Scribbling Age

When I was in my late teens and early twenties, all I did was write. I didn’t have the internet, social media, or even television. Sometimes I would write all night. Most days, I would wake up early and crawl out of bed, across the floor, and into my chair to start my day of scribbling.

I can’t do that anymore. As a scribbler of a certain age, my brain and body have, let’s call them, different priorities and capabilities. This got me thinking about how my scribbling regimen evolved over the years.

What had worked for me in my twenties was unsustainable in my thirties. Some of this was my office schedule, but my duties as a husband and father also required adjustments.

My schedule is changing again as my kids will soon take flight, leaving my wife and me with an empty nest. To plan out my new scribbling schedule, I felt there might be value in looking back –

TWENTIES

In my twenties, I had maximum flexibility. I took advantage of my naturally higher energy levels and cognitive function in the morning. I didn’t even drink coffee. I was excited to start scribbling and terrified of not working hard enough to succeed. I would crank out pages for most of the day, then go for a run, eating one meal a day—usually a late lunch.

THIRTIES

Given the unpredictable schedule of young children, opportunities for focused writing were limited. Turning my scribbling on and off at a moment's notice was the new normal. I’d do my best to be well-rested to maximize productivity during any open windows, but it wasn’t easy.

I had office hours on various shows and would make room for deep work when I wasn’t in the writers' room. Late-night marathons were often required to meet deadlines—sleep and exercise were not priorities. As my family and TV career expanded, so did my waistline.

FORTIES

With kids in high school, you’d think I’d have more time for deep scribbling. Not so much. Spending time with my family was a weekend priority. Mentoring my boys through fun, adventure, and conversation remained a critical PM pastime. The early AM was my only real window; I started getting up at 4:45 AM and banking a solid couple of hours of deep focus.

I was lucky to have kids who shared my interest in the scribblers' lifestyle. Brainstorming new story ideas with them became a valuable force multiplier in my narrative pursuits. This triggered my interest in codifying everything I’d learned about writing up to that point, and I generated the first version of my Scribblers Toolbox.

FIFTIES

As my family grew in independence, it became easier to find time for scribbling. Mornings remain my favorite time for creative cranking. I’ve also found a few productive hours in the late afternoon, smoking a cigar in the backyard while scribbling longhand.

For all age groups, you will be more productive if you find ways to incorporate self-care, maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity. Listen to your circadian rhythms, note your energy patterns, and tailor your scribbling schedule to suit.

Here’s a schedule I made for my scribbling son, aged 22. I hope he enjoys his creative journey and continues using this time to build a strong foundation for his writing career.

MORNING

Early Rising: Wake up early, preferably before sunrise, to take advantage of the quiet, peaceful hours of the morning when creativity often flows best.

Morning Pages: Start your day with a practice or scribbling stream-of-consciousness thoughts for 15-30 minutes. This helps clear your mind and warm up your writing muscles.

Focused Writing: Dive into your main writing project for a few uninterrupted hours. This is your prime creative time, so use it to work on your most important or challenging scribbling tasks.

MIDDAY

Break and Exercise: Take a break to stretch, go for a walk or run, or do a short workout session. Physical activity can re-energize your body and boost your creativity.

Lunch and Reading: Enjoy a nutritious lunch and spend some time reading. I’ve found exposure to prose and stories really fires up my own scribbling.

AFTERNOON

Editing and Revision: After the break, use the afternoon for editing and revising your morning work. This is a good time for fine-tuning your writing and addressing any structural issues or narrative housekeeping.

Research and Learning: Dedicate some time to research, learning, or scribbling skill development. This could involve studying craft, online classwork, or exploring new subjects.

EVENING

Social and Creative Activities: Engage in social or creative pursuits outside of writing. This has the knock-on effect of recharging your humanity and providing fresh experiences to draw from in your writing. All work and no play makes Jack a dull writer.

Night Writing: If you're a night owl, consider a late-night writing session. Some writers find their creativity peaks in the late hours. However, be mindful of getting enough rest to avoid burnout.

LATE NIGHT

Reflection and Planning: Before bed, ponder the day's writing achievements and set goals for tomorrow. Planning your next writing session can help maintain momentum. Watch out for going too deep into what’s next, or you may find it difficult to fall asleep. I prefer some good prose before laying my head on the pillow.

Key Considerations:

Minimize Distractions: Create a work environment dedicated to – work. Turn off notifications, and consider using apps like Freedom that block internet access during scribbling sessions.

Stay Connected: While you might choose to minimize distractions, staying connected with fellow writers or writing groups can be motivating and provide valuable feedback. In my twenties, my buddy and I would take our laptops to restaurants and coffee shops, working in parallel. In my fifties, I found similar benefits at a co-working space called – THE OFFICE.

Self-Care: Prioritize self-care, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. These are essential for sustaining creativity and focus. Limit your afternoon caffeine intake.

Experiment and Adapt: Every writer's journey is unique. Experiment with different schedules and routines to discover what works best for your creative flow.

Notes to the scribbling seniors out there:

As a scribbler of a certain age with adult children, fewer responsibilities, and a reflective perspective, my approach to the scribbler's lifestyle includes late-stage life wisdom, professional knowledge of the craft, and my ever-present desire to achieve scribbling nirvana.

Writing as a Legacy: Embrace the opportunity to write as a way of leaving a legacy. Share the wisdom and experiences accumulated over the years through your stories and insights.

Reflective Writing: Use your life experiences to inform your writing.

Deep Exploration: Dive deep into your chosen genres and topics. You have the time to thoroughly research and develop your ideas, creating well-crafted and profound works.

Mentoring: Consider mentoring younger writers. Share your knowledge, offer guidance, and foster the next generation of storytellers.

Writing Retreats: Treat yourself to writing retreats or residencies in inspiring locations. This can rejuvenate your creativity and provide fresh perspectives.

Self-Publishing: Explore self-publishing or digital platforms to share your work with a global audience. Technology offers new opportunities for writers of all ages.

Embrace Technology: Don't shy away from modern writing tools and technology. They can make the writing process more efficient and accessible.

Fulfillment: Savor the act of writing itself, regardless of commercial success. Enjoy the creative process and the joy of self-expression.

Personal Growth: Writing can be a tool for continued personal growth and exploration. Use it as a means of self-discovery and self-expression.

For writers in their late teens and early twenties who are deeply passionate about writing and have the luxury of focusing primarily on their craft, an immersive and creative schedule can be highly productive.

While this may not be sustainable during one's thirties and forties, opportunities for total immersion and dedication can return later in life, along with that AARP membership card.

Change is inevitable. Honestly consider your writing goals, deadlines, and lifestyle constraints when designing your ideal writing routine. Flexibility and adaptability are keys to successful writing at all stages of life.

Adapt, scribble, and prosper.