Tweaking Our Writing Habits Through Self-Awareness

By Karine Armen, http://photokarine.blogspot.com/p/authors-page.html

Are you more productive in the morning or the evening?

Can you write at a cafe, or do you need a quiet work area? 

By analyzing our personal working habits, we may be able to get more done.

Two years ago, I retired from teaching elementary school in Glendale, California. I traveled to many countries and started writing for a weekly newspaper covering art and cultural events. Despite having more time, balancing my schedule of socializing, writing, and physical activity was not easy. Self-discipline can be challenging. I needed a better routine.

A few weeks ago, I started attending my local community college. I signed up for two classes: “Creative Writing” and “Modern Dance.” To my surprise, since I started classes, I have felt more energized. I get up early, read, and write. Some friends say, “It’s good to keep busy.” That’s not why I registered for college courses; I was busy before that, but I needed structure and deadlines to keep me on track. 

During my teaching years, I was very active, going to writing workshops, art exhibitions, and film festivals. Many people were amazed by my energy back then. However, once I retired, I became concerned about my lack of energy and excessive sleep. After a few months of reflection and worry, I realized I needed to do more. Going back to school fit the bill.

In preparation for my classes, I decided I needed an environment more conducive to work. I cleaned my desk, computer, and writing corner. I prepared two tote bags — one for the writing class with a writing journal and the textbooks, and the other for the dance class that holds my jazz dance shoes and a small bottle of water. 

The other day, I had to complete a challenging assignment, and I finished it in a single day, feeling great. I’ve realized that the busier I am, and the more organized, the better I feel. 

Based on my own self-examination, I developed the following list to help other writers assess their work habits to determine whether they need tweaking.

Tips for Self-Awareness:

• When do you feel great? Pay attention when you smile and laugh more. 
• Do you need a quiet work area, or do you need background noise or music?
• When you complete many tasks in one day, do you feel energized or drained?
• How well do you listen to your body about when it’s time to slow down and relax, or at least schedule more breaks? 
• Do you feel excited about sharing your projects, or do you prefer to keep them a secret?

The answer to these questions can help you establish a framework for working at your best. Once you do this self-reflection, you can put a structure in place that supports your writing.

Suggestions for Improving Your Work Habits:

• Establish a work area. It needs to be clean and organized. Some people can work in clutter, but the time spent searching for books and papers could be better spent on writing or reading. 
• Take short breaks. Self-care and brain breaks are essential. 
• Drink water. Stay hydrated. Sometimes, when we are dehydrated, we think we are hungry. (Some people get angry when they are hungry.) 
• Have a Zoom or Google Meet group. Three times a week, I join via Google Meet with a few writers. We turn off our cameras and write for 45 minutes, then we debrief for 15 minutes. Having a set schedule gives me the incentive and the energy to get up early and be ready. 
• Keep a journal to record your ideas and reflections. Some writers call it “Seeds,” while Alice LaPlante refers to it as a “Black Box” to contain ideas. 

If we take the time to understand our likes and dislikes, desires and preferences, and set up our processes accordingly, we can be both more creative and more productive, which will allow us to enjoy the writing process even more. 

Karine Armen is a writer and photographer. On March 9, 2025, she had a book presentation in Cuenca, Spain. She was an elementary school teacher for 32 years and a social worker for six years. She has extensive travel experience and degrees in photography, social work, and educational administration.