Research has proven the brain is most actively creative immediately following sleep.
Your subconscious mind wanders and makes connections while you sleep. That is what creativity is – making connections between different parts of the brain.
This makes sense to me. I think my writing is better and more productive in the morning.
Yet I hear some writers and creatives say they are more attuned to creating in the afternoon, evening or night. Is it simply a matter of being a morning person or a night owl?
Still others say they have no choice but to write whenever they can find the time.
When do you do your best creative work?
Jennifer's Journal 
I think that my writing is much better in the morning with a cup of coffee but sometimes I can stay up all night writing extremely deep texts. 🌞
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I hear you. Sometimes the mood strikes outside our usual comfort zones, which is wonderful. Thanks for commenting!
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I am definitely better at writing in the morning. I can be really stuck with something in the evening, leave it and the answer just appears so obviously the next morning.
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Hey, that happens to me all the time! Another thing I notice in the morning is the realization of a plot hole or a better way to create a scene. Thanks for commenting. 😊
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Beautiful, inspiring photos. Think of what the late risers miss! Thank you for sharing, Jennifer. ❤
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Thanks, Carol, and thank you for stopping by. ❤️
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It seems that way. I get too judgmental later in the day.
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Exactly me for a first draft, JoAnn. Thanks for visiting my blog!
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Definitely morning for me. Here I am reading your blog at 6:10 a.m. Green tea ‘steaming’ by my side, birds singing outside my window, dreams still sifting around my head. I like to read some blogs first thing – 6 ish – comment on some, then start writing. I usually teach my writing classes in the late morning or early afternoon. My creativity is hopping then. On the one evening class I teach… not so much. ;-(
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I like mornings too, Pam, but not that early, I’m afraid. Maybe if I went to bed earlier! I have this issue with my eyes where, if I’m working on the laptop, they go blurry as the day goes on.
You’re fortunate that your day job is another extension of writing – or vice versa – instead of something that has nothing to do with creativity and simply pays the bills. 🙂
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I spent some time with an OT because of my concussion issues, and blurry, tired eyes was/is one of them. She encouraged me to keep my font on ALL my devices up to 14 point (which I do now) and keep the light as low as possible on computer/phone/laptop etc. The less we fatigue our eyes, the better. It DOES help; you may want to follow her advice. xo
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I was given the same advice by my ophthalmologist. It helps. I was having visual auras without migraine, which was better than migraine pain but still troublesome. Since I took his advice I have been much better but the blurriness persists if I work too long. I hope all your symptoms are gone. 😊
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Good news! The answer for both of us is to be aware and take visual breaks. My eye doctor suggest moving the eyes away from the computer every 20 minutes. I’m trying…I’m trying. 🙂
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Ha ha, it’s so hard to remember that!
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“Dreams still sifting around my head”. Love that.
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❤
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I’ve been thinking a lot about the creative process lately: what helps and hinders it. I plan to explore this on my blog in the near future and interview creative artists. I think when your mind is calm and not distracted is the time when creativity opens. That may explain mornings for some people. However, anyone rushing to work or trying to get gets off to school would probably not agree!
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You’re most likely right about that. I feel more focused in the morning for drafting a novel and adding new material, but I can edit all day.
I’d be interested in reading your blog on the creative process!
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Hi. Can’t write effectively soon after I wake up. A few hours later, though, I’m ready to go. Afternoons and evenings are fine too.
Take care —
Neil Scheinin
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I think some of us take longer to fully wake to the task. When I think of all that goes into the writing of a book, it’s no wonder one needs to feel fully present.
Thanks for dropping by, Neil!
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Jennifer, mornings work best form me on the whole whist middle of the day my brain goes into relax mode and it’s more admin work. Late evenings and even nights have seen creative bursts however! 😀 Wishing you a lovely Easter Sunday, my friend! 🌺
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Whatever works best for you, Annika! I’m usually too tired after dark to be very creative, but I wish I was.
Happy Easter to you too! ❤
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Early or late on thhe weekend is my most productive time, since I’m at my day job at 6:00 a.m.
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Jill, you were one of the writers I was thinking about, who write when they have the time. Do you have a preference for early or late, or does it matter?
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I start early on the weekend and if I get on a roll, I’ll go late. 🙂
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You are one busy woman. 😊
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Mornings–and I like the logic you share for that. It makes sense. And is a relief–I thought I was becoming a ‘sundowner’ where life gets fuzzy later in the day.
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Oh please no, not a sundowner! You’re too busy for that, Jacqui. xo
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Always in the morning, though definitely after I’ve had my tea! I know lots of people who are the exact opposite. I think we are born to be either morning people or late-nighters!
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Different strokes, Barbara. I usually have a coffee first, before I start writing with the second cup. And then a third!
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Just finished my second iced tea so I’m rolling now! 😀
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Easter Sunday or not. 😊
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Mornings, mornings, mornings. And if I can’t get straight to work, then I’ll make notes of ideas arising overnight.
BTW, love those photos.
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Thank you!
Oh yes, the notes of ideas are a 24 hour deal for me. 😊 And the research is right on point for you. Happy creating!
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Big smiles. Even though for me this is now mid-afternoon. 🙂
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Definitely not first thing in the morning. My waking up period takes about eight hours! I’m usually feeling my most creative in the afternoon and evening, and quite often late at night.
And yet I do consider myself a morning person, as I love getting up early to enjoy that quiet at home.
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See how different we are? I think I write more freely in the morning because I’m not held back by my pesky internal editor who doesn’t get up until noon! That’s why I’m working better in the afternoon now because I’m doing editing and revisions. 😊 Thanks for weighing in, Janet.
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