Here's to Routine!

“How do you write, work and have a family?” This is the question that I was asked yesterday by a friend. The answer is how can’t I? Those things are essential to me. Writing allows me to express myself and release my creativity, my children allow me to love and be loved unconditionally and work gives me the opportunity to provide for my family and my writing.

While I didn’t say the above to her, I simply said “A routine.” Routines allow me to do all three. I’m a creature of routine for the most part.

This can be both good and bad. As a mom, routines are vital to a smooth household. At least they are for mine. I notice the girls tend to do a lot better with a routine than without and I, as a mom, tend to be a more relaxed parent.

Being a mom I have to be careful with routine as well. Sometimes certain situations and certain children require some thinking outside of the routine. It can be fun to go outside your normal status quo sometimes. Bedtime around here is based on a routine, but during the summer that goes out the window as we enjoy different activities.

As a writer being in a routine is wonderful for the process of writing. I have regular times of writing, such as cheer and gymnastic practices. I have a way that I like to do things. I like to revise at times, write at others, and brainstorm at even other times.

Routine can also hinder my writing. I don’t want my work to be predictable. I want it to capture someone’s attention and keep it. My words should take you on a journey, and you should wonder what is coming next. If someone reading my work knows what is coming then they are going to get bored. They are more than likely going to put down my book and that’s bad. I don’t want that…..

As a reader I want the unexpected. I don’t want to pick up a book and know what comes next in the story. There are very rare times when I have known exactly what was coming and actually enjoyed the book, mostly because I’ve fallen for one of the characters (hello Edward Cullen—insert smile here—and how are you?). When I get bored while reading, which is few and far between, I finish the book but I never recommend it to anyone.

But there’s a certain comfort in picking up a book that belongs to a series and having the routine of that character remain constant. Drastic changes in the characters can be unsettling. Losing the things that made your audience fall in love with your character can cause those readers to walk away.

So while I enjoy my routines, I also crave that unexpected that comes around the bend to shake things up, especially when I can write it. I love those ideas that just make you go “WHAT?” or “WOW, I didn’t see that coming!” That’s my goal.

So here’s to routine! Here’s to spontaneity! Here’s to closing your eyes, holding on tight and enjoying the ride, in life and in reading. Most importantly in writing!