I started writing ‘Morning Pages’ at the beginning of the year and have only missed one day, which is my biggest streak for a ‘habit’. The idea was to follow the suggestion to write three pages per day, right after I wake up. I write two pages each day and not necessarily in the morning. This is because injuries make even two pages hard on my wrist and I don’t always make time to sit down to write after I wake up. Sometimes I get up, pack my bag and head into uni and then sit down to write them as I have a coffee or breakfast. Since I won’t be going into uni very often from now on, I’ll probably get them done in the morning.

From what I understand, the idea is to do actual writing. I don’t do this all the time either. I mostly write about what I’m meant to be doing for the day and what developments I plan on making on my projects or what’s been happening with them. The most productive entries are probably when I rewrite the dreams I’ve had because they sometimes give out potential stories. Most of my projects are from dreams I’ve had.

I find that the Morning Pages are good because it gives me a chance to collect my thoughts and give myself a direction for the day (if it’s done early enough). It’s become somewhat of a reflection journal that incorporates my writing. It’s not emotional, although it might mention if I’m stressed to explain not having the energy to write or something. It isn’t like a personal diary, it’s more like a check-in with my little inner writer secretary.

I do recommend keeping a ‘Morning Pages’ but I also recommend tailoring it to yourself. For me, the Morning Pages are like starting up my engine, getting me ready and raring for a day of writing. Write what comes to you and how much you can, whether it’s two pages, three pages or four pages. And don’t let your inner editor in! That one can sit on the other side of the doors until you’re finished with your secretary. Writing unencumbered in the morning really does feel like the gears are being greased up and turned as I write it. It also gives me a chance to handwrite, though I can’t do much of it.

Find what works for you!