Every author has their routine. And every new author searches for what works for them. What I’ve found is just as important as writing as much as you can, getting some downtime is worth just as much.
Over the past year and a half I’ve started working out again and now devote about 90 minutes a day to exercise. It’s helped me tremendously to focus. I could talk about the way increased blood flow oxygenates my brain and endorphins give me a natural high, all of which are true, but the way I schedule my day is what works for me.
My morning begins with getting everyone ready and out the door before I get myself together and do yoga/calisthenics before jumping on the elliptical/bike for 30 mins. Afterwards I have some ice water and get to work. I do this 2 more times while I’m actively writing. This does quite a few things. One it gives me body a boost when I’ve possibly spent hours sitting in front of my laptop. Gets my blood pumping, my brain going. It also takes me away from my work which makes me want to get back to it. While exercising gives me time and space to think the next moves in the story and to ruminate over what I’ve written so far. The short bursts keep me from getting bored and over tired.
And so far it’s worked out pretty well! 🙂