I think it’s fair to say that for the past six months or so I’ve felt more consistently well than I have in a good while (*looks around for some wood to touch*). As a consequence, I’ve been able to raise my monthly writing target to around 20,000 words — and, it seems, meet it.Today I hit 18,000 words, with a few working days left in the month, and I’m really beginning to feel that I can keep this up for the full novel. It feels good and it got me thinking about writing targets and how vital they are to me. A few things occurred to me that might help new writers out there.
- It’s important to set targets that are realistic, but which stretch you a little. Five hundred words a month might be considered “realistic”, but at that rate it’ll take you something like ten years to write a short novel. Not good if you’re serious about getting published.
- Flexibility should be built into any routine you establish. Targets are there to be hit, but if your dog dies, a day off is permissible. Don’t turn into Jack Torrance in The Shining (that’s my job, Wendy!)
- Writing a 50,000 word novel in a month once a year because some website says you should is possibly a bad way of becoming a writer, for a number of reasons: a) 50,000 words isn’t a full-length novel. It just isn’t; b) For most people, 50,000 words in a month just isn’t a realistic target; and c) You should be aiming to write a little every day (or most days) of the year. That’s the most effective way of developing a voice. Crazy bursts of creativity might work later, once you really feel comfortable with your craft. Until then, steady as she goes.
- Enjoy! If you don’t enjoy writing, try this
There are times when I consider a job as a way to support my writing habit but then sanity returns and I forget such foolishness.
Quite right, too!
It’s not so much a problem for me to write to that extent(10 or 20,ooo words) a month, but to find the subject TO write about. I used to write a lot(poetry) but the inspiration or whatever seems to die off. If I read other things(novels or whatnot) it seems to pick up again but not to the extent that I’d like.
Any suggestions?
D
An interesting question, D — and not an easy one for me to answer.
If I’m truthful, I don’t really buy the whole “inspiration” argument that many writers use to explain why the aren’t working. Yes, we need a subject that we feel passionate about, and yes it can be tough finding said subject on occasion — but so much of writing is about perspiration, to borrow from the adage.
Set yourself a writing task. Try looking back at something that had a major impact on you (first love, a skiing accident, a favourite Christmas — anything) and work with it every day for a fortnight. Write different versions. Have fun with it. Be silly, even. Be serious about working, but don’t be too serious about the result itself.
Writing is work, but it should be enjoyable work. Look around you. Listen to people. Write what you see and hear, and shape it however you wish. Make it your own.
Beyond that, I’m not sure what to suggest. But I will keep thinking about it and possibly write more on the matter if and when it occurs to me.
Good luck! And thanks for commenting (and subscribing!)
Not a problem, and thank you for the advice.
You’re very welcome… hope it helped.