Yes! So glad you wrote this, and I'm delighted to see another writer is doing this too.
I have stumbled my way into doing the very same things, over years of trial and error. One of my best writing schedules is when I go to bed early (8p), then get up at 1 or 2a, and write til 6. Then back to bed and sleep for another 4 hrs or so. And also yes to avoiding social media etc (or anything that snags left-brain attention, really) before the writing is done.
Now my major challenge is finding the self-discipline to follow this approach routinely instead of fitfully. But it definitely situates the writing process much more squarely in the right brain, and really makes it much easier.
I've always wondered about this and you're saying makes perfect sense. It's almost like when you don't care, is exactly the time when you do your very best.
I've been doing this for years and couldn't agree more-both about the right and the left-brain aspects of writing. (To me the fuzzy sleepy brain is the right brain part). Delighted to have discovered you!
Absolutely loving this! SO affirming and frankly, so timely. I have always feared not being a "proper" writer because I will do anything to avoid the process since doing so might bring on a spot of ruminating about not being a "proper" writer - OR the other issue playing on repeat in my head: "You and your writing are both crap." Thanks Merrill! P.S. Ahead-of-her-time writing guru Dorothea Brande ('Becoming a Writer' c. 1934!) was the first to advocate 'Morning Page' writing, so maybe she was onto something ...
I also kind of love how dark and quiet it is in the early morning, at least this time of year. It makes it easier for me to imagine scenes outside of my normal life. Also- no UPS deliveries to disrupt the flow 😂
I would add to not only avoid scrolling the Internet first thing in the morning, but also do not even glance at the subject lines on the overnight emails. Especially the ones from Substack that begin, “Email disabled for...”.
A meditation teacher of mine used to recommend getting up and sitting before you became aware of all of those nagging thoughts and worries. Jump ahead of them, as if were. Writing and meditation are not so different 😊
Merrill this is very interesting information. I agree with it.
My question: Do you get up? Or write in bed.
I have recently finished writing a novel on my phone, often working in the wee hours of the morning, when I’m at my best. I snuck coffee in. I scrooched down under the covers so I wouldn’t wake up my husband. It was fun. It caused eye strain. It turned out pretty well. I give myself a B.
I dont know how you wrote all that on a phone. I think I would find it too claustrophobic. I need more space around my words. Why dont you get a lap top? That sounds like torture. (altho I am sure the book is great because you wrote it.)
Ever since day light savings time ended I’ve been getting up at 3:45. And this post haunts me. I prattle around the house - drink a glass of water. Promise not to turn on my phone. Promise to turn it off soon.
And then just toss and turn on the couch feeling bad that I don’t just write something. Just make some tea and sit at the table and admit I’m in the gray space between brain energies.
Tomorrow, if it happens again, I’ll go for it. This morning, I’ll wait for the sunrise, sharing the couch with a cat that won’t get off me as I turn from side to side.
STARTING something is the hardest part. Much easier to keep going. When I am in between, I think of it as a time to add some stuff into the ingredients. Might be you are just not ready yet. Might be a good time to read and go do some stuff you might write about one day.
Jeez, I feel like a dork wonk now because I love writing. I have a good time and I make myself laugh. But I can't make myself do it when I don't feel like it, even though I love it, even when there is a deadline, and I and my face are very tired of the self-face-punching, so I am going to try your 5 am method. Thank you.
Yes! So glad you wrote this, and I'm delighted to see another writer is doing this too.
I have stumbled my way into doing the very same things, over years of trial and error. One of my best writing schedules is when I go to bed early (8p), then get up at 1 or 2a, and write til 6. Then back to bed and sleep for another 4 hrs or so. And also yes to avoiding social media etc (or anything that snags left-brain attention, really) before the writing is done.
Now my major challenge is finding the self-discipline to follow this approach routinely instead of fitfully. But it definitely situates the writing process much more squarely in the right brain, and really makes it much easier.
I've always wondered about this and you're saying makes perfect sense. It's almost like when you don't care, is exactly the time when you do your very best.
For this you should receive the Nobel, Merrill!
I am counting on you to nominate me. And in return I will nominate you for The Nobel Peace Prize. You are probably already short listed.
I've been doing this for years and couldn't agree more-both about the right and the left-brain aspects of writing. (To me the fuzzy sleepy brain is the right brain part). Delighted to have discovered you!
Absolutely loving this! SO affirming and frankly, so timely. I have always feared not being a "proper" writer because I will do anything to avoid the process since doing so might bring on a spot of ruminating about not being a "proper" writer - OR the other issue playing on repeat in my head: "You and your writing are both crap." Thanks Merrill! P.S. Ahead-of-her-time writing guru Dorothea Brande ('Becoming a Writer' c. 1934!) was the first to advocate 'Morning Page' writing, so maybe she was onto something ...
I also kind of love how dark and quiet it is in the early morning, at least this time of year. It makes it easier for me to imagine scenes outside of my normal life. Also- no UPS deliveries to disrupt the flow 😂
I have learned to love 5 AM as the best time of the day.
crows are an interesting bird
talk about intuitive fuckers 😉
I love crows. I even wrote about my complex relationship with crows. It is here.https://merrillmarkoe.substack.com/p/my-role-in-a-couple-of-murders
I would add to not only avoid scrolling the Internet first thing in the morning, but also do not even glance at the subject lines on the overnight emails. Especially the ones from Substack that begin, “Email disabled for...”.
the internet giveth....
and taketh away 🥸
A meditation teacher of mine used to recommend getting up and sitting before you became aware of all of those nagging thoughts and worries. Jump ahead of them, as if were. Writing and meditation are not so different 😊
I meditate early in the morning too!
Wow! I love all of your theories particularly where your (definitely mine) critical parent resides.
This 100% has worked for me. I write 5:30-7:30 am and then get on with the rest of the day.
Truly fantastic Loved every paragraph
thank you! this one is going out to all my pals
who knew there were “sleep bees”
and be aware the Nobel people do usually call at 5:30am
I am READY!
Merrill this is very interesting information. I agree with it.
My question: Do you get up? Or write in bed.
I have recently finished writing a novel on my phone, often working in the wee hours of the morning, when I’m at my best. I snuck coffee in. I scrooched down under the covers so I wouldn’t wake up my husband. It was fun. It caused eye strain. It turned out pretty well. I give myself a B.
I start out in bed. When its light out, sometimes I move.
I dont know how you wrote all that on a phone. I think I would find it too claustrophobic. I need more space around my words. Why dont you get a lap top? That sounds like torture. (altho I am sure the book is great because you wrote it.)
Best substack ever. You might have to start at 4:30am to beat this one. Xo
Haaa.
Ever since day light savings time ended I’ve been getting up at 3:45. And this post haunts me. I prattle around the house - drink a glass of water. Promise not to turn on my phone. Promise to turn it off soon.
And then just toss and turn on the couch feeling bad that I don’t just write something. Just make some tea and sit at the table and admit I’m in the gray space between brain energies.
Tomorrow, if it happens again, I’ll go for it. This morning, I’ll wait for the sunrise, sharing the couch with a cat that won’t get off me as I turn from side to side.
STARTING something is the hardest part. Much easier to keep going. When I am in between, I think of it as a time to add some stuff into the ingredients. Might be you are just not ready yet. Might be a good time to read and go do some stuff you might write about one day.
Jeez, I feel like a dork wonk now because I love writing. I have a good time and I make myself laugh. But I can't make myself do it when I don't feel like it, even though I love it, even when there is a deadline, and I and my face are very tired of the self-face-punching, so I am going to try your 5 am method. Thank you.