I’ll admit it. I was one who balked whenever I read others suggestions to write at the same time every day for a certain amount of time/word count/chapters.
Isn’t it better to just pick up your computer and write whenever you got the chance? That must be more productive. And what about writing when inspiration overtakes you? How can creativity be clocked-in?
It wasn’t until I read Catherine, Caffeinated’s fantastic post, Don’t break the Chain, on advice from Jerry Seinfeld about having a daily writing goal, that I wondered if I should give it a try. Everyday. No cheating.
Weeks ago, I was furiously writing (for five days!), then life interfered once again even though the inspiration was still there. How was I going to be productive while still spending time with my kids and giving them a happy summer?
I needed to try something different, so I folded and decided to join Catherine with my pledge of five hundred words a day. No matter what. I know, that’s not a high aspiration, but as with diets, it always helps to keep things reasonable if you want something to work long-term.
Well, it’s been a week and I haven’t broken the chain as of yet!
Funny thing is, I’m writing more than ever. You see, I give myself about an hour everyday to write five hundred words. I don’t spend the time checking all my favorite blogs, books sales, messages, emails…etc. I give the whole hour over to writing. I start writing and quickly reach five hundred words. I say then, okay, now you can stop whenever you want after this, but I usually fill the whole hour and reach three times my goal. The best part is I tell myself that I’m done writing for the day. I can do chores around the house, play with my kiddos, go for a walk without ANY work guilt! It has freed me up completely and I’m more productive.
So now, I’m sorry to all those I chuckled at when I read about writing goals. All those wise writers surely have something there. And if you’re laughing at me right now…please, just give it a try!
…Now, in a totally different direction, I happened upon this picture of the day. Oh boy! I’m sure all you writers out there could have a field day with a flash fiction piece on this one!
laurenwaters 
Reblogged this on YOURS IN STORYTELLING… and commented:
This is some great writing advice. No rocket science here. Write every day, EVERY-FREAKING-DAY, and tick it off on your calender.
So honored to be reblogged Steve, albeit the honors are do to Jerry Seinfeld via the amazing Catherine, Caffeinated. I’m now a believer 🙂
Well, if you hadn’t picked it up in the first place I wouldn’t have spotted it on your blog and would have remained unaware. And it was a really helpful entry. I am at a point where I am struggling a bit – and this is coming from a fellow who has a reputation for mass-production – so the entry really helped a lot.
Sounds like quite a few writers are stagnated right about now. I’m so glad it helped you. Catherine’s post was very timely for me as well. Here’s to an unbroken chain!
This is something I struggle with. At the moment I am plotting a novel, and it doesn’t feel like I am writing, so feeling very frustrated at the moment, even though I am working! Ah, the guilt…
Have to say, I have never laughed at anyone advocating the write every day philosophy. More like ground my teeth in envy.
I’ll concede, Ken, it was an insecure laugh conceived from serious self-doubt. I just couldn’t imagine forcing myself to write everyday for an allotment of words. I felt uncomfortable putting constraints (or what I thought would be) on creativity. It does help with the guilt for the rest of the day and I sorely needed a break from that!
Ah, yes, a break from the feelings of guilt. Now that would be nice. Thing is, I feel guilty about more than just my paltry word count; there’s the impact of my lifestyle on the environment, do I spend enough time with my family, that body under the patio…
That last line made me laugh so hard!
That’s awesome, Lauren! If anyone can find an excuse to not write, it’s me! Or it’s the blog, or the baby, or spending time with family, or reading that book…
While I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to write every day, it’s good to keep a schedule and write at least three or four days a week at around the same time. Then you don’t wait for inspiration. It comes to you. I’m glad to hear you’ve been having plenty of that 🙂 I took a break from the novel I was writing and wrote a short story. Maybe you’ll take a look at it sometime?
Oh, please! I am so into short stories write now since that is usually how much reading time I get! Send it on over 🙂
I am glad you find this way works well for you, Lauren. It’s interesting that even though writing stories takes creativity and imagination, the process itself needs to be structured so we can actually get it done.
That is a neat picture. Oh, the story possibilities. 🙂
I tend to run away from structure and organization whenever possible (fighting the natural disorder of the universe exhausts me), but sometimes it is needed 🙂
Hi Lauren: I’ve been so busy moving that I haven’t written, blogged, or read emails. Catching up is going to be a chore, but first, I have to finish getting settled. I have been off my schedule of committing to five hours a day minimum, but now I would even welcome the hour, and five hundred words. So it is, you have inspired me again. I will accept the hour and the five hundred words. Thanks for your post. Good luck with your writing.
Kathy
So great to hear from you, Kathy! They say the three most difficult things in life are divorce, death, and moving. So sorry things are so chaotic, but I hope the hour will free up some writing guilt for you. I love Steve’s idea of setting a timer. Good luck with your writing too!
Congrats! Meeting writing goals is the best. I agree with the internet thing. It’s amazing how much more you can get done with you don’t allow yourself to get online during your writing time. 🙂
Keep on writing!
Writing goals are wonderful things – I need to pick those up again. Of course, first I need to get back to my fantastic critique partner and read the next section of her wonderful story!! 🙂
And you need to send me another chapter, missy! I want more!