Must You Write Every Day?

If you’re trying to become a successful writer, most people will tell you to write every day.

And generally, that is good advice.

However, I think it’s more important to write regularly than it is to write every day.

In fact, when someone thinks they must write every day in order to be a “real” writer, and then they are unable to do that, they often give up and quit writing altogether.

And I think that’s not only a mistake, it’s a real shame.

Why You Don’t Have to Write Every Day

As long as you create some sort of regular writing schedule for yourself, I don’t think you must write every day.

At least not every day of the year.

In fact, I know some very successful authors (with many books to their credit) who don’t write every day.

They don’t even write every month.

They have their writing months and their marketing months.

During the months they set aside for writing, they write.

They develop the manuscript for a new book during this time.

During their marketing months, they market their books – the ones already published or a new book that has just been released or is about to be released.

If these authors got the memo that said, “Real authors must write every day”, they would have stopped writing long ago. Instead, they created a writing schedule that worked for them.

You should do the same thing.

First, take a look at your writing goal or goals.

What do you want to accomplish as a writer in the next few months?

Next, look at your schedule for the coming months.

How much time can you devote to writing?

Is your goal realistic when you consider the amount of time you can work towards it?

If the goal isn’t realistic because you simply won’t have enough time to work towards it in the next few months, change the goal.

Usually, this just means creating a narrower goal.

Once you have created a more realistic goal, use your calendar to set up a regular writing schedule for the coming months.

If you know you’re planning to take two weeks vacation in August, for example, don’t plan to get any writing done during that time.

But do plan to double up on your writing for a few days or a few weeks once you return from vacation.

Are you usually very busy during the holidays (most people are)?

Then don’t schedule any writing sessions during that time.

Instead, plan to write before or after the holidays.

Create specific and realistic writing goals, and specific timeframes for working towards those goals and you’ll be able to become a successful writer.

Sometimes you’ll write every day.

Other times, you write very little or not at all.

But it won’t matter because you’ll still meet your writing goals, and that’s really what matters.

Try it!

Suzanne Lieurance is a fulltime freelance writer, writing coach, certified life coach, and the author of over 30 published books.

For more tips, resources, and other helpful information about writing and the business of writing from Suzanne, get your free subscription to The Morning Nudge at www.morningnudge.com.