Unlike some writers, I can't just sit down and write. I have to organize myself. It actually helps me to have a routine, makes me more productive. When I prepare for writing, I set up my space to maximize my concentration and efforts. Here's my checklist:
Water – check
Hot Tea (usually green) – check
Snackage (usually PBJ, fruit, cheese) – check
Notepad with several blank pages – check
Pens and Pencil for note taking (at least 3 in case one or two don't work, and multiple colors) – check
Laptop & power adapter – check
Sound-cancelling headphones w/ extra batteries – check
Comfy chair (absolutely necessary!) – check
Extra Laptop Peripherials – as needed (I carry a small kit with me)
Alternate Internet Connection (just in case) – check
Notes for Current Project – check, check, check
Chapstick, Fingernail Clippers, & Hand Moisturizer – Check
Big A$$ Sweater – check
Okay, let me explain about the sweater. When I get chilly, I get distracted. When I get distracted, I stop writing and I futz around on the Internet, talk to people, and do non-writing things. A lot of people like their air conditioning temps set to Frigid. I don't do Frigid. Hence, I wander around in warm weather carrying a sweater over my arm. I may look stupid, but I am comfy and I can concentrate. Same thing with the chapstick, clippers, & moisturizer. I can't think about anything but my dry skin and hangnails if I happen to get them. So, rather than fiddle for hours wishing I had moisturizer or clippers, I keep my stuff on hand to immediately remedy the problem so I can get back to the important stuff.
Oh, and on that note, if you have issues concentrating on your writing, take some time to think about what is distracting you. Is it the television? Your pets? Are you having a bad allergy day? Or, maybe you're just thirsty / need to use the restroom / hungry. You might even be having a personal crisis that needs to be resolved before you can find your writing groove again.
I've learned that if I take a few minutes for each writing session to get all my stuff lined up, take care of bodily functions, and finish up the quick business-related chores *before* I sit down to write, that my writing focus actually improves. A lot of it is stress about all the little things. Knowing what little things are "quickies" and which ones need to wait until I have more time is key to cutting down my To Do list. If I know chores will take hours, I plan a chore night where I'm not writing. This planning actually reduces my stress level. And when my stress level is reduced, I am far more productive, and a lot less wasteful.
So, what is your writing routine?
