There is a theory that the brain is more creative in the morning, especially in your waking moments. For this reason, many writers keep their notepad by their beds and make sure that the very first thing they do when they open their eyes each morning, is write. The resultant notes are called “morning pages”. I’v e only very recently become a fan of this morning exercise but I’m finding it fruitful. I don’t believe it would have worked for me ten years ago when I didn’t ‘do’ mornings, at all, ever. Now, I’m 41. I do mornings and I do them well.
Anyway, enough about my aging. Morning pages might contain what a writer remembers of their dreams or perhaps the writer will simply jot down the very first words that come to mind that day. Some writers say that this exercise helps them ‘slip’ more easily into what writers’ call the “writing rapture” when a writer feels ideas are pouring into their mind. When writers write in the morning, so the theory goes, they are closer to their sleeping state and the mind is more imaginative and/or receptive to ideas.
Having said that, there are plenty of writers who write late at night – for the same reason that they say the closer to sleep they are, the more creative their ideas. Then there are other writers who find their most productive hours are in the middle of the day (the Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling is a good example. She wrote her first book in a busy Edinburgh café).
Different times of the day work for different people and it is really of no consequence whether you are a morning, day or night writer. What is important is that you write and that you find your ideal writing time. Experiment. Find what works for you and then set an hour aside each day at that time and write.
Likewise, writers have very personal tastes regarding an environment conducive to writing. There are those who like music or TV buzz in the background and those who can only write in silence. Find whatever works for you.
suehealy 
August 27th, 2011 at 05:38
This is soooo true. I’m definitely a morning writer, and if I don’t make myself write in the morning, I can pretty much forget writing for the day. The rare exception is when I have a great moment of inspiration. Then, I have to make sure I get to a computer fast, no matter what time of the day it is, so I can start typing.
August 27th, 2011 at 09:30
Hi Elizabeth, I have to admit I’m pretty new to morning writing. I used to consider myself solely a bird of the night – and in many ways night is just as close to the dream time. However, I think due to my current job (teaching Creative Writing to prisoners) which means an early start ergo an early night – I wasn’t getting anything done in the evenings… so I gave an early rise a try and have found it to be reallly productive thus far. Happy to join the morning flock, therefore, if you’ll have me.
August 27th, 2011 at 14:08
This is such an interesting topic! I think I am all over the place with my writing! If I have a set goal or idea I need to write I usually do it as soon as I wake up. But for spontaneous ideas or when I get the fresh urge to write I find it comes after a busy day. Very though-provoking!!
August 27th, 2011 at 14:16
Hi Karla, Thanks for your thoughts and comment. I’m glad my post has given you something to think about. I feel people have their own individual ‘creative hour/s’. And for many, I think this time may be the morning. I also believe that your most creative hours when you are twenty, will not be the same when you are forty. Moreover, you can work quite well during your ‘non-creative’ hours, by editing, reading, drafting letters to agents, researching competitions etc… But it is good to know what hours the muse it most likely to visit. For me, these days, it seems to be the morning. I agree with you regarding the ideas coming to you randomly during the day – when someone makes a remark or something snags your eye and it’s magical when this occurs – but, generally, I get most inspiration (and most done) in the morning these days.
August 27th, 2011 at 18:25
Never heard it so clearly defined. Haha, my writing routine asserted itself almost unconsciously. But you are absolutely right. Writing in the morning will get those juices flowing. We’re always searching for that sacred “writer’s rapture.” Best feeling on the planet. Your open-mindedness is refreshing.
-Brian
August 27th, 2011 at 18:33
Thanks, Brian. Glad you liked the post. You’re right, the writer’s ‘rapture’ is sacred. I guess that why it doesn’t visit so often… those sacred things can be a bit standoffish : ) but they come around eventually…
August 27th, 2011 at 19:18
Hi, Sue. Have you read Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way?” In it she describes the artist’s (writers, visual artists, musicians, all types) journey, and she recommends “morning pages” among other exercises. You keep a notebook, and in it write every single morning, no matter what pops into your mind. (I can’t remember whether it was for a particular number of pages or period of time.) Sometimes for me it was very stream of consciousness, and other times quite focused. This was an eye-opening book, and I recommend it. It’s a 12-week “program,” if you will, and a friend who is a painter/art teacher and I did it together. What fun! Thank you for subscribing to my blog. I am going to subscribe to yours as well. I like the active way you stay in touch with your readers. Happy to find another vigorous writer.
August 27th, 2011 at 19:34
Hi Maggie, thank you for commenting! I haven’t actually read the ‘Artist’s Way’ but I have heard of it and a few of the tips I’ve picked up for writing I think have come to me indirectly from people who have read the book. It’s been on my ‘to read’ list for ages but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. Thanks for reminding me about it! I am rather addicted to writing – so I can’t be anything but active on a blog : ) Many thanks for your input – I’m also happy to be in touch with a vigorous writer.