WE’RE TWO DAYS AWAY FROM NOVEL NOVEMBER! 🎉
Welcome back to Day 30 of Preptober 2026! 🎃💕
Yesterday, we talked about accountability and finding ways to stay motivated throughout our writing journeys.
Today, we’re tackling something equally important.
CREATING A WRITING ROUTINE WE CAN ACTUALLY STICK TO!
Because here’s the thing.
You can have a perfectly planned novel, realistic writing goals, and an amazing accountability system.
But if sitting down to write feels like an enormous chore every single day?
It’s going to be difficult to maintain that momentum!
So today, we’re making writing something we can realistically incorporate into our everyday lives.
1. Create a Writing Ritual You Look Forward To! ☕
You guys know I LOVE a good routine! 😂
Personally, I enjoy starting my writing days by taking my border collie, Scout, for a walk, making myself some iced pumpkin tea, and settling into my pink office with my typewriter-style keyboard.
These little rituals help me transition into writing mode.
And yours can look completely different!
Maybe you light a candle.
Maybe you make your favorite coffee.
Maybe you listen to a specific playlist.
Or maybe you simply open your laptop and set a timer!
Your writing ritual doesn’t need to be elaborate. It just needs to help you get started.
2. Find a Writing Method That Works for YOU!
One of my favorite productivity techniques is the Pomodoro method.
I write for 25 minutes, take a five-minute break, and repeat!
But here’s something important.
You don’t HAVE to use Pomodoro!
Maybe you prefer 45-minute writing sessions.
Maybe you work best with an uninterrupted hour.
Maybe you only have 15 minutes before your kids wake up!
That’s okay!
The goal is to find a writing method that helps you consistently put words on the page.
And remember, even a short writing session counts!
3. Make Your Routine Realistic!
Here’s where I want you to be careful.
DON’T CREATE A WRITING ROUTINE FOR YOUR IDEAL LIFE. CREATE ONE FOR YOUR ACTUAL LIFE! 😂
We all have responsibilities, unexpected interruptions, and days when things don’t go according to plan.
That’s why I recommend having a backup routine.
For example:
Ideal Writing Day: Two hours of uninterrupted writing.
Busy Writing Day: One 25-minute writing sprint.
Absolutely Chaotic Writing Day: Ten minutes of writing or brainstorming.
See?
You’re giving yourself options instead of creating an all-or-nothing situation.
Consistency doesn’t require perfection. It requires flexibility.
4. Celebrate Your Writing Wins! 🎉
Here’s something else I want you to incorporate into your writing routine.
CELEBRATING YOUR PROGRESS!
Did you finish a chapter?
CELEBRATE!
Did you reach your daily word count?
CELEBRATE!
Did you sit down and write for 10 minutes even though you had a million other things to do?
YOU GUYS. THAT COUNTS TOO! 😂💕
Maybe you reward yourself with your favorite coffee, a new book, or a relaxing movie night.
Whatever motivates you!
Remember, we’re not just trying to finish a novel.
We’re building a writing life we genuinely enjoy.
✍️ Today’s Preptober E-Guide Exercise
Grab your FREE Preptober E-Guide and turn to page 31: Create Your Writing Routine!
Today, we’re designing a routine that works for our actual schedules.
Think about three things:
BEFORE WRITING: What will help you transition into writing mode?
DURING WRITING: How will you stay focused and productive?
AFTER WRITING: How will you track your progress and celebrate showing up?
And don’t forget to create a backup routine for those inevitable days when life gets chaotic!
You don’t need the perfect writing routine. You need one you can actually show up for consistently.
We’re Almost Ready for Novel November! 🎉
We’ve spent an entire month preparing our stories AND our writing lives!
We’ve brainstormed, outlined, organized, set goals, created accountability systems, and developed writing routines.
And tomorrow?
IT’S OUR FINAL DAY OF PREPTOBER! 😭🎃
I can’t believe we’re already here!
🎥 Follow Along With Preptober 2026!
I’m sharing 31 FREE daily YouTube videos throughout October to help writers prepare for Novel November!
Coming Tomorrow: Day 31 — You’re Ready to Write Your Novel! 📖🎉
Tomorrow, we’re reviewing everything we’ve accomplished, preparing for those inevitable moments when things don’t go according to plan, and getting ourselves ready to start writing on November 1st!
Because you guys?
WE’VE GOT A NOVEL TO WRITE! 🎉
Now I want to hear from YOU!
What’s ONE thing you absolutely LOVE having as part of your writing routine?
Coffee? Tea? Candles? Music? A cozy blanket?
Let me know in the comments! 💕
We’ve got a novel to plan. 🎃✍️
