Discover Your Writing Ritual: A Guide to Boost Creativity and Productivity

What Kind of Writer Are You?

Do you need to set the mood before writing? Maybe you enjoy soft ambient music, or perhaps you prefer a serene environment filled with natural light and open windows. For me, a big open space inspires creativity, allowing me to spread out materials and let my imagination flow.

The late Toni Morrison captured this perfectly in The Art of Fiction No. 134:

"One of the most important things writers need to know is when they are their best, creatively. What does the ideal room look like? Is there music? Is there silence? What do you need in order to release your imagination?"

In this article, I’ll outline five actionable steps to declutter your mind and create a writing routine that sparks creativity.

1. Set the Mood for Writing

Creating the right environment is crucial for sparking creativity. Personally, I light a candle or engage in a brief yoga session before sitting down to write. These rituals help me center myself and focus.

Sometimes, inspiration strikes suddenly, and I dive straight into writing without preparation. Other days, I rely on routines like yoga and meditation, practices I’ve cultivated for over a decade, to set the tone for my creative flow.

Why This Matters:

Your mind and body thrive on routines. Identify what rituals prepare you to write, whether it’s stretching, lighting a candle, or sipping tea. These small acts can have a big impact on your productivity.

2. Remove Distractions

Silence your phone. Better yet, turn it off or leave it in another room. Notifications and constant alerts disrupt the flow state needed for focused writing.

When I work at the library, I leave my phone behind to minimize distractions. Social media and notifications are the bane of every writer’s existence.

Pro Tip:

Invest in apps or browser extensions like Freedom or Focus Mode to block distractions during writing sessions.

3. Use Music and Affirmations to Enhance Focus

Writing in silence doesn’t work for everyone. I use ambient music to match the mood of my project. For example:

• Dark Academia or Classical Music: Ideal for southern gothic and magical realism writing.

• Uplifting Tunes: Great for designing journals, planners, or creative tasks.

When writing in noisy environments, I switch to reiki frequency music or alpha waves to drown out distractions. As someone sensitive to the energy of others, this helps me maintain focus.

Why It Works:

Music and affirmations align your emotions with the tone of your writing, making it easier to connect with your ideas. Explore platforms like YouTube for endless ambient soundtracks tailored to your needs.

4. Start the Day with a Media Fast

Begin your morning with a clean slate by avoiding social media and emails. Instead, dive straight into journaling or creative writing.

When I wake up, I grab my journal and let my thoughts flow. This practice preserves the purity of my ideas before they’re influenced by external opinions.

Bonus Tip:

Consider adopting Toni Morrison’s 5 AM writing routine. Early mornings are ripe for creativity, offering your most authentic voice.

5. Declutter Your Digital and Mental Space

On days dedicated to deep writing, I avoid consuming any media altogether. I head to the library, disconnect from my phone, and focus solely on my work.

A media cleanse can also involve unfollowing social media accounts that don’t serve your well-being. Remove content that triggers comparison or negativity, and block pages that sell toxic ideas or products.

Why It’s Crucial:

What you consume shapes your thoughts. If you’re an empath or highly sensitive, protecting your mental space is non-negotiable. Be mindful of what you allow into your creative ecosystem.

6. Find Inspiration from Your Writing Ancestors

Identify your literary influences—your “writing ancestors.” Who are your favorite authors? Read their interviews or essays on writing to ignite inspiration.

When I face writer’s block, I revisit interviews with authors I admire. It reminds me that even they struggled at times, and it’s okay to write imperfectly. Writing is rewriting, and progress is made in edits.

Even writing this article, I have been reading interviews from other writer’s on their process. It helps to create a vision in your mind of where you want your writing to go. It goes from being a thought in your head to actual words on the paper.

Key Takeaway:

Immerse yourself in the wisdom of your literary heroes to remind yourself of the power of perseverance.

Crafting Your Writing Routine

Your creative process is as unique as your voice. By implementing these steps—setting the mood, removing distractions, embracing ambient music, practicing media fasting, and drawing inspiration from literary ancestors—you can build a sustainable and inspiring writing habit.

Start small, experiment, and tailor these strategies to your needs. The more you invest in understanding your ideal writing environment, the closer you’ll get to unlocking your full creative potential.