When I started in Steemit I mostly write when the mood hits me and it can be of anytime between waking up to before sleeping. I didn't have a set time to write and sometimes it is hard to do it when I feel procrastinating or doesn't have any inspiration.
When I decided to grow my account and reach a 1000 SP target as soon as I can one of the things that I vowed was to be able to write at least 1 post a day. Better if I can do 2 posts a day but sometimes life happens.
So one thing that I needed to have was to make a habit.
Having a habit is the best way to create consistency in what you want to achieve. Humans are creatures of habits and when we are accustomed to do something the easier it is to do.
Setting a Time
This was one of the easiest things to do. Set up a time to start writing. Your mind will be conditioned to expect that at this particular time your creative thoughts needs to start kicking in.
I usually start writing at 11 PM my time after I had dinner, walked my dog and chatted with a few friends and love ones. 11 PM would be my writing time and have no other distractions.
Removing Distractions
Speaking of Distractions some people do well with a TV blaring or music playing in the background. I find myself unable to concentrate if there is sound so I tend to turn off anything that might make a sound, even discord notifications and put my phone on silent mode.
At this point my dog has been tuckered out from our walk and fed so he usually is asleep at this point.
Having a list
It is no surprise that I have created a list of topics to write about. Everything from a reaction to a piece of news, application, story and even contests that I want to join.
Each day I go through the contest tag and look for fun contests to join. I also place that in the Contest Channel in the Steemgigs server so other people can also join.
I also list down interesting topics that I have seen on the internet or talked about that day. Sometimes I get so many interesting things that I list it down on a notebook of mine with some of the key thoughts. I then transfer this in an excel file when I get home so that I can track it together with all the earnings I have in terms of Steem Power.
I have been keeping this list since January and out of the 89 topics that I have listed down. I have been able to do 29 topics. Sometimes I just get a spur of the moment topic that I don't put in the list anymore.
Snacks!
Okay once I sit down I don't like getting up to drink or find something to munch on. So I already prepare a light snack or some chocolates while writing.
I know it is a crutch and this came from my habit when I was writing in the school newspaper when I was in college. I usually have some cookies or chocolates while I tap away in the computer while offering a fuming editor some to get him off my back.
Bribery of food works well with my editors and so it has always been a habit of mine to have something sweet when writing. It just seems to have been hardwired in my brain.
Let the magic happen
Once you are physically and mentally prepared let the words come out naturally. I usually have a format written down on how I want it to look and flow.
Sometimes though I am not happy midway and then I usually would shelve the topic and write a new one. My computer is littered with half finished posts complete with images and markdowns already and sometimes I would pick it up on another day and finish it and post it to Steemit. Other days it remains there forgotten.
How about you? What are your writing habits? How do you get into the mood?