My writing routine is much different than Ryan’s. I’m not too busy being a spouse or walking dogs or cooking dinner to commit my thoughts to paper. I actually have the time to write. I just prefer to do any other task instead.

-  Bling. What Blackberry? I have a new text message/Facebook/Twitter update/app waiting for me. I better check it. I mean, it’d be rude not to. Right?

-  Huh pal? Bad day? You need to grab a drink? I’m already at the bar waiting for you.

- It is nice outside, isn’t it? I will be reading poolside today, and happily justifying it as research for an upcoming project.

As a general rule, I don’t make moves towards writing. I wait until writing comes to me. Usually this happens when I’m at stopped at a red light.

I’ve tried to be like the classic writer that always has a journal and pen at hand, and jots down story lines and phrases as they come to him/her. What happens is I forget what I’m going to write by the time I get all my supplies together. And then if I am successful in capturing my ideas on to paper, I lose it, or can’t make sense of the dribble that was intended in the first place.  So what I do now is think about what I’m going to write days before it happens (and always when I’m driving. Unlike most people, I don’t mind sitting at red lights because it’s where most of my work is done. No kidding).  And if I can’t finish the essay in my head, I don’t even bother sitting in front of a blank Word document. There’s no point. The distractions—even blinking my own eyes—can become too entertaining.

One problem with this writing routine is that I haven’t been driving much lately. I’ve grounded myself to the 32801 zip code, and it’s only now that I’ve realized it.  Sadly, I’ve haven’t written a piece since my book has come back from production. And maybe that’s what‘s supposed to happen? I don’t know.  The other problem with this writing routine is it appears that I won’t be writing the greatest American novel any time soon, unless I pack up my van and drive to California. Even then, I don’t know that I’ll be able to remember it all. So maybe it’s time I make time for writing. Commit to it. Take baby steps and write daily. Wait, what did you say? You want me to peep at your work? Okay. Where should we meet? Let’s make it within walking distance. Do you have a writing routine? Burrow Press is currently accepting short story submissions. Did you know that?