My writing routine starts with coffee, a clean desk (my brain thrives on order), and a bookshelf full of craft books behind me. From there, the big decision is which computer/keyboard/screensharing device combination I’m going use. Usually, it’s my laptop shared to my desktop with a Bluetooth keyboard.
Once the Cozy Coffee Shop YouTube channel is playing relaxing jazz music in the background and my Scrivener document is open, blinking impatiently at me, finally I pull up my outline, make scene goal bullet points, and I’m off to the Pomodoro-timed-writing-sprint races.
On days without a distraction-less, kid/dog drama-free morning, I write wherever the sun’s shining the brightest. Sometimes, that’s the kitchen counter, my walking pad, or a nearby coffee shop.
Why My Space is So Conducive to Writing
My office makes me feel like I’m reporting to work. It’s behavioral and psychological but treating my writing like a business and a career keeps me going whether I’ve got inspiration. There’s a job to be done, and the words won’t write themselves. So, I clock in.
Aesthetically, though, I love that my office is clean and organized with a door, and I’m surrounded by beautiful, colorful books and sunlight streaming through the window. The space puts me in the mood, to be creative—to write about love.
When I need a new environment, I’ll take the kitchen counter or the walking pad, but my first choice is a sunny, busy coffee shop (when I can get out without guilt for leaving my dog alone a couple hours) for its ambiance, the hum of people talking, the smell of coffee, plus the music playing low.
When all else fails, I churn out words in the Kiss-and-Go school pick-up lane.
Writing Tips
I would love to say, “Write first, edit later,” like a badass. Sadly, my mind isn’t set up that way. I’ve tried writing without editing, dictating, and countless plotting tools. What gets me to “The End” is trusting my own process.
My Scrivener document with a loose outline (which I never follow to the T). I’m all about scene goals, emotions, connecting story arc threads to the main theme, and asking myself a million and one times, “How would X-character feel about Y happening to him/her?” Notes are jotted throughout each scene/chapter file. I brainstorm with writing friends, usually talking myself into an answer I already, on a subconscious level, knew but needed to vocalize. I allow the computer to read chapters to me.
Ultimately, my tip for others is write your way.
Don’t worry about what others are doing or which new tools they swear will work. Use the advice and tools that work for you and throw the rest back.
Mia Heintzelman is a polka-dot-wearing, horror and romance movie lover, who always has a book and a to-do list in her purse. She writes fun, flirty, fiery, more than just laughs romantic comedies about strong women, and men with enough heart to fall for them. When she isn’t busy writing fictional happily-ever-afters, she is likely reading, playing board games, or eating sweets. She currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband, two children, and a fluffy golden doodle.
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