The Best Time to Write (and Why It’s Not When You Think)

Writing can be a daunting task, and anyone who has ever sat down to pen a few words knows that it isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Whether you’re crafting a blog post, composing a novel, or simply writing an email, you’ve probably found yourself wondering, “When is the best time to write?”

For years, the answer to this question has been straightforward: “Write when you’re at your best,” or “Write first thing in the morning, before life gets in the way.” Popular advice suggests that the best time to write is often early in the morning or during the so-called “golden hours” when your mind is fresh and energy levels are high. But here’s the twist: the best time to write might not be what you expect.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why the conventional wisdom surrounding the “best time” to write is not always right for everyone and why it may be more beneficial to listen to your own rhythms and natural flow rather than trying to force your writing into a predetermined mold.

The Myth of Morning Writing

The idea that writing is best done in the early morning hours has become ingrained in popular culture. Writers like Ernest Hemingway, Maya Angelou, and many modern productivity gurus swear by early morning writing routines. They claim that your mind is sharpest when you first wake up, and you have a clear, uninterrupted block of time before the chaos of the day takes over.

While this may be true for some people, it is important to recognize that not everyone is a "morning person." For many, mornings can be sluggish, unproductive, or even a time of anxiety as they face the challenges of the day. Forcing yourself to write first thing in the morning may actually be counterproductive if you are someone who struggles to focus in the early hours.

In fact, studies show that not all people are wired for early productivity. Circadian rhythms—our body’s natural internal clock—vary from person to person. Some people are naturally night owls, and others are early risers. Forcing yourself to write at a time that doesn't align with your natural energy levels can lead to frustration, burnout, and poor-quality writing.

Your Ideal Writing Time: When You’re Most Creative

Rather than adhering to the rigid "write early in the morning" approach, it’s more important to find when your creative juices are flowing the most. For some, that may be late at night. For others, it might be in the afternoon, or even after a workout. There are no hard and fast rules about when you should be writing, but there are certain periods during the day when your brain is more primed for creativity.

Creativity and focus are influenced by a variety of factors, including physical health, mental clarity, and environmental conditions. Here’s a closer look at what might determine when you are at your most creative:

1. Your Circadian Rhythm

As mentioned earlier, everyone has their own natural circadian rhythm, which can influence when you're most alert. Some people feel energized after a good night's sleep and can tackle their most difficult tasks in the morning. Others don’t wake up feeling mentally sharp and may need a few hours to get into a creative flow. Experiment with different times of the day to find when you’re most mentally alert and focused. This may be a more accurate indicator of your best writing time than simply following the advice of others.

2. Energy Levels and Body Clocks

Energy is a critical factor in creativity. Writing demands both mental and physical energy, and when you’re low on either, it can be much harder to get words down. This is why many people find writing a struggle after they’ve been at work all day or have experienced stress. On the other hand, after a workout or some form of physical activity, your brain can be more alert and ready to tackle writing. It’s often recommended to use energy boosters like physical movement or short breaks to recharge before sitting down to write.

3. Emotional Clarity

Emotion plays a major role in writing. A person who is feeling stressed, anxious, or emotionally exhausted might struggle to get into a creative flow, no matter what time of day it is. You might find that your best writing happens when you’re feeling calm and mentally prepared, so identifying when you’re emotionally clear could be key to finding your ideal writing time.

The Power of Scheduled Writing Time

Another reason morning writing routines are often touted as the “best” is that many people believe in the importance of consistency. Writing every day at the same time helps establish a habit, and habits can be an excellent way to boost productivity.

However, scheduling writing time is not about adhering to the time of day; it’s about setting aside a dedicated block of time where writing is your priority. This could be early in the morning, in the afternoon, or after dinner—whatever works best for you.

When you make writing a priority by setting a consistent writing schedule, you eliminate the need to decide each day when to write, which can be a huge mental hurdle. The simple act of scheduling it creates a sense of commitment and reduces procrastination. Scheduling your writing time also ensures you carve out time for your creative work, even if your day gets busy.

Writing in Short Bursts

Rather than setting aside one long block of time, many writers find success by writing in short, focused bursts. You might find that your best writing happens when you have only 30 minutes to work on a project. During these short bursts, you’re able to maintain high levels of concentration and creativity without tiring out.

This approach ties into the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. After four sessions, you take a longer break (15-30 minutes). This method has been shown to increase productivity by helping you stay engaged and avoid mental fatigue.

It’s worth experimenting with shorter bursts of writing to see if it leads to better results for you. Writing in shorter periods may help you overcome the dread of a long writing session and can make the process feel more manageable.

Writing with Flexibility

Finally, it’s crucial to understand that the best time to write is not fixed—it’s a flexible concept. Your ideal writing time may vary depending on the project, your mood, or other external factors. Don’t feel pressured to write at the same time every day or adhere strictly to conventional wisdom. Instead, experiment with different times and environments to see what works best for you.

For example, you might find that you write your best blog posts in the morning but need to write novels late at night. Your ideal writing time is unique to you and may evolve as you learn more about your creative process.

The Best Time to Write: It’s When You Can Focus

Ultimately, the best time to write is when you can give your full attention to the task at hand. For some, this might be early in the morning; for others, it could be late at night or after a break. The key is to listen to your own energy, mood, and body signals and then carve out that time to write consistently.

The myth that there’s a “perfect” time to write can actually hold you back. The truth is, the best time to write is when you feel mentally clear, creative, and energized—whether that’s at sunrise or under the stars.

By breaking free from conventional advice and focusing on your unique rhythms, you’ll discover the best time to write is when you can truly focus, giving yourself the freedom to produce your best work. So, the next time you find yourself wondering when you should write, ask yourself: when do you feel most inspired? That’s your best time.