Should You Write Every Day?

Everyone has heard the saying “practice makes better.” The idea is that the more you do something, the better you will become at it. Writing is no exception. The more you practice the art and skill of writing, the better your words will sound, and the easier it will become to get your ideas across. However, the idea of writing every day isn’t only about getting practice in your chosen art form. Writing every day can also affect a number of different areas of your life. Here are just a few of the reasons why writing every day is a great idea.

Reason # 1: Writing Can Be the Outlet You Need

Nearly every writer I have talked to has said that writing is his or her creative outlet. They need to write as a way to get ideas and concepts out of their heads. By taking the time to write every day, this necessary outlet can become a great way to allow your creativity to flow at a regular pace instead of in spurts. Chances are, you’ll find that if you allow your creativity to be used on a daily basis, more ideas will come more easily, and eventually it will become very hard to stop.

Reason # 2: Daily Writing Will Help You Develop Your Voice

Many writers take a long time to find their voice in writing. Your style, or voice, can become your trademark, a way for your readers to recognize your writing. Therefore, it’s important that you develop a strong and consistent voice. Writing on a daily basis can help you hone your voice. This daily practice can allow you to try new things, find what phraseology works for you, and get rid of the rest. If you only write once in a while, this whole process may take a lot longer.

Reason # 3: Daily Writing Will Make Your Book Progress

You’ve heard it before – the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. Spending as little as 15 minutes a day working on your book will help you see significant progress over time. If you make writing your book a habit and part of your daily routine, you will suddenly come to the realization that it’s almost done. Rather than staring at a daunting task, breaking it down into chunks makes it seem more manageable.

So what about writing in chunks?

Sometimes what aspiring authors need is a chunk of time to completely disconnect from reality and from daily life. Email, phone, work, dishes, laundry, kids… All those things distract you from completing your goal of finishing your book. For me, taking a working “vacation” away from the office is one of the only ways I’ve been able to get books written. My book 21 Ways to Powerfully Network Your Business was written in just under a day while on vacation at the beach. I had no internet, no phone, no clients and my husband was engrossed in a novel, so I had no distractions. If you focus best by totally disconnecting from life once in a while, schedule a few days “off” to work on your book. You’ll be amazed at how much you can get done in a short amount of time!

Right now, choose which method (or a combination of both) you wish to pursue, and mark it in your daily planner. Reserve a specific time each day or a day of the week to write your book – and stick to it! Share your progress in the comments below!

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Photo courtesy Shutterstock, Mariia Boiko