They say that the more you practice, the better you’ll get. But what exactly does that look like?
This question is difficult to answer because each writer has unique goals, routines, skills, weaknesses, barriers, etc.
Some people can write every day and profit significantly from it. Some people write exclusively on weekends and are satisfied with this decision.
While people begin writing “when they feel like writing” or when they feel it’s the best time to write — or when inspiration “hits,” for example — this is not an effective strategy if you truly want to take your writing to the next level. Consistency is the only way to make steady progress toward a goal, and if you don’t schedule time for writing, especially for writing, you will wonder why you haven’t accomplished anything yet. It’s because — you aren’t trying!
To be clear, you do not—NOT!! — HAVE TO WRITE EVERY DAY TO BE SUCCESSFUL OR EARN THE TITLE OF A “WRITER.”
The main reason it is advised to keep daily word count goals for beginners is to help them develop the habit of writing and to figure out when they can and cannot fit writing into their schedule. This is extreme, and the majority of people cannot write on a daily basis, which is fine. Please do not overwork yourself or feel disappointed if this isn’t your “thing.”
It’s challenging to measure writing progress through the number of spent hours for writing a book. Just because you sat at your laptop for three hours last night with your draft open does not mean you wrote for three hours in total. We stop to think, get distracted, and get hungry. Our 45-pound dogs try to leap onto our desks and show us the fantastic toy we brought to distract them earlier as if we’ve never seen it before.
It’s preferable to track your writing progress by word count. The first 250 to 300 words are always sort of “eh.” The rest gets progressively better as you continue to type. So even if you only write 500 words, you know you have tried something. If you write 2,000 words, you know you have written enough to work with later, which means You’ve put in the necessary time for the day.
Not everyone has to do it that way. You may set aside a few hours for writing a book, or a few nights, or a week, and be proud of what you have written in that time. The key to practice time, however, is actually to practice.
You must write to get better at writing. Setting aside time but not using it to its full potential will not benefit anyone. Measure progress in any way you wish, but ensure quality progress.
Will practicing more often help you enhance your writing skills faster? That is debatable. Let’s be careful not to generalize a writer’s timeline by saying things like, “If you write for five hours every day, you’ll have a book published within two years!” That’s not how it works.
Instead, below are some suggestions for determining how much writing you need to do in a week to make steady progress toward your ultimate writing goals.
Begin With a Small Daily Goal and Stick to It for Two Weeks
It is advised to start slowly with a small goal and gradually progress to a larger goal. Yes, even “practice time” should have a milestone. While your ultimate goal may be to complete the first draft of a novel, for example, you cannot simply write 100,000 words in a few weeks and call yourself a “master.” It might be less than 250 words. It might be 500, 750, or 1000. Choose a number that seems to be easily reachable. Don’t worry—you’ll get around to challenging yourself. Just not yet.
Keep Track of When You’re in The Optimal State for Practicing
Some might be the most productive for writing after the second cup of coffee as they are awake, caffeinated, not completely stressed out yet, and eager to get started. But obviously, this isn’t how they feel twelve hours later. At that moment, they will be exhausted, distracted, and not entirely focused on their writing. Avoid writing late at night, even when writing for your personal project. If you schedule time for writing at night, make it work.
However, you will not know the best time to write until you practice at various times of the day.
Evaluate Whether Your Goal Needs to Change
After two weeks of maintaining the same goal (e.g., 500 words or 90 minutes), try increasing it. Try writing 1,000 words daily, or write for three hours rather than an hour and a half. Can you do it? Is it challenging but rewarding? Or does it induce excessive stress? Many people can only write for a short time, and technically, they don’t get much done. But they continue to do it, taking only small steps toward their goal — and doing so until they attain it, no matter how long it takes. It all depends on what works best for you and how much you can manage.
Don’t Worry About Your Speed
You might panic because you believe that if you don’t publish a book by the age of 22, you’ll be labeled a failure. You may have some motivations for wanting to meet that deadline, but in truth, you’re too focused on hurrying through each writing session to get things done faster. That isn’t how writing works! The best authors take their time. They don’t care how long it takes to write a book; they keep working on it as often as possible. Never compare your progress to someone else’s timeframe. Your journey is your own, and you must own it. It doesn’t matter if you take ten years to complete your first book. It had better be a really good book! (Just kidding.)
How Much Writing Practice Do You Need?
The amount of writing practice you need can vary greatly, but the key is to practice as much as it takes. Ultimately, it’s not about the number of hours spent or the sheer volume of words written. What truly matters is what you’re learning through the process, whether you’re satisfied with the work you’re producing, and how it contributes to your personal goals and growth as a writer and a human being.
Writing is a craft that improves with practice, so the more you write, the better you become. It’s essential to keep practicing consistently and diligently. There is no point at which you stop learning or improving. Even seasoned professionals with years of experience continue to practice and refine their skills. They understand that writing is a journey, not a destination.
When you practice, allow yourself the freedom to write terribly at times. Not every piece of writing needs to be perfect. Embracing imperfection can lead to some of your most creative and insightful work. Writing well is a goal, but it’s also important to recognize that mistakes and subpar drafts are part of the process. They are opportunities to learn and grow.
The most crucial aspect of writing practice is persistence. Don’t stop writing, even when you feel discouraged or uninspired. The act of writing itself is valuable, and every word you put down brings you closer to your goals. So, write every day if you can. Write poorly, write beautifully, but above all, keep writing. Your dedication and persistence will pay off in the long run.
FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many hours per day should I devote to writing practice?
Set aside at least one to two hours each day to strengthen your writing practice. Consistent daily practice helps improve your skills, increase your imagination, and make the writing process more intuitive. Find a regimen that works for you and stick to it, tweaking as needed to stay productive and on track with your book-writing goals.
2. When is the optimum time to write for the most incredible productivity?
The optimal time to write differs from person to person. Some authors are most prolific in the early mornings, while others enjoy late evenings. Experiment with different times to determine the best time to write that corresponds to your natural rhythms and maximizes your focus and creativity. Once identified, attempt to write regularly within that period.
3. How can I properly schedule time for writing?
To properly schedule time for writing, consider it as any other necessary appointment. Set up definite times each day for writing. Calendars and writing applications can help you remember and track your progress. Consistency is essential, so schedule these writing times and eliminate distractions.
4. What are the best hours for writing a book every day?
There are no set hours for writing a book; it all depends on your schedule and ambitions. Some authors write for a few hours daily, while others commit full days. Begin with moderate time blocks, such as 30 minutes to an hour, and gradually increase as your stamina improves. The idea is to have regular, focused writing sessions.
5. How long should I write a book every day to achieve results?
To write a book efficiently, schedule consistent daily writing periods. Even investing one hour each day can result in considerable progress over time. The emphasis should be on consistency and keeping momentum rather than the quantity of hours. Adjust your calendar to reflect your production levels and personal responsibilities to keep moving forward.