This article explores the philosophy behind a daily writing practice, emphasizing that writing is not about waiting for inspiration but rather about the discipline and compulsion to put ideas on the page regularly. Drawing parallels to physical exercises like yoga or playing an instrument, the article suggests that writing is a practice that must be pursued daily to develop muscle memory and creative flow. Using examples from Seamus Heaney’s drafting process and Julia Cameron’s “Morning Pages,” the author emphasizes the importance of engaging with the world through observation and reflection, suggesting that even simple acts, like walking or visiting a farmer’s market, can prime the creative pump. The piece underscores the idea that writers are always writing, whether physically typing or not, as their practice extends to how they experience and interpret the world around them.

Nicholas Andriani