amireal2u:

neil-gaiman:

sunspotery:

So according to an interview with Neil Gaiman in the back of Good Omens, before Terry Pratchett became a full time writer he wrote at least 400 words a day.

I’ve been trying it out for a couple weeks now and let me tell you 400 words is a totally awesome goal. It is very approachable and not intimidating, often leads to more than 400 words cause well now I have to finish this scene. 

Seriously I probably would have written nothing in the last couple weeks, instead I’ve written 1000′s of words. 

10/10 would recommend.

Terry was a very wise man.

Two very important things.

1. Depending on how easily you tend to roll out the words once you get going, you can lower this number even further. This works for me because once I get going, 500 words is on the lower end for me, but I’m also fighting multiple chronic illnesses so 100 words doesn’t make me feel tired in advance.

2. Figure out what the x words a day’s equivalent is in other actions. Writing isn’t just getting words on the page. Its plotting and editing and researching and all that stuff (and if you’re going pro there’s cover letters and marketing and lots more) BECAUSE not everyone’s brain can do words EVERY DAY and if we perpetuate the notion that it’s the only way to do it, you only burn out the chunk of writers whose brains don’t work that way. Writer’s Block is sometimes your brain’s way of asking for a break.

Personally, after a few years of experimenting, I’ve managed to work in breaks. Or forgive myself for having too full a day to be able to write. I’ve learned to take a week after finishing a novel (usually b/c I’ve spent 4 – 8 intensive weeks before then writing my fingers off). I’ve learned to do these things without feeling guilty, like I’m slacking off or failing myself. Because being a writer is like any other job, you need breaks. And like most self employed people, you NEED some sort of structured schedule or you’ll either burn out and never get anything done again, or never get anything done in the first place.