Part of this whole thing of getting stuff done, writing-wise, is exactly that.
You need to get your ass in that chair and write. Repeat on a daily basis as long as necessary.
While I may not get to write every day, I certainly do try. So far, the target output of 2-3 pages when I can is holding strong.
For those following me on various social media, you might occasionally see an announcement (read: tweet) proclaiming that day’s results. I’m proud of what I accomplish in each writing session, even if it’s only two pages. Progress is progress.
(Incidentally, I also enjoy seeing others make similar announcements. Don’t be afraid to toot your own horn.)
Every once in a while, someone will comment about how productive I am, or marvel at my steady output of pages. As if I’m some sort of writing machine.
Well, yes and no.
Yes in that I do try to write every day, but only because I like it, and, more importantly, it’s the only way to do it. This thing ain’t gonna write itself. And the more you write, the better you’ll get at it.
Even at the slow pace of 2-3 pages a day, the numbers add up and you can have a completed draft in a relatively short time.
And no because sometimes there are days where circumstances simply prevent me from having time to write. It happens. Life gets in the way and all that. Admittedly, I don’t care very much for those days.
It used to be that sometimes I’d read about someone who had significantly higher results than me (e.g. “Another 15 pages today!”), and feel all “How am I supposed to compete with that?”
Turns out I’m not. The only connection between me and that other writer is just that – we’re both writers. They have their way of doing it, and I’ve got mine. Do I wish I could be that productive? Of course. Does it mean I’m not as good a writer as they are? Hell no.
I write when I can. Maybe that means a little, a lot, or maybe not at all. But it’s the way I do it, and I don’t care how it compares to anyone else. It works for me, and that’s the important thing.
