Simple Steps To Build A Daily Writing Habit

“First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you’re inspired or not.” – Octavia Butler

If you want to develop a writing habit, it is quite easier to do it than most people imagine.

Before I started the Write Pact writing challenge, I imagined that building a daily writing habit would be like trying to climb a mountain, especially when the couch, my daughter, Netflix, or my bed are calling. But since I started challenging myself to write daily, just like any habit, I realised that once you break it down into simple steps, it becomes much easier to manage.

Whether you’re a budding writer or a seasoned wordsmith, having a consistent writing routine can unlock a whole new level of creativity and productivity.

If you want to join me on this journey or start your own writing journey, here’s how to get started!

1. Set a Time (And Stick to It!)

The first and most important step to building a daily writing habit is consistency. Choose a specific time of day that works for you and commit to it. If you’re an early bird like me and like to get your words down before any other person wakes up at home, or maybe you’re a night owl who feels most inspired when it’s dark out and the world is quiet. Either way, carve out that time and make it non-negotiable.

If you only have 10 minutes in the morning or 30 minutes before bed, that’s fine. The key is sticking to it. According to James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, “Consistency is more important than intensity.” So don’t worry if you can’t write for hours—showing up every day, even for a short time, is what makes the habit stick.

2. Start Small: Write Every Day (Even if It’s Just a Sentence)

One of the biggest mistakes I used to make was thinking that I needed to write thousands of words every day to make progress. Newsflash: I didn’t. In fact, starting small is one of the best ways that I’ve been able to avoid burnout and keep the momentum going.
Give yourself permission to write one sentence, even on the busiest days. Why? Because showing up, no matter how small the effort, reinforces the habit. Some days, you’ll find yourself writing a full page or more, but on the days you don’t, you’ll still feel accomplished knowing you stuck to your commitment.

3. Set a Word Count Goal

Now, once you’ve built the habit of writing daily, it’s time to set yourself some goals. A word count goal can be a great motivator. Start with something manageable—maybe 300 words a day or even 100 if that feels more comfortable. I’ve always been best at writing long-form content so I gave myself a word count of 1,500+. It works for me. Gives me enough wiggle room to explore my thoughts and put them into words.

The beauty of word count goals is they give you a clear target to aim for without overwhelming you. If you find you’re consistently hitting your goal, gradually increase it. And don’t forget to celebrate those moments when you exceed it—positive reinforcement goes a long way!

4. Create a Writing Space

I find that my environment plays a huge role in fostering my creativity. So, you can find a space in your home (or anywhere) where you can write comfortably and free from distractions. Whether it’s a desk, a cosy corner, or even a local co-working space, having a designated writing spot helps trigger your brain into “writing mode”.

Make it inviting—maybe with some calming music, a favourite candle, or a clutter-free workspace. When you associate this space with writing, it becomes easier to focus once you sit down.

5. Eliminate Distractions

Speaking of focus, one of the biggest obstacles to building a daily writing habit is distractions. We all know how tempting it is to check social media, answer texts, or get lost in the rabbit hole of the internet. But while those distractions might give you a momentary dopamine hit, they’ll ultimately take away from your writing time.

Set yourself up for success by turning off notifications, using phone applications that block or silence notifications, setting your phone to DND (do not disturb) to block distractions, and letting people around you know you’re in your writing zone. The more you protect that time, the more productive you’ll be.

6. Find Your “Why”

Why do you want to write every day? Understanding your motivation to write is important in helping you to stick with it. Maybe you’re working on a novel, or you want to start a blog, or (perhaps like me) you just want to sharpen your writing skills. Whatever the reason, keep it front and centre.

One trick is to write down your “why” and place it where you can see it daily. On tough days when you’re not feeling motivated, reminding yourself of your purpose can reignite that spark and keep you going.

7. Use Prompts and Challenges

Sometimes the hardest part of writing is knowing what to write about. That’s where writing prompts and challenges come in handy. Prompts give you a starting point and get your creativity flowing. You can find thousands of prompts online, or you can make your own based on your interests. The essay I wrote on the cool things I’ve been learning on my writing journey was based on a prompt that was inspired by a conversation I had with my husband. So look for prompt in everything.

Participating in a writing challenge—like my personal Write Pact challenge—can also provide the structure and motivation to keep you on track. Having a deadline (mine is 90 days) or a community of writers cheering you on is a great way to stay accountable.

8. Track Your Progress

There’s nothing quite like seeing your progress in black and white. Whether it’s the number of days you’ve written, the words you’ve produced, or the milestones you’ve hit, tracking your progress keeps you motivated. You can use apps (I’m sure you can find good ones on your phone’s app store) or go old school with a calendar where you cross off each day you write.

For me, I’m tracking my progress by documenting via video on social media. Not only does tracking give me a sense of accomplishment, but it also reinforces the habit by giving me visual proof of my dedication.

9. Be Kind to Yourself

Let’s be real: not every day will be a home run. Some days, writing will feel like pulling teeth, and others, it’ll flow like a dream. The key is not to be too hard on yourself. The journey to building a habit isn’t linear—there will be setbacks, missed days, and moments of frustration. That’s okay.

The important thing is to keep going and remember that every small step forward is progress. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned.

10. Write for the Joy of Writing, Not Just Productivity

At the end of the day, writing is meant to be enjoyable. Yes, building a daily habit is about discipline and consistency, but it’s also about reconnecting with the joy of putting words on the page. Give yourself the freedom to write things just for fun—whether that’s journaling, storytelling, or experimenting with new styles.

When writing becomes something you want to do rather than something you have to do, the habit will naturally fall into place.
To conclude, building a daily writing habit doesn’t happen overnight, but with small, consistent steps, it can become part of your life. Whether you’re aiming to complete a novel, start a blog, or just want to make writing a daily ritual, the key is to keep showing up—rain or shine, words flowing or not.

And remember, even on the toughest days, there’s always something positive to take away from the experience. Who knows? The next sentence you write could be the one that changes everything.

Do you have any questions about learning to write better? Leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram!