Usually when I visit the bookstore I look at the writing magazines and skim a few articles. Usually I'm looking for ideas for marketing and promotion but often I stumble on pieces that inspire ideas for my blog posts. A few days ago I read a short article with two authors debating the pros and cons of writing everyday.
Many experts recommend writing every day. They contend you must develop the habit and treat writing like a job you must work at each day. If you combine inspiration and habit together, chances are you're going to write a lot of words each day.
The other opinion in the article I read believes in taking a day off per week. Instead of setting aside some time every day for writing, set a word count goal and get it done. Taking a day off recharges the drive and enthusiasm to write.
We all develop our own writing habits including frequency and duration of time at the keyboard. Like many people I tend to fall somewhere in between the two extremes of the above options. I don't always write new stuff every day, but I almost always work on something having to do with my career. I visit blogs, edit some work and do other general promotion things. Unless it's a special day like my recent anniversary a day seldom goes by when I don't turn on my computer.
Nearly every interview I read about really successful authors quotes them as saying they write every day. They highly recommend it.
What do you do? Write every day? Set goals and then take time off when you reach the goal? Do you feel guilty if you miss days writing?
11 comments:
I do work on my ms everyday--writing, rewriting, editing--something. Even if my time is limited, I steal at least 15 minutes somewhere (I've snuck off to the bathroom before, ms in hand). It keeps me focused and excited about the project.
But I don't write new stuff everyday. I would love to work that into my day. Maybe eventually when the kids go to school.
How has blogging helped your writing?
I don't write everyday. I do something writing-related every day. Even when I'm editing for other writers, I can learn something from them.
I just about do everything everyday. Cooking, washing housework, gardening and writing. Forget about finishing work so you can write full-time! I think if I was going to write full-time then in my next life I will come back as a man and get myself a wife.
So in answer to your question, Susan... Yes, I write everyday, but not as much as I would like to
Wish I could get into some sort of routine. I find writing ideas come to me when I am driving. Not too convenient....
I do intend to write every day. Even if it's only a sentence, I try to get something down. I'm better about it some days than others though.
I probably miss a day every week. I also count blog posts as writing!
I wish I could write everyday, I am often not short of inspiration, but I am short of time. My day job can be quite demanding and occupies a lot of my thoughts. When I get chance to sketch and write I really enjoy it, it is a burst of freedom. You can't beat that feeling of letting inspiration surge from a pen or key pad, but it does have to fit in with life.
I write 6 days a week with word count goals. I need that break.
When I'm in writing mode I have to write every day - even if it's just half an hour. If I miss a single day I fall off the wagon and it could be many days (sometimes weeks ) before I get back. So I've learnt the hard way...when writing, write every day!
Judy, South Africa
As long as it includes blogging, yes, I write everyday. But I don't slice my wrists open if I miss a day or two.
The brain needs a break every once in a while.
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