I tried Stephen King most productive writing routine & here’s what you need to know!

Summary

Stephen King's remarkable productivity as a writer is fueled by a unique three-step writing routine. First, he embraces spontaneity, writing without a detailed plot to allow the story to develop organically. Second, King advocates for revising rigorously, 'killing your darlings' by trimming unnecessary parts to enhance the story's clarity. Lastly, he emphasizes the importance of a productive writing environment, free from distractions, with music and a consistent routine to maintain focus. By sticking to this disciplined process, King has mastered the art of writing quickly while maintaining quality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Stephen King writes quickly by following a spontaneous approach rather than planning everything in advance. He is a 'pantser' who lets the story evolve naturally.
• 😀 King starts his writing process by focusing on the last line of his book, which helps him get into the flow of writing.
• 😀 A consistent writing routine is essential. King writes every day, even on his birthday, setting a goal of six pages (2,000 words) per day.
• 😀 The first draft should be written as quickly as possible to capture the freshness of the idea before it fades.
• 😀 King’s writing process is akin to self-hypnosis. Reading the previous two pages before starting helps him re-enter the 'flow' state.
• 😀 King emphasizes 'Murder Your Darlings,' meaning that writers should remove parts of the story that are unnecessary, even if they feel emotionally attached to them.
• 😀 After completing the first draft, King recommends taking a break for at least six weeks before starting the revision process to gain a fresh perspective.
• 😀 In the editing phase, King ensures clarity, coherence, and consistency by focusing on active voice, cutting adverbs, and revising character motivations.
• 😀 A distraction-free writing environment is key for productivity. King avoids using the internet, TV, and phones while writing, ensuring his focus is solely on the work.
• 😀 Music, especially metal, plays an important role in King’s writing process. He uses it to maintain focus and create a 'wall of sound' to block out distractions.
• 😀 King believes that writing a novel is like building a campfire: characters come out of the darkness, adding their pieces to the story, and the writer needs to keep it going until the end.

Q & A

What makes Stephen King's writing routine so productive?

Stephen King's writing routine is productive because he uses a spontaneous approach to writing, focusing on writing quickly and consistently, aiming for 6 pages per day. He also has a structured environment and daily rituals that help him stay focused and enter a productive flow state.

How does Stephen King differentiate between 'plotters' and 'pantsers'?

Stephen King differentiates between 'plotters' who plan every detail of their story before writing, and 'pantsers' who write instinctively, allowing the story to unfold as they go along. King himself is a 'pantser,' starting with a basic idea and letting the plot develop organically.

Why does Stephen King write the last line of a novel first?

Stephen King writes the last line of a novel first because it gives him a sense of direction for the story, even though he doesn't know where the plot will ultimately lead. This helps him stay motivated and engaged throughout the writing process.

What is the importance of 'getting into the flow state' when writing?

Getting into the flow state is crucial for productivity because it allows writers to focus intensely on their work, creating effortless momentum. This focus enables them to produce work more efficiently and consistently.

What role does routine play in Stephen King's productivity?

Routine plays a key role in Stephen King's productivity. He writes every day at the same time and in the same place, with a set pre-writing ritual, including taking vitamins and listening to music. This consistency helps him maintain focus and enter a productive writing mindset.

How does Stephen King handle distractions while writing?

Stephen King reduces distractions by creating a writing environment that is free from phones, TV, and the Internet. His workspace only includes essential items like water and tea, ensuring he can focus fully on his writing.

What does Stephen King mean by 'Murder Your Darlings' in the editing process?

'Murder Your Darlings' refers to the process of removing parts of the story that, while personally liked by the writer, do not contribute to the overall plot or character development. This is done to improve the clarity and focus of the story.

Why does Stephen King recommend letting a finished manuscript 'marinate' for a while?

Stephen King recommends letting a finished manuscript sit for at least 6 weeks before revisiting it to gain emotional distance. This helps writers view their work objectively and avoid the temptation to either overly criticize or overly praise their first draft.

How does Stephen King approach the revision process?

Stephen King's revision process involves reading through the manuscript several times, ensuring active voice is used, cutting unnecessary adverbs, and ensuring character motivation and actions are consistent. He revises the manuscript a dozen times before submitting it to publishers.

What is the significance of listening to music in Stephen King's writing process?

Stephen King listens to metal music to help him focus and get into a productive state. The repetitive nature of listening to the same music on a loop helps avoid distractions and boosts his concentration. For those who don't enjoy metal, energetic music is recommended to enhance focus.