Write Every Day

I haven't missed a day of writing since January 1, 2006.

It's fairly easy for me because I need to write like I need to breathe.  Not every writer is like that, but every writer needs to get as close to that feeling as he or she can.

Why is it important to write every day?

Because the more you write, the better you get at it, and because earning a living as a writer requires the kind of discipline a daily writing habit develops.

 

Three Steps to Building a Daily Writing Habit

#1: Choose a time, and stick to it.  It's easier to establish a daily writing habit if you know each day at a particular time you are committed to writing.It also helps your subconscious understand you're serious about writing, and that goes a long way towards curing Writer's Block.

#2: Set a word count goal, not a time goal.  The goal is to write daily, and that means getting the words out is the most important thing.  It's far too easy to get sidetracked if you set a time goal, but if you set a word-count goal, you are committed to the task until you pound out those words.

#3: Don't let anyone or anything get in the way of your daily writing habit.  This might be your biggest challenge.  Things happen, and sometimes it's hard not to shuffle commitments, but don't let your daily writing habit be one of those things you consider expendable.  Write every day.  No matter what.

As I mentioned earlier, I haven't missed a day of writing (at least 1,500 words per day) since January 1, 2006.

I've had family emergencies, surgery, pet complications, the flu, been traveling, been without power, and I've had days I just didn't feel like I could make my 1,500 words.  But I've never let not finishing be an option.  

Some days, I've had to get creative or give other things up to get my words written.  I've had to break my writing time into small bits of time.  Other days, I've had to get up early or stay up late to get it done.  I've skipped lunch invites, dinner invites, and other social opportunities to put my words first.

Developing this habit has resulted in my becoming a much better writer – daily practice will do that to you!  It's also made any residual bouts of Writer's Block I once experienced disappear completely.  Most importantly, it's created an unwavering discipline in me when it comes to writing, and that's served me well time and time again.