Figuring daily word counts

Yesterday in a blog comment, Janet said in response to my word count on Sam Day:

I've often wondered how many words a day authors have to write to hone their craft. Obviously 40 is not enough? lol

You know, the necessary number depends on so many things, though the number one consideration is having a contracted deadline. Some authors calculate their daily word count based on writing seven days a week. Others write M – F and take off weekends to recharge and have family time. Some work all...