Writing consistently is often cited as one of the key practices for becoming a successful writer. Yet, “consistency” varies from person to person and depends on individual circumstances. In this blog post, we explore the various approaches to writing consistently, whether you’re a professional writer, a day-job juggler, or somewhere in between.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
Binge-Writing Vs. Daily Commitments
Some writers swear by the binge-writing method. They spend a considerable amount of time outlining their work and then engage in intense, focused writing periods to complete their projects. This method works particularly well for those who find long, uninterrupted periods to be their most productive times.
On the other hand, there are writers who prefer the daily grind, writing 2,000 to 3,000 words each day in smaller bursts. For example, dedicating two 4-hour sessions per day to consistent writing. The essence here is in building a castle one brick (or word) at a time.
Writing While Working a Day Job
For those juggling writing with a day job, writing consistently becomes a matter of carving out time whenever possible. Utilizing lunch breaks for outlining, and finding that precious one hour after the kids have gone to bed to work on your story, can become invaluable. If you can only manage four hours per week, then make those four hours count.
The Power of Consistency
How Much Can You Write?
The idea of a “word count goal” varies between writers. For the average writer, generating 300 to 700 words an hour may be a typical performance. These numbers can be encouraging because they allow us to make straightforward calculations. For example, if you can find four hours per week to dedicate to writing, you’d be able to produce around 2,000 words per week. With a target novel length of around 100,000 words, you could feasibly complete your book within a year at this pace. Even if you only have two hours to spare each week, you could still write a book in two years.
Stephen King’s Prodigious Output
Stephen King, one of the most prolific authors of our time, is known for his rigorous writing schedule. He aims for a daily target of 2,000 words and often writes for four to five hours to reach this goal. His commitment is staggering, especially when you consider that he has published over 60 novels and 200 short stories. King’s example demonstrates that even for seasoned authors, consistency and dedication are key to maintaining a high output.
Other Well-Known Authors and Their Habits
J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling, the mind behind the “Harry Potter” series, used to write whenever she had free time, often in cafes while her daughter was at school. Her initial circumstances as a single mother didn’t offer the luxury of a strict writing schedule, yet she managed to complete her iconic series by utilizing the time she had.
Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway was known for his early morning writing sessions. He would start around dawn and write until he had something he felt was good, often aiming for about 500 words. His approach underscores the idea that quality sometimes trumps quantity.
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou rented a local hotel room where she would write. She would go there to work by 6:30 AM and stay until 2 PM. She had all the decorations taken off the walls to limit distractions, showing that environment can significantly affect output.
George R.R. Martin
George R.R. Martin, author of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, famously takes his time writing. He’s stated that he dislikes deadlines and prefers to let the story unfold naturally. His pace is much slower than someone like Stephen King but proves that a less hurried approach can also lead to immense success.
Lessons for Aspiring Writers
While most of us aren’t Stephen Kings or J.K. Rowlings, we can take lessons from their habits. The common thread running through these examples is consistency—whether it’s a daily word count target, a dedicated time frame, or a specific environment that nurtures creativity.
As you determine your own pace, remember that writing consistently doesn’t always mean writing quickly. What matters is setting a sustainable pace for yourself and sticking with it, allowing your book or whatever project you’re working on to take shape over time.
Why Consistency Overrules Binge-Writing
Though binge-writing can be effective, consistency often provides more sustainable results. However, if you find that binge-writing works best for you, then embrace it—just ensure you adapt your schedule to accommodate this approach.
Balancing Writing with Other Jobs
Jobs That Drain Creative Energy
Writing is an intellectually demanding endeavor, often requiring deep concentration, imaginative capacity, and emotional stamina. This characteristic can make it particularly challenging to balance writing with another career that also draws heavily on cognitive resources. A case in point is computer programming. While programming and writing may seem to engage different parts of the brain—logical versus creative—they both involve complex problem-solving and a form of ‘syntax’ that has to be meticulously structured. Programmers must maintain focus for extended periods, just as writers do, to solve intricate problems and debug code. The mental toll of constructing algorithms can be as draining as weaving plotlines, making it difficult to switch between coding and crafting a narrative within the same mental space.
Likewise, the teaching profession is another field that can be less conducive for would-be writers. Teachers not only spend hours in active instruction but also have to prepare lesson plans, evaluate assignments, and often carry the emotional weight of their students’ wellbeing. The job demands a high level of cognitive and emotional engagement, leaving little leftover mental energy for crafting stories or even outlining a potential book project.
Then there are jobs like legal work, healthcare professions, and management roles that demand a heightened level of critical thinking, decision-making, and responsibility. These professions may require long hours and can be mentally exhausting, leaving little space for creative pursuits like writing.
On the flip side, many writers have found that jobs involving manual labor or routine tasks can surprisingly be more compatible with a writing career. Tasks that are physically demanding but allow the mind to wander can serve as an incubation period for creative ideas. Some writers even say that the rhythmic, almost meditative state achieved during such work can help in solving plot problems or developing characters. You can listen to an audiobook, a writing podcast, or even your own plot outlines while doing manual tasks, setting the stage for a productive writing session later.
Of course, the ‘ideal job’ for an aspiring writer varies widely among individuals. What may exhaust one person could energize another. Some may find the analytical rigor of programming to be a perfect counterbalance to the imaginative demands of writing, or they might find that the social and emotional aspects of teaching enrich their storytelling. The key takeaway here is to be cognizant of how your day job affects your writing goals. Understanding the cognitive load of your primary occupation can help you better plan your writing schedule and set achievable targets, ultimately making you a more disciplined and productive writer.
Unexpectedly Ideal Jobs for Writers
Ironically, menial labor jobs like laying bricks could actually be more conducive to a writer’s life. These jobs often allow for mental freedom, enabling you to ponder over your storyline or listen to music that sparks your imagination.
Your Personal Equation
Tailoring Writing to Your Lifestyle
Everyone’s situation is unique. While one individual might find success in a graveyard shift at a hotel, enabling them to write in the late hours, that may not be feasible for someone else. The key is to figure out what works for you—whether that involves squeezing writing into your lunch breaks or dedicating weekends to your craft.
Don’t Fear the Unconventional
Having an unconventional schedule or method doesn’t make you less of a writer. Flexibility and adaptation are key. If you’re nearing the end of a computer science degree and worrying it’s too late to write, don’t. There are writers who code and coders who write.
Conclusion
Writing consistently is about finding what consistency means for you. Whether you’re a binge-writer, a daily grinder, or someone fitting words into a busy schedule, the trick is to be consistent in your own way. Adapt, be flexible, and, most importantly, keep writing.
Last Modified: 08/21/2023