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Write When? The Surprising Science of Creative Timing

Writer's picture: bbrichterbbrichter

Evangelist Saint Mark writing the Gospel with his symbol, the Lion, holding a scroll. German,11th c,
Evangelist Saint Mark writing the Gospel with his symbol, the Lion, holding a scroll. German,11th c,

When I was young, I used to think I wasn't a real writer because I couldn't match my idealized 5 AM writing schedule. I was--and remain--nearly incoherent at 5AM. That's my time to enjoy a cuppa, ponder beyonder, and then get out for a run. I don't sit down to the computer until 9AM, but by then, I've prepped my mind and body for a productive day. It took me a few years to realize this and to accept what I needed to be the best writer I could be. Maybe you've felt that pressure too - that sense that you're writing at the "wrong" time. But free yourself of such arbitrary burdens! Yes, there is such a thing as timing your creative output, but perfect timing isn't the end-all-be-all for writing.


First, understand your internal clock is a precise instrument. Our bodies follow a natural rhythm that runs slightly longer than 24 hours, adjusted daily by sunlight. This rhythm influences our creativity, focus, and energy throughout. But when it comes to writing--spolier!--the relationship between peak performance and creative output isn't as straightforward as you might think.


Between work deadlines, family commitments, and the general chaos of life, finding time to write often feels like solving a puzzle. And that's before we even consider whether we're writing at the "right" time. But it's possible that your less-than-perfect schedule might be working in your favor.


The Science of Body Clocks

Mareike Wietha and Rose Zacks discovered patterns on creative timing that challenge long held assumptions about peak performance. Our brains are remarkable timekeepers. Deep inside, a group of cells orchestrates a daily symphony of alertness, fatigue, and creativity. Understanding this internal rhythm has helped me make peace with my own writing schedule, and it might do the same for you.


Studies show that our self-control gradually depletes throughout the day. This explains why morning writers often feel so productive - they're tapping into their fresh reserves of willpower. But that morning advantage might work against creative thinking.


Think about those moments when your best ideas seem to come out of nowhere - maybe when you're tired, distracted, or just about to fall asleep. There's a reason for that. Research shows that when our brains are slightly fatigued, they make more creative connections. It's like our internal editor finally takes a break, allowing our imagination to roam more freely.


Scientific American explains why: "At off-peak times we are less focused, and may consider a broader range of information. This wider scope gives us access to more alternatives and diverse interpretations, thus fostering innovation and insight." Has science finally cracked the code on creativity? Do we all now have permission to slack off until just before deadline?


Keep reading. But you can probably guess that the answer is mixed.


What History Can Teach Us

Take comfort in knowing that famous authors have never been slaves to the 9-5. Consider Charles Dickens and Robert Frost - two brilliant writers with completely opposite routines. Dickens wrote religiously every morning, finishing by 2:00 PM. Frost? He was just opening his notebook when Dickens was closing his, often writing past midnight and sleeping until noon. And Emily Dickinson wrote in her room by candlelight in the wee small hours between midnight and sunrise, well after the rest of the household had hit the hay and she was free of her domestic burdens. All created enduring literature, just at different hours.


Their success wasn't about finding the "perfect" time, it was about finding their time.

This fits perfectly with what neuroscience tells us about habit formation. As Amy Brann puts it, "Neurons will automatically be drawn to electrochemical activity. This means the more you light up a new circuit the stronger it will become." Put simply: your brain will adapt to the schedule you give it, whether that's dawn or midnight.


Modern Writers, Modern Challenges

But unless you're indulging in some cosplay, you're probably not writing by candlelight like our literary ancestors. We're writing under bright LED bulbs, often staring at screens that mess with our internal clocks. Research has found that light exposure is the biggest factor in regulating our body clock, which makes our modern environment both a blessing and a challenge.


Our writing rhythms change as we age, too. Research shows that older adults often find themselves waking earlier, whether they want to or not, and it's largely due to how our bodies process light and maintain daily rhythms differently over time.


And most of us aren't living the Dickens lifestyle. Some days, our "perfect" writing time gets hijacked by a sick kid or an urgent deadline. The good news? Understanding how stress and energy levels affect our creativity can help us adapt. That morning writing routine that worked last month might need adjusting during a busy season at work.


Finding the Write Time

So, instead of asking "When should I write?" try asking:

  • When can I consistently show up for my writing?

  • Which times in my day feel most protected from life's chaos?

  • What schedule feels sustainable, even when things get hectic?

While timing matters, it's about creating your own rhythm. Your brain is incredibly adaptable. It will strengthen whatever pattern you give it, whether that's early morning writing or late-night creativity. Every time you show up to write at your chosen time, you're rewiring your brain to be creative on schedule.


So instead of forcing yourself into someone else's routine, pay attention to your natural patterns. Your sweet spot is when writing feels less like a struggle and more like a conversation with yourself.


This article is based on Episode 17 of Writing For Immortality. Listen to the full episode here. Sources: Why Most Olympic Records Are Broken in the Afternoon: Your Body's Best Time For Everything and The Best Time to Write and Get Ideas, According to Science.

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