writing routine

When the Muse Shows Up at the Worst Time (and You Let Her Anyway)

/ RG Newhouse / Leave a comment
Back view of a female writer at night, seated at a cluttered desk under warm lamplight and glowing string lights, surrounded by open books, scattered papers, and a rainy window
When inspiration strikes at 2AM, you light a candle, grab a pen, and let the chaos spill onto the page.

There I am, brushing my teeth, winding down for the night, and suddenly… BOOM. The Muse shows up. Not with a gentle knock, but with a full-blown marching band of inspiration, complete with jazz hands and fully formed plot twists. Of course, it’s late. Of course, I’m half asleep. And of course, when I wake up in the morning? Poof. Gone. Like a dream you swore you’d remember, but now you’re standing in the kitchen yelling “Nooo!” at your coffee because all that’s left is a ghost of an idea and maybe a few jumbled words like “mirror sword” or “cat uprising.”

I’ve tried dictating into my phone. Once, I actually managed to get an idea down that way, only for a system update to sweep in and delete it into the digital abyss. Thanks, technology. Not to mention, I feel absolutely ridiculous whispering fantasy dialogue to my phone like some sort of bedtime bard, and my poor husband really doesn’t appreciate being woken up by my late night monologues.

Curly-haired blonde woman in pink striped pajamas writing in a notebook while sitting cross-legged on a toilet, toothbrush in mouth, as a wide-eyed black cat watches glowing inspiration stars swirl above
When the muse doesn’t care that it’s 3AM and you’re mid-toothbrush… Carmen supervises anyway.

Back in my commuting days, the muse would hijack my brain while I was stuck in traffic or squished between strangers on the bus. At least then I could jot things down into the notes app, one-handed, with a bagel in the other. These days, working from home means I can keep my laptop open and toss ideas into a doc as they hit. But I definitely don’t do it in front of company. I do have some dignity left, thank you very much.

The absolute worst is when I’m watching something brilliant, like a movie or a play, and my story brain lights up while I sit there unable to take notes. I sit there, vibrating with potential, praying I’ll remember it later. (Spoiler: I usually don’t.)

Before smartphones, I was part of the huge-purse crew and always had a notepad and pen with me. I’ve scribbled ideas on the backs of receipts, on envelopes, once even on a clean-ish napkin during lunch. Desperate times. Inspired minds.

And yes, I try to forgive myself when the idea slips through my fingers. It’s hard. I have to believe it’ll come back. Maybe stronger. Maybe clearer. Maybe not at 2AM this time. The more I chase it, the faster it vanishes, like when you’re trying to remember a word that’s just out of reach. So instead, I try to let it go. And trust that if it mattered, it’ll find me again.

Blonde woman in pink striped pajamas asleep at a cluttered writing desk, head resting on folded arms beside a black cat, open books, a laptop, and a pink coffee mug
Sometimes the muse wins, sometimes exhaustion does. Either way, the cat’s judging you.

Honestly, the Muse is a lot like a skittish puppy. One second she’s climbing all over you with chaotic excitement, the next she’s under the couch refusing to come out. Patience, snacks, and the occasional sacrifice of a quiet evening are usually the best ways to coax her back.

So if you’re out there muttering plot lines into your shampoo bottle or scribbling dialogue on old receipts, you’re not alone. Welcome to the club. We meet at 3AM. Snacks are optional but strongly encouraged.

How I Built a Writing Routine That Works (Even with Cats and Tea Breaks)

/ RG Newhouse / Leave a comment

Every productivity article says to write at dawn but my muse doesn’t even yawn until after lunch. I don’t rise with the sun; I rise with purpose, caffeine, and a cozy recliner calling my name.

A cozy reading nook at night with a blonde woman in glasses, wearing a pink fuzzy sweater and fluffy slippers, sipping tea while reading in a green armchair. A black cat perches on the chair’s back, and an orange tabby sleeps curled in her lap. The room glows with warm golden light, surrounded by books, plants, and a large window filled with dreamy sparkles.
Comfy clothes, cats, and a good book… just a typical evening in the creative cave. Bonus points if your tea is still warm by the second chapter.

My writing sweet spot hits in the early afternoon. By then, I’ve had enough orange pekoe to revive a Victorian ghost and settled into my fortress: the recliner, a favorite pillow, fan on low, and a cozy quilt wrapped around me like a burrito of ambition. If the weather cooperates, I’m rocking one of my five oversized sweatshirts and fluffy socks. (In summer, it’s more sweat, less shirt. Sorry, vibe.)

Of course, no writing session is complete without feline interference. My black cat, Nyx, usually looms over my shoulder like a gothic editor. The orange menace, Finnegan, curls in my lap and periodically stomps across the keyboard to contribute his own chaotic edits. Nothing like deleting a line of “asdghjklfjzzzz” to really get you back in the flow.

Music is a must. My playlists shift depending on what I’m writing, right now I’m deep into the K-pop Demon Hunters soundtrack. I’ve got curated lists for everything: battle scenes, flight scenes, love scenes. Basically, if it could be in a movie montage, I’ve got a playlist for it.

Before I begin, I light a lavender and vanilla candle, not for aesthetics (okay, maybe a little), but to calm my brain and signal it’s writing time. I warn the household that I’m “in the zone,” so if I give them a glazed look while muttering something about magical daggers or dragon politics, they know not to ask follow-up questions.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: move the story forward. Whether it’s building worlds, writing actual prose, or just figuring out why my villain has so many monologues, I count it a win. Words were wrangled. Cats were managed. Sweatshirt was cozy. That’s a good writing day.

Is it ideal? Nope. Is it effective? Most days. But hey, writing routines are as weird and personal as the stories we tell… so let’s talk about yours.

A cozy writing corner bathed in warm light, filled with stacks of books, flickering candles, and a steaming mug of tea. A black cat naps on a pile of notebooks next to a comfy chair draped in a pink blanket. Open journals and handwritten pages sprawl across a cluttered wooden desk.
Every chaotic writing session deserves a peaceful cat, a hot drink, and a few too many notebooks. Bonus points if the candles are scented and the snacks are within arm’s reach.

Not Sure What Your Routine Looks Like Yet?

That’s okay. Every writer’s routine is as weird and personal as their browser history. Here are a few suggestions if you’re still figuring yours out:

  • The Playlist Experiment: Try a different genre for each writing sprint. Medieval lute? Lo-fi beats? Screamo? Who knows, maybe your romantic subplot just needed heavy metal.
  • Designate a Writing Throne: Couch, bed, coffee shop, bathtub tray with a laptop stand, if it feels good and you’re productive, that’s your spot. No judgment.
  • Bribery Works: No words, no snacks. Five hundred words = one cookie. Or a TikTok scroll. Or a sticker. Motivation is motivation.
  • Dress for the Draft You Want: Put on a blazer if you want to feel like a literary genius. Put on pajamas if you want to feel like a gremlin with a dream. Both are valid.
  • Time It Weird: Write at sunrise, write at midnight, write during your lunch break in your car. Find your golden hour and claim it.
  • Create a Ritual: Light a candle. Stir your coffee three times counter clockwise. Pet your dog for exactly 37 seconds. Rituals help trick your brain into writing mode.

Whatever routine you land on, normal, feral, or somewhere in between, if it gets the words down, it’s the right one for you.

A whimsical illustration of a very plump, fluffy bunny lounging next to an open writer’s notebook and a steaming mug of tea in a cozy cottagecore writing nook. The bunny has oversized ears and a cheeky expression, surrounded by scattered notes, pencils, and warm candlelight.
Barnabas, my plot bunny, absolutely stuffed with story ideas and not the least bit sorry about it.

Now It’s Your Turn!

What weird, wonderful, or wildly specific rituals help you summon the Muse? Do you light candles and wear lucky socks? Or do you sneak in five minute sprints while stirring the pasta?

Drop your favorite habits, hacks, or hilarious fails in the comments… I’d love to hear how you write.