Stamped by Nyx

Have you ever noticed how a cup of coffee, a candle, or the right playlist can change your entire writing mood? Do you have a small ritual or routine that helps you ease into your writing flow?

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The art of writing is complex and, at times, daunting. Over time, it can easily start to feel like just another task – something to check off a to-do list or complete before a deadline, especially when burnout is involved. But writing doesn’t have to be just a task. It can be a ritual that deepens your creativity and helps you get in the headspace needed to do both what you need and want to do. For some, that ritual might include a specially curated desk, a favorite drink, writing warm-ups, or any other small practice that helps set the tone.

It’s the small things that often spark the greatest creativity. Lighting a candle can set the mood for a specific scene, transport you to another era-like a writer from 200 years ago-or simply become a timer where you write until the flame goes out. Playing music while writing, as I often do, creates an ambiance that breathes life into the words. Having a dedicated notebook for each story or project helps keep everything separate yet connected – bringing a sense of calm to our otherwise chaotic, idea-filled minds.

It helps keep things in order and keeps my creative energy flowing.

For me, my writing ritual is quite simple. A steaming cup of coffee helps wake up my brain just enough to check emails and ease into the writing mindset. I have a playlist for everything – each one tailored to what I’m working on that day. And when I’m working on my novel, I pull out a container filled with notes, folders, little pieces of the world I’m building. It helps keep things in order and keeps my creative energy flowing.

Just like athletes have their pre-game chants and actors carry lucky charms, writers often have their own rituals that brings a sense of luck – or at least comfort – to their craft. For me, my cup of coffee has to be on my right-hand side while I write; if it’s not everything feels off-kilter. I also refuse to use any pen other than a Pilot G-2, in any size larger than 0.5mm (unless I absolutely have to). A friend of mine uses a custom-made pen, one that’s reserved solely for her writing sessions. These writing rituals help create consistency, overcome creative blocks, and add a layer of intention that makes the process feel more grounded and meaningful.

…whatever keeps you grounded and going.

If you don’t have a writing ritual yet, I highly encourage you to create your own. And if you already have one but something isn’t clicking, try switching things up. No matter how simple or elaborate, having a small practice that helps you get into the writing mindset can make a big difference. It could be something as comforting as a cup of tea, coffee, cocoa – whatever keeps you grounded and going.