How to Build A Consistent Writing Practice (Without Losing Your Spark)
“Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today” — James Dean (the ultimate rebel)
Put your hand up if this is you? You feel a spark of creativity, so you start writing. You tell yourself this time you’re going to keep the spark alive and not lose momentum; but, a few days or weeks go by and you’ve forgotten all about the writing you started. Sound familiar?
Yeah, I’ve been there, it’s not easy to establish a consistent writing practice. So, where do you begin?
Today, I’m going to share two approaches to help you stay consistent with your writing - whether you thrive on structure or you bristle at it:
Make Your Writing into a Habit
Embrace Your Inner Rebel
MAKE WRITING INTO A HABIT
A good book on building habits is The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. She breaks down how different personality types approach habits. It is super helpful if you want a deep dive.
But for now, here are 5 simple ways to turn writing into a habit:
1. Make it part of a routine
Routines and habits aren’t the same thing. Habits are something we do automatically without having to put too much thought into it like brushing your teeth or putting on deodorant in the morning. A routine is a series of habits that you intentionally create for a specific purpose. For example, a lot of people have a morning routine to start the day (that hopefully includes both brushing your teeth and putting on deodorant) or an evening routine to get ready for sleep.
For me, adding writing into my morning routine is what works best. For you, it might be at night, during lunch, or even on your commute. Find a pocket of time that naturally works for you.
2. Create a ritual
Think routine but with a little extra magic. Maybe you light a candle, find the perfect window or nook, or keep fresh flowers on your desk. On the other hand, maybe it’s more about creating a silent and a clutter-free space.
Try to experiment with setting the mood or creating a welcome environment so writing feels like something you get to do, not something you have to do.
3. Attach it to something you already do
This one’s powerful. If you already have a routine or ritual around something you do, for instance you meditate, do yoga, or take daily walks, add a few minutes of writing before or after.
For example: finish your yoga practice → grab your notebook → write for 10 minutes.
Habit stacking works because it rides the momentum of something you are already doing.
4. Keep it SMART
Small. Manageable. Achievable. Relevant. Time-bound.
Your writing practice doesn’t need to be an hour a day. Start with 3–10 minutes. The smaller and easier it feels, the more likely you’ll actually do it. Once you’ve built consistency, you can expand.
5. Make it visible
This is another of my go-to’s. Leave your notebook where you’ll see it: kitchen table, nightstand, coffee table — even the bathroom (bathtub journaling, anyone?).
You can also leave yourself reminders. I’m a total post-it note addict. Put “Write for 5 minutes today” on a sticky note and put it somewhere you can’t miss it.
Little visual cues make a big difference.
✍️ Need a little help getting started?
If you’re staring down the page and not sure what to write, my From Blank Page to Poetry workbook is filled with prompts and exercises to spark ideas and get your words flowing.
👉 Grab your free copy here and start turning small moments into meaningful writing: https://firepot-expressive-arts.kit.com/blank-page-to-poetry
EMBRACE YOUR INNER REBEL
Now, here’s the thing: not everyone thrives on structure. If you’re a rebel (one of Rubin’s four tendencies), even the idea of routine can feel suffocating.
I get it. I have a rebel streak too. Tell me I have to do something, and my first instinct can be to push back.
So if routine makes you want to run in the opposite direction, here’s the secret: don’t fight it — play with it.
The Rebel’s Way to Write
Instead of forcing yourself into a schedule, lean into spontaneity. Carry a notebook or keep a notes app handy so you can capture the moment whenever it strikes:
Jot a thought down while waiting in line for coffee
Write a few sentences on the bus
Pause mid-conversation (your people will understand — you’re a creative after all!)
Rebels love freedom, flexibility, and a touch of mischief. By keeping writing playful and ad-hoc, you’ll actually want to do it.
THE TAKEAWAY
Whether you thrive on structure or spontaneity, the key is to find a practice that feels natural for you. Some of us need habits and rituals. Some of us need freedom and flexibility. And the rest of us? A little bit of both.
So — what’s your next step? Will you try adding writing to your daily routine… or will you embrace your inner rebel and write whenever spontaneity strikes?
Pro tip: Whichever path you choose, keep it small, keep it doable, and keep it fun.
LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION?
If you’re looking for writing prompts or gentle guidance on how to turn your writing into a tool for self-expression, my From Blank Page to Poetry workbook is a great place to start.
And if you’d like support along the way, join my private Facebook group Soulful Scribbles, where I share prompts, creative encouragement, and inspiration every week: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BTFjgkyLX/
Whether you’re building a daily habit or writing like a rebel without a cause, remember to keep your words flowing!
