What’s your take on ‘Write every day’?

[jongibbs]

In 2011, I plan to get a lot more writerly-type writing done. To that end, I’ve decided to have a go at something which, up until now, I’ve never tried before, and I’m not talking about Hirsute Harry’s Patented Hair Replacement Tonic.

This year, I’m going to write every day. In the past, I’ve always felt that, while I can see how others find it

Comments

[black_faery]

I did it for MiniNaNoWriMo last year, where I set myself the challenge of 150 words per day for November. I managed it for 26 of the 30 days, and usually hit over target. It meant that every day I was thinking about the current WIP, and that meant that my muse pitched up more frequently. Works for me, but only if the target is small enough to not make it impossible on the 'Oh god I lost all my muses' days! Good luck!

[jongibbs]

I know what you mean about small targets, Ros. That's why I chose something as pitifully small as 50 words a day. I figure there's no excuse for not hitting that amount - though if I fail, I'm sure I'll come up with something ;)

[ladysaotome]

I've never done it but it's a commitment I want to go for at some point. Though I think when I try, I'll make a short goal first - like 50 words a day for a month and then increase that goal as I reach it?

Congrats, though! 10 for 10!

[jongibbs]

Little bite-size goals work for me. If I set them too big, I find it too easy to excuse the failure later.

[silverwerecat]

See icon. :p

I answered with the #1 choice, but in truth I just *try* to write every day. For years. It doesn't always happen.

Oh, wait. Do grocery list count? ;)

[jongibbs]

They do if they're part of a story :)

[heleninwales]

I don't write just for the sake of it when I'm between projects, even though as a creative writing tutor I do suggest that people try daily journal pages to generate ideas. :)

But I have found that the only way to make serious progress with a project is to write every day -- or at least make that the target and aim to miss as few days as possible.

Right now I'm trying to get a novel going again. I'm still reading through the draft I wrote in 2009, but once I get to the end of that, I'll be aiming for 400-750 words a day.

[jongibbs]

I've heard so many succesful writers recommend it, most recently, Steve Cannell on last week's Friday links list. I figured it was about time I gave it a bash.

[ext_301488]

I also started the "write every day" thing this year. I haven't written every day and I don't have a daily word count to achieve. I simply need to write SOMETHING any time I can. Of course I have nights set aside in my weekly schedule to do the 4-hours-of-power writing, but I thought it would still be great to spend even 15 minutes a day writing. So far its going well. I have currently four projects I'm working on. Like you, Jon, I like the idea of the muse, the inspiration. It's sort of why we do this, right? But for me, I need a higher volume of finished work, and by working on a number of different style projects at once, I can bounce towards one if on any particular day I'm not quite feeling the others. I think this keeps all of them fun and fresh, and hopefully keeps my voice fun and fresh and suitable to each project. If I look at the same manuscript too long, I feel, it grows stale. Writing every day has helped me get excited about my projects again.

Good luck with the new system Jon!

[jongibbs]

And to you, Geoff :)