November is National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo for those in the know, and already hundreds of thousands of participants will be busily writing as part of their journey to becoming novelists. Yet those who have to balance novel writing with full time work, family and social life might find it hard to know when to take a spare moment to write. Should you set your alarm an hour early and power through your writing before breakfast, or sit down after dinner when all the day’s work is done? How about a sneaky lunchtime writing sesh? One scientific study claims to have solved this conundrum once and for all.
Creative writing image by Shutterstock.com
According to the studies referenced by the creator of this infographic, the optimum time to write is actually not when you’re at your peak. Morning people should write in the evening, and night people should write in the morning — as apparently the best creative ideas tend to come to you when you’re not at your most alert, as your mind is able to make broader connections and problem-solve when its not as focussed. This isn’t a solid rule, however. There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to both morning and evening writing, and you could easily subscribe to either school of thought. The study also links creativity to dopamine-producing activities, so it may benefit you to go for a run or a drive before you sit down to write your magnum opus. Check out the rest of the study below to learn more about how your creative mind works — and when you can catch it at its peak.
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