfolded 🙂
I’ve never been able to write every single day, often taking one or two, or even three days off in a week, and once or twice per year, I take a few weeks off, too. While it’s true that a new habit is easier to nurture if you practice it daily (even if it’s only for a very short time), it’s not absolutely necessary. We all have different commitments and energy levels to take into account.
Happy writing, and thank you for stopping by, Tarquin.
This post truly delighted me. I’ve never admitted this, but I wrote my #1 bestseller in 2 weeks. 1 week for editing/publishing. Many of these rituals are right on. I used timers, special mug, and I did actually try dictation (similar to writing blindfold, except if you’re off a key it still works).
Wow, you’ve written a book in only 2 weeks? That’s amazing!
I’ve also tried dictation, but gave up quickly as my accent made it really hard. I had to correct so many words. I know you can train the dictation software but it felt like a long and cumbersome process to me.
Hi Henneke, I had a lot of reading to do last month, maybe I can to do lot of writing this month, well why not?
Getting together a Novel is sure a different approach than seven little, illustrated children’s books. I had also been writing one full page as my Gratitude page, for over three years now.
This year I have started using that page, which I am grateful for, starting with my characters and bits of story for the Novel. Not every day yet, but at least it is a start. Thank you so much for your encouragement, once again, sometimes I still need to tell the world about my insight’s having nothing to do with my work. Lots of love and Blessings. 🙂 <3 🙂 A
Yes, a novel sounds like a big project. But, as you say, when you just get started and keep plugging away, then eventually you’ll get there! Happy writing, Annamarie! 🙂
I was going to thank you for the great tips and then I got distracted by Mug: The Movie — awesome clean alternative to the old school cig!
Yes, I agree. Cigarettes are a bit old-school, indeed. 🙂
As long as it works, every writing ritual is awesome. I read somewhere about a writer who used to write naked so there is no resistance.
For me, I have a daily reminder to write. Doesn’t matter how much, good or bad.
I sit down and write everyday. That’s my ritual.
Writing naked? Now, that’s an idea!
Although, perhaps it wouldn’t work so well for me. I think I’d feel too cold. 🙂
I love this article. I am definitely eking out a ritual soon. The part where you mentioned that if one doesn’t write fast, one may lose their zest resonates with me so squarely. I have been writing one piece for 3 days now and I have written barely 150 words. I discovered it is better to finish writing and then revise as many times as possible, instead of fiddling with one piece for ages. Thank you, dearest Henneke for this Jumpstart.
Yes, better to get a crappy first draft on paper, so you have something to revise. You can’t revise a text that’s still in your head. Happy writing, Miracle!
Hi Henneke,
Great post, as always.
I can vouch for this, “When you feel anxious, a ritual can also calm you so you can focus on your next task.”
So I have a couple of things to share.
1. When I struggle to write, I make a cup of milk tea, and, it’s good enough to get me going, but it has to be perfect. Otherwise, it doesn’t work.
2. I have one silly rule called “distract the distraction.” I use this ritual when I’m stressed out and feeling anxious. I take a break from work and do random stuff that I don’t usually do like baking, gardening, or photography. It refuels my energy, and I happily get back to work.
Cheers.
I like your idea of distract the distraction. I think the additional benefit of doing something like baking or gardening is also that your brain is continuing to process the ideas you were writing about, so when you get back to writing you feel calmed down and refreshed, but you also have a clearer idea of what to write about. For me, doing some household chores or going out for a walk can’t fail to inspire my writing. Often, we do our most important work when we’re not at our desk!
What a great collection of creativity generators!
I’m going through the Artist’s Way with a group for the first time. For now, when I first wake up, I pull out my phone and use my thumbs to write my morning pages.
It’s disruptive enough to help me fill 3 pages pretty quickly.
The rest of the time I use a keyboard. ?
Thanks for this, Henneke!
Interesting. That’s another vote for writing morning pages. Maybe I have to try again!
Thank you for sharing your experience, Frank.
I find using a mascot as an “editor” works for me. I’ve got souvenir stuffed animals from places I’ve been, and I’ll sit one on my desk beside my computer, positioned so it’s staring at me. It’s probably psychological nonsense, but I always end up writing a lot more, and I’m more productive, when I’m under such heavy scrutiny!
What an interesting tactic! I’ve never heard of it, but if it works, it works. I have a crochet version of Henrietta on my desk, but I think she’s far too fun-loving to put me under heavy scrutiny. 😀
Another awesome piece. Yes, I can’t use cigarette. But a mug of coffee with motivation from your drawings will do 🙂
An inspirational mug of coffee or tea is better than a cigarette 🙂
Lots of coffee with easy listening music playing in the background is all I need…and a good night sleep 😉
Oh yes, a good night sleep does wonders!
That’s how I work too, Richard ?
I like listening to fast paced instrumental music. I found these productivity videos on YouTube by Evan Carmichael and ever since; I’ve been writing like a fiend !
Music while writing is such a fascinating topic. My preference is silence. The hubbub of an airport or cafe can work, too, but I find music too distracting. Weird, eh?
You are so right, Henneke! Even as I read this post, I’m procrastinating! I have my little rituals too, some are rather bizarre, yet they really work.
Normally, I have to have something to drink, my vape pen, and my iPhone and iPad. Now for the bizarre…I normally put coconut oil on my legs and let my doggies lick it off. It serves two purposes. It gets them their daily dose of beneficial coconut oil, and it’s oddly soothing to me and spurs me into action. However, since I broke my right foot over a week ago, I have not been able to continue that ritual. maybe that is why I haven’t written and keep procrastinating! Weird, I know. But what works, works, just as you said.
Oh no! I’m so sorry you broke your foot. I hope it heals well and you’ll recover soon. Sending healing vibes to you!
Super movie! Love it.
That’s a nice compliment 🙂 Thank you, Sande!
A regular schedule works for me. A regular schedule plus some rules. I once used this practice of writing every day for 100 days. Just as soon as I got in bed, I would open a writer app on my smartphone, pick some idea of mine and start typing. If I didn’t have any idea, I would just pick one of the 101 proven writing prompts I found on the web. The rule was to write at least 100 words. Not too little and not too much. It was fun.
I like your tiny goal of 100 words at least. Too often people set themselves steep goals, making it so much harder for themselves. It’s much easier to nurture a habit when we start small.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Alex. I appreciate you comment 🙂
Hi Henneke,
Writing ritual that works for me.
Writing.
Roughly 3 pages of stream of consciousness as prescribed by Julia Cameron in “The Artist’s Way.” It’s been a while since I’ve read that book. But the one thing I remember is the concept of morning pages to “blow the pipes out.”
Just do it kinda thing.
Write crap.
Write “brilliant” stuff that turn out to be “darlings you’ll have to kill,” in a final draft.
But by hand in a personal blank page sketchbook, so I can draw as well, works the best.
For me it’s the equivalent of hitting balls on the range before playing golf.
Or that first “practice” pancake. It may not look that great but the cat still thinks it tastes good.
Thanks for the great post as usual.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with writing 3 morning pages. I feel a little envious as, somehow, I’ve never been able to make that work for me.
I do also follow the idea of warming up. If I struggle to get started, I simply start writing any gibberish, which somehow makes it easier to get my thoughts down on paper.
I appreciate your comment. 🙂
“…but the cat still thinks it tastes good.” What a line, Phil!
Henneke, is it legal to strongly envy both your post and your amazing movie? 🙂
Thank you in the strongest sense of the word!
Absolutely legal 😉 Gill’s movie is adorable. 🙂
This is memorable — a blindfold, an (unlit) cigarette or a tiny ritual ?.
I used to go and write in a coffee shop… without my power cable. It was basically a race against my laptop battery — I had to get done before my computer shut down on me, forcing me to go home.
I love your idea of writing in a coffee shop without power cable, racing against your laptop battery. Thanks for sharing!
Henneke, you know I love you but blindfolds and cigarettes won’t work for me. Heck, I won’t even sit next to someone with a cigarette- lit or unlit – in their mouth. However, the timer notion is great and I will happily take my Magic Creativity Mug with me to Starbucks. As always, great stuff.
I also much prefer my Magic Creativity Mug to a cigarette 🙂
And I’m super-grateful that my husband quit smoking several years ago.
Wonderful tips! Just what I needed. Thanks
Thank you, Naomi. Happy writing!
Great article. Loved the movie even more! Thanks Great way to start my day 🙂
Gill’s movie is brilliant! 🙂