Becoming a productive writer requires more than just talent. It takes dedication, discipline, and the right habits. Jade Malay, a writer from Dallas, has developed a set of writing habits that help her stay focused, efficient, and consistent.

Whether you are a blogger, author, or content creator, adopting these habits can help you improve your writing skills and produce high-quality content in less time. Here are six writing habits that will make you more productive.

1. Follow a Writing Schedule

One of the most important habits of productive writers is having a consistent writing schedule. Jade Malay sticks to a routine that allows her to write at the same time every day. This habit creates discipline and trains the brain to be ready for writing during specific hours.

Many writers struggle with procrastination because they wait for inspiration to strike. However, relying on motivation alone can lead to inconsistent writing. Having a set schedule eliminates this problem by making writing a daily habit rather than an occasional activity.

How to Set a Writing Schedule:

1. Identify the time of day when you feel most creative and focused.

2. Set aside a specific period for writing, even if it’s just 30 minutes a day.

3. Use a planner or digital calendar to track your writing sessions.

Following a writing schedule helps you develop consistency and prevents delays in completing your work.

2. Remove Distractions

Distractions are one of the biggest obstacles to productivity. Whether it’s social media, phone notifications, or background noise, interruptions can break your concentration and slow down your writing process.

Jade Malay ensures that her writing environment is free from distractions so she can focus entirely on her work. Creating a dedicated writing space with minimal interruptions allows for better concentration and a smoother workflow.

Ways to Reduce Distractions While Writing:

1. Turn off phone notifications or put your phone in another room.

2. Use a quiet workspace or noise-canceling headphones.

3. Try productivity tools like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distracting websites.

4. Set a timer for focused writing sessions, such as 25-minute work intervals with short breaks in between.

When you minimize distractions, you can complete your writing tasks more quickly and with better quality.

3. Plan Content with an Outline

Starting with a blank page can feel overwhelming. To avoid wasting time figuring out what to write, Jade Malay always creates an outline before she begins writing.

An outline helps organize ideas, ensures logical flow, and makes the writing process much faster. It also prevents unnecessary rewrites by providing a clear structure from the start.

Steps to Create an Effective Outline:

1. Identify the main topic and key points you want to cover.

2. Break the content into sections using subheadings.

3. Use bullet points to list supporting details under each section.

4. Arrange points logically so the content flows smoothly.

By using an outline, you save time, reduce stress, and make your writing more structured and engaging.

4. Write First, Edit Later

One mistake that slows down many writers is editing while writing. Constantly stopping to fix grammar, sentence structure, or word choice interrupts the creative flow and makes the process take much longer.

Jade Malay follows the golden rule: write first, edit later. She focuses on getting ideas onto the page before worrying about perfection. Once the first draft is complete, she returns to edit and refine the content.

Benefits of Writing First and Editing Later:

1. Allows thoughts to flow naturally without interruption.

2. Reduces writer’s block by eliminating overthinking.

3. Speeds up the writing process by focusing on one task at a time.

Instead of aiming for perfection in the first draft, focus on getting your ideas out. Editing can always be done later to improve clarity and correctness.

5. Set Word Count Goals

Setting a daily word count goal is an effective way to stay on track and complete writing projects on time. Jade Malay sets realistic word count targets based on the type of content she is working on.

By having a measurable goal, writers can stay motivated and make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Tips for Setting Word Count Goals:

1. Start with a small goal, such as 300-500 words per day, and gradually increase it.

2. Track your progress using a writing app or journal.

3. Adjust your word count goal based on deadlines and content complexity.

Setting word count goals helps maintain momentum and prevents procrastination.

6. Read Regularly to Improve Writing

Reading is one of the best ways to become a better writer. Jade Malay makes reading a priority to improve her vocabulary, sentence structure, and overall writing style.

Reading different types of content exposes writers to various writing techniques and ideas. It also helps them stay updated on trends and topics in their industry.

How Reading Improves Writing:

1. Expands vocabulary and introduces new phrases.

2. Enhances understanding of different writing styles and tones.

3. Provides inspiration for new content ideas.

How to Develop a Reading Habit:

1. Read books, articles, and blogs in different genres.

2. Take notes on writing techniques that stand out.

3. Analyze sentence structures, transitions, and storytelling methods.

Regular reading not only improves writing skills but also keeps creativity flowing.

Conclusion

Productive writing is not about working harder but about working smarter. Jade Malay’s writing habits prove that discipline, focus, and consistency are key to becoming a successful writer.

By following a writing schedule, removing distractions, using outlines, separating writing from editing, setting word count goals, and reading regularly, you can improve your productivity and produce high-quality content efficiently.

Develop these habits in your daily routine, and you will notice a significant improvement in both your writing speed and quality. Writing becomes easier and more enjoyable when you have the right strategies in place.