When I began This Week in Writing I made it a point to write every day. This has not been an easy task. Some days I’m so exhausted I can barely form a sentence. Other days I’m able to write for hours. Whatever the case may be I refuse to go to bed until I have written for at least 30 minutes.
Why do I insist in writing every day? It’s to ensure that I build a strong habit of writing. A common belief is that doing something for 21 days will form a habit. I’m starting to think there is something to this. Tonight’s blog post marks the 21st day since I started This Week in Writing and the 21st day since I’ve been writing consistently.
Habits don’t come easy, especially when it comes to writing everyday. When you make the conscience choice to write everyday there will be an adjustment period. This adjustment period isn’t just for you; it’s for everyone around you.
I told my wife that I now consider my writing a part time job. This meant that I would be spending less time with her and the girls at night; just as if I went to go to a part time job. If your end goal is to be a full time writer then you need to be dedicated and begin to write as if it were a part time job. My goal is to work towards writing at least 20 hours a week.
If we want to be writers we have to write. We have to write a lot. And if we want to make a living from our novels we have to write even more. These last few weeks I have made it a point to write at least 30 minutes a day. Now that I’m used to that I plan on writing at least 1 hour a day.
Think of how much time you actually spend writing in a week. Is it sufficient to complete your novel? Last week I wrote about setting goals. To help ensure that those goals are met I challenge you to write for at least 30 minutes each day for the next 21 days. I’m confident that you will see an improvement in how much you write in a day.
If you have a topic you would like me to cover or a question you would like answered send me an email at Axeman@thisweekinwriting.com.
Novel Progress
Draft: Second
71.16% Complete