William Sydney Porter (September 11, 1862 – June 5, 1910), better known by his pen name O. Henry

How To Be A More Flexible Writer

Being a flexible writer isn't always easy - but figuring out how can make writing so much more enjoyable!

One thing that writers should all try to understand is how much more comfortable they can make life for themselves if they are flexible. 
There is a lot of writing advice that emphasizes the importance of a writing routine, and there is no denying that creating a method that works for you can help boost writing productivity. However, if you become so obsessed with your writing routine that you are totally inflexible around it, this could end up doing you more harm than good.
Being a flexible writer will do you good!
For the most part, writing at the same time every day, and forcing yourself to write even if you are feeling a bit lazy, demotivated or uninspired is a good thing. Writers need to treat their writing as something that is a necessity, like going to work or brushing their teeth. Some days will be easier than others. Doing this will mean that writing becomes more of a reflex, a habit, an accepted part of everyday life that just has to be. In short, a writer who takes the time to write each day is much more likely to be a writer who continues to take the time to write each day.
However, there will be days where other things get in the way. There will be times where the kids are sick and need to come home from school, where there are celebrations to be had, friends who need a shoulder to cry on, or even just periods where you sit down to write, and the words don’t seem to come out.
Things are always going to get in the way
Life happens, and it doesn’t always care about the plans that we’ve made. 
If we aren’t flexible, disruption to our writing routine can spell disaster. Just as if you are really into the gym and you can’t afford the membership anymore, or you are really into running and then get a knee injury and suddenly that thing you are enthusiastic and passionate about fades into a distant memory, and it becomes harder and harder to reignite your passion for it. 
We’ve all experienced times where things don’t go to plan. Or where, no matter how hard we try, we just can’t focus as hard as we want to or create as productively as we desire. It can be disheartening and frustrating, but an inflexible writer is one who is much more likely to give up than one who can give themselves a bit of a break, thinking ‘never mind - it wasn’t meant to be today,’ adopt an easy-going, relaxed attitude and then try another time again.