Daily Word Count: A Key to Consistent Writing

It’s not profound but true: writers
write. A common bit of writing advice is to write every day.




Some people fill this daily need with a journal
practice. They consistently write every day about their activities. I understand
such a practice but I’ve never created or written such a journal.



I’ve interviewed over 150 bestselling authors about
how they practice their craft of writing. It is rare but I found one writer who
used a timer in his writing process. He set a timer and sat at his computer
until the timer sounded. To me, this process did not make sense. Anyone can
spend time staring a screen but that does not mean you are creating words or
telling stories during that time. You could be simply staring off into
space.



A much more productive and common practice among
writers is to have a daily word count. The amount of this word count will be
different for each writer. Some writers are on deadline and to meet their
deadline, they have to produce a certain amount of words each day. Other writers
have created a personal goal and the word count keeps them on track. If the
writing comes quickly, then they achieve the goal in  short amount of time. If
the words do not come, then they spent much more time and energy at their
keyboard or computer.



Like prolific
novelist Bodie Thoene told me, “No little elves come out of my closet to
write 650 pages. Some mornings I don't feel like writing but I do it out
of obedience to God.” Severely dyslexic, Bodie could not read her own name in
the Third Grade yet she writes riveting 500 page historical novels. Her talent
and importantly her discipline as a writer are an example to each of
us.



A daily word count goal is a way for you as a
writer to move your project forward. For example, I have a book manuscript under
contract that I need to finalize and get off to my editor (yes every writer has
an editor—even one as experienced as I am). Currently this manuscript has not
been happening but I’m committed to working on it little by little and moving it
forward. Without consistent effort, it will not happen.



You have to do the same sort of effort for your own
writing. I have busy authors who struggle to complete their manuscripts. I
encourage them to set even small daily word count goals and keep moving forward.
Even if they commit to writing 500 words or two double-spaced pages, with
consistent effort, a month will yield pages of results. Notice the word
consistent and regular. That constant effort is what helps you complete the
work. Thinking about it without action doesn’t do it.



Where are you stalled in your writing? Would
a daily word count writing goal help you move forward? Let me know in the
comment section.
  

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