by Chrystina Trulove-Reyes

Created on: October 13, 2009   Last Updated: March 12, 2010

There is no perfect time for a writer to be productive. What time may work for you one day, may not work the next. That does not mean that a writer is incapable of being productive. It means exactly the opposite. You are as productive as you want to be, regardless of time. Productivity should not be based on a date or specific time. It should be based on capability and willingness to work. Time at this point is relative, even though it is essential to get things done. There are several things you can do to increase your productivity.

Space

The first thing you can do to increase your productivity is by giving yourself a space. Your own area. This area should be reserved only for when you work. Something like a desk in a corner to an entire room devoted to your craft, would work. Be sure to have enough room for your laptop, computer, or pen and paper (and maybe a couple reference books, if you need them).

Trinkets

Some writers like to surround themselves with trinkets that engage their creative mind. Several writers are known for their cluttered rooms devoted to their craft. These rooms are complete with models of airplanes, posters of larger than life people or creatures, and toys littering every surface. This may work for you.

Or it may not. You may thrive best if your area is kept relatively simple. Maybe a picture of your dog, cat, or kids for adornment is all you need to get the juices flowing.

Time

Time can come into play at this point. First, you need time in which to work. So you should be able to set aside an hour or so a day, specifically for writing. At this point, if you have family or roommates, you might want to make it clear that at that time you should be left alone. Otherwise, you will be constantly interrupted.

Time of day

Though time is relative, some writers feel that they write better at specific times during the day. So experiment. Try writing in the morning, after dinner, or around noon. See which ones work for you. Some times may be better for you than others. Try to work around that time of day whenever possible.

Sometimes the time of day can only be chosen through your personal preference. Maybe you hate mornings and love night. So the logical choice would be to work at night. This has little to do with productivity and more to do with you as an individual.

Establish a routine

While time of day may not affect your productivity, establishing a routine can. If you are consistent in a routine, you are more likely to be productive while performing said timetable. Like any good routine, the more you follow it, the more set it becomes until the tasks come naturally for you.

For example, say that you prefer to write in the morning. So your routine would look something like this:

You get up in the morning, take a shower and brush your teeth. You then get the paper and maybe the mail. Coffee beckons you before you can even crack open the paper. After reading the paper, you write for an hour. Then it's time for your favorite court shows. Everyone loves Judge Judy.

Routines have an added bonus. If you have family or roommates, they too will become acclimated to your schedule. They will be better able to plan around the time you set aside for writing.

You

In the end, productivity is based more on personal choices rather than time of day. You choose consciously or subconsciously whether you will be productive. By taking certain steps, you are more likely to be productive. But productivity is based on you, not on what time is the best time to write.

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