Writing isn't a habit (and that's good news)


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Hey Reader,

Step off train — light cigarette.

That was Joe’s habit. He’d get the train to work, then walk from the station, and on the walk he’d smoke a cigarette.

He doesn’t smoke anymore; hasn’t for years. Doesn’t get the train much anymore, either.

But when he does get off a train, he still reaches inside his jacket for a packet of ciggies.

Cue —> Behaviour —> Reward
Step off train —> Light cigarette —> Nicotine hit

That’s a habit loop: simple, powerful, permanent.

Writing is NOT a habit.

There might be habitual elements within writing activities, but we don’t build a writing habit.

It’s a complex behaviour with a lot of moving parts, just like exercising regularly or going to bed at a reasonable hour.

When we talk about writing as a habit, we’re setting ourselves up to fail and feel shitty about ourselves.

So you’ll never catch me saying “just make writing a habit bro!” because you can’t and that’s okay.

Furthermore (yes you can imagine me smoking a pipe and wearing a deerstalker like Sherlock Holmes now) I’d venture that you don’t WANT writing to be a habit.

Why would you want this beautiful activity to be as unconsious as reaching for a packet of fags?
Wouldn’t you rather create a writing practice that you enjoy, and look forward to, and that brings you joy?

You’re much more likely to make work you’re proud of, that creates connections, and that brings you the kind of work you want to do, if you’re in love with the process.

That doesn’t mean we should or will enjoy every second of writing. But it does mean it’ll feel satisfying and FUN much more often than not.

Would you like to sashay into 2026 and make good trouble with your voice and your words?

I would.

Introducing January Uncaged: Write Like You Mean It.

It’s about showing up for yourself, your words, and your voice. You’ll build a writing practice that’s mindful, intentional, and — crucially — joyful.

Every day for 30 days, you’ll get a prompt, missive, or mini-adventure from me. It’ll take less than 60 seconds to consume (I’ll mix it up — sometimes written, sometimes audio, sometimes video). Then you spend 5-20 minutes adventuring and/or writing. That’s it. No pressure to share, no pressure to be brilliant, no pressure to post it anywhere.

Just write like you mean it.

What you get:

  • Daily prompts from me — short, sharp, designed to get you writing without overthinking
  • Private Telegram group — for support, accountability, and cheerleading
  • Flexibility — 5-20 minutes is the guide, but if you want to spend longer, crack on
  • A body of work — by the end of January, you’ll have 30 days’ worth of writing that you’ll love at least some of
  • Group debrief call — a chance to reflect, celebrate, and see what you’ve created together
  • A sustainable practice — this isn’t about burning out in January and never writing again. You’ll build something you can actually maintain

Who it’s for:

  • Writers who’ve lost their sense of delight
  • Business owners who need to write but keep putting it off
  • Anyone who wants to write more but doesn’t know where to start
  • People who are sick of “content strategies” that feel soulless
  • You, if you want writing to feel less like a chore and more like a practice you look forward to

What it’s not:

This is not a course on “how to write viral LinkedIn posts.” It’s not going to teach you growth hacking or give you 47 content templates. If that’s what you’re after, this isn’t for you.

The details:

Starts: January 6, 2026

Duration: 30 days

Investment: ÂŁ75 + VAT

If you sign up before 5pm this Friday December 12, and use the code UNCAGED25, you’ll get £25 off the full price and pay just £50 + VAT.

Let yourself out of your cage. Write like you mean it.

TTFN,

Vicky 🫡

p.s. Know someone who might enjoy this email? Please forward it to them and get them to sign up here.

How to work with The MicroBook Magician in January

​January Uncaged: A 30-day creativity challenge that’ll you love

​Kickstart Your Book: Everything you need to finally get started

​Buy My Book: How the hell do you write a book?

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Learn to Write Like You Mean It

Join 500+ writers, creatives, misfits, and weirdos and learn to write like you mean it in 10 minutes a week. Get ONE practical tip, story, or shenanigan every Tuesday + a creative goodie bag on Friday 🖖🏼

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