I write nearly every day, don't need to get myself started, the problem is getting myself to stop. I have many projects going at once. Preferred time: first thing in the morning, definitely. I set goals and meet them, even if the result isn't so good--can be reworked later. For stories I work with an outline but don't bounce around much, although I like to know what my last sentence will be. PS--I like to meet people serious about writing.