Many aspiring authors envision long hours of uninterrupted writing, working late into the night, keys clacking. While the idea of immersing oneself in the craft may seem ideal, the reality is that our busy lives often limit the luxury of extended writing time. Some of us have jobs, responsibilities, or other issues which preclude uninterrupted periods of work. However, there is a simple yet powerful approach that can gradually build a novel: writing just 50 words a day. Like rain gradually wearing down stone, consistency is the key to success.
Rain's Persistence and the Strength of Consistency:
You might be wondering what I mean. 50 words is not a lot. It would take nearly 3 years to complete a 50,000 word novel. But you missed the keyword. It would be complete.
Rain, seemingly weak and insignificant, possesses the remarkable ability to erode even the toughest stone over time. Similarly, the act of writing just 50 words each day may appear inconsequential, but its cumulative impact is significant. By consistently carving out a few minutes to write, you create a habit that gradually builds momentum and propels your progress. Maybe it increases with time, or not, but still represents real progress. It's the persistent drops of effort that eventually form the mighty river of accomplishment.
Overcoming Time Constraints:
In our fast-paced lives, finding large chunks of time for writing can be challenging. However, the beauty of the 50-word approach lies in its adaptability to any schedule. Regardless of how demanding your day may be, there are always moments you can seize to write. It could be during your lunch break, while waiting for an appointment, or even before you go to bed. By utilizing these pockets of time, you ensure that progress is made, however small it may seem.
We are easily distracted and demoralized. We make excuses. Very few of us are energetic go-getters that just stay on target all day long. And when most of don't think we will be able to spend time on a writing project during the day, we don't. Better to do something else than bother. I mean, there wasn't even a solid hour of time, the morning light had passed, the coffee was cold. It is so easy to make excuses. But if you go in thinking you are just doing a few sentences, almost like taking a note, it becomes easier. It can happen any time, even typed out on your phone during a subway ride.
And when you train yourself to do this, it becomes easier to start. It might be several micro sessions a day, and each session might grow longer.
The Magic of Incremental Progress:
The journey of writing a novel may feel daunting when viewed as a whole. However, breaking it down into manageable daily increments makes the process more approachable. Fifty words may not seem like much, but over time, they accumulate into paragraphs, chapters, and eventually, an entire novel. Embracing this incremental progress instills a sense of achievement and motivation, encouraging you to keep pushing forward.
And it is not without benefits. Yes, your favorite author writes 10,000 words a day consistently. But you're not your favorite author. You're you. Sometimes, too, all that work needs to get pared down and edited, even thrown out. But if you only write short amounts, they are concise, deliberate segments. In the back of your mind, you've been thinking about those 50 words all day, waiting to put them down on the page. They are planned better, and mean more, not just trying to fill a quota. That means something.
Cultivating Discipline and Building a Writing Routine:
It is about being proactive, building habits, and setting goals.
Consistently writing 50 words each day nurtures discipline and reinforces the importance of prioritizing your craft. It's a commitment to your passion and a dedication to your future. By establishing a writing routine, you create a sacred space for your creativity, even if it's just for a few fleeting minutes. This routine helps you overcome resistance, enhances your focus, and fosters a sense of accountability.
I know it may seem repetitive. A lot of what I wrote comes back to the same few things, but those are the important bits. If you can adopt them, adapt to them, and build off them, you have the foundation of a strong career. These are the habits of success. They eliminate the excuses and so much of what holds a writer back. They don't just get work done, but get you to the finish line.
I say that last part with emphasis. Most people do not start, so you can get ahead by starting today. But those that begin, well, most don't finish. With the right discipline, you can. You can write a whole book, or complete whatever your project is. You just have to stay at it.
Celebrating the Power of Momentum:
Now, I understand morale. You have to keep your spirits up, keep positive, keep going. Anything that helps you do that is not just good, but necessary.
As you diligently write 50 words each day, you'll notice the remarkable power of momentum. Those initial 50 words will soon turn into 100, then 500, and before you know it, you've written thousands of words. Momentum breeds inspiration, and inspiration fuels your writing journey. The consistent effort gradually transforms into a force that propels you forward, making the act of writing a natural part of your everyday life.
Celebrate that accomplishment. Understand what you have done, and what you are doing. Don't ignore it. When you recognize what is going on, you reinforce its power. You learn to work with it, maximize the potential, and direct it in new ways.
My Final Thoughts
Success as a writer doesn't always require marathon writing sessions or grand gestures. By embracing the power of consistency and committing to writing just 50 words each day, you lay the foundation for steady progress and eventual success. Like rain persistently wearing down stone, those small drops of effort accumulate, shaping your novel one word at a time. Carve out those precious minutes, honor your commitment, and watch as your writing journey unfolds, driven by the power of consistency.
Ask yourself, why haven't you started?
