Writing Hours: How Much Do You Write In A Day?
September 22nd 2006 03:38
Another one for all you writers out there.
How many hours of writing do you get done in a day? Do you manage to squeeze in eight hours, as the incomparable Nora Roberts does each weekday? Or how about Dean Koontz's amazing 70 hours a week? He works 7 days a week, day and night, at his writing.
Me, I'm lucky if I can fit in 2 hours a day, and that's squeezing it. That's if I leave the dishes, don't take the rubbish out, don't sweep and mop, and sit Miss Toddler down in front of the TV for hours on end.
Kidding about the last bit. Yes, she watches TV, but I only write when she's asleep. Its a rule I have, that I don't write while she's awake. I don't want her growing up and resenting her mummy because she was always tapping away at the computer. I mean, after all, I could be working 40 hours a week in a normal job (writing isn't normal!) and have her in day-care, but that's not what I wanted for my children. I want my kids growing up with their mummy as a constant (constant pain, perhaps, but a constant).
So my precious, beloved writing is delegated to such a time as now, for example, while she has her after-lunch nap, or once she's asleep at night. That means, after clearing some dishes, or forcing my husband to, I settle in for the night at about 8pm, and start writing.
If I'm exhausted, which, more often than not, I am, I may only write till 10pm. Other nights, at least twice a week, I write till midnight or beyond. Once I'm in the zone, there's no stopping me. If my husband interrupts, there's swearing involved, and throwing of notepads or pens, whatever's handy.
He's pretty well trained, by now. The couple of times he bleed has taught him.
In word count, those 2 or 3 hours may add up to three thousand, six thousand, and sometimes, on great, wonderful, I-wish-every-night-was-like-this nights, I may even get up to nine or ten thousand words.
These are brilliant nights, however. Other nights I might be so drained, so uninspired, so exhausted from my beloved daughter (whom I truly love and cherish above all else) that I'm lucky to make one hundred words. Other nights I may just be revising, where there is very little writing involved at all.
I recently finished the book I've spent the past 3 years on, Betrayal, and for literally the last 3 months, night after night, all I did was revise. By the end of it, I was itching to write a complete sentence, dying to start my next novel. But, alas, reading through your completed novel, checking it is 100% perfect (or close enough to, until an actual Editor finally reads it!) is part of being a writer.
I write mostly every night, and I have for about the last two years consistently. Prior to that, I wrote sparodically. I was studying archaeology before that, so didn't put much time towards my writing. But there came a point where I decided this was it. This was what I was going to do with my life.
I was going to write. I was going to be famous.
Meanwhile, before that fame hits me (oh, I can't wait till it hits me!), I continue to plod along, and I continue to write. Tonight I swore I would take the night off, give myself a rest, and read the latest Nora Roberts book (which is fab, by the way; Angels Fall...a must read).
I always say this, however. I always promise my husband a night off, that I will just relax, enjoy myself, watch a movie with him, or read a book in solitude (mummys don't get much solitude!), and I have every intention to, at the beginning of the night...
Then I just get itchy. And I race to my computer and write.
There's no stopping me.
How many hours of writing do you get done in a day? Do you manage to squeeze in eight hours, as the incomparable Nora Roberts does each weekday? Or how about Dean Koontz's amazing 70 hours a week? He works 7 days a week, day and night, at his writing.
Me, I'm lucky if I can fit in 2 hours a day, and that's squeezing it. That's if I leave the dishes, don't take the rubbish out, don't sweep and mop, and sit Miss Toddler down in front of the TV for hours on end.
Kidding about the last bit. Yes, she watches TV, but I only write when she's asleep. Its a rule I have, that I don't write while she's awake. I don't want her growing up and resenting her mummy because she was always tapping away at the computer. I mean, after all, I could be working 40 hours a week in a normal job (writing isn't normal!) and have her in day-care, but that's not what I wanted for my children. I want my kids growing up with their mummy as a constant (constant pain, perhaps, but a constant).
So my precious, beloved writing is delegated to such a time as now, for example, while she has her after-lunch nap, or once she's asleep at night. That means, after clearing some dishes, or forcing my husband to, I settle in for the night at about 8pm, and start writing.
If I'm exhausted, which, more often than not, I am, I may only write till 10pm. Other nights, at least twice a week, I write till midnight or beyond. Once I'm in the zone, there's no stopping me. If my husband interrupts, there's swearing involved, and throwing of notepads or pens, whatever's handy.
He's pretty well trained, by now. The couple of times he bleed has taught him.
In word count, those 2 or 3 hours may add up to three thousand, six thousand, and sometimes, on great, wonderful, I-wish-every-night-was-like-this nights, I may even get up to nine or ten thousand words.
These are brilliant nights, however. Other nights I might be so drained, so uninspired, so exhausted from my beloved daughter (whom I truly love and cherish above all else) that I'm lucky to make one hundred words. Other nights I may just be revising, where there is very little writing involved at all.
I recently finished the book I've spent the past 3 years on, Betrayal, and for literally the last 3 months, night after night, all I did was revise. By the end of it, I was itching to write a complete sentence, dying to start my next novel. But, alas, reading through your completed novel, checking it is 100% perfect (or close enough to, until an actual Editor finally reads it!) is part of being a writer.
I write mostly every night, and I have for about the last two years consistently. Prior to that, I wrote sparodically. I was studying archaeology before that, so didn't put much time towards my writing. But there came a point where I decided this was it. This was what I was going to do with my life.
I was going to write. I was going to be famous.
Meanwhile, before that fame hits me (oh, I can't wait till it hits me!), I continue to plod along, and I continue to write. Tonight I swore I would take the night off, give myself a rest, and read the latest Nora Roberts book (which is fab, by the way; Angels Fall...a must read).
I always say this, however. I always promise my husband a night off, that I will just relax, enjoy myself, watch a movie with him, or read a book in solitude (mummys don't get much solitude!), and I have every intention to, at the beginning of the night...
Then I just get itchy. And I race to my computer and write.
There's no stopping me.
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Comment by Anonymous
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
Keep reading! Appreciate it!
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Comment by Shonsi
Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
I'm a very slow writer, and I'm just talking about my blog here. I don't write anywhere else.
Today was an exceptionally efficient day for me in terms of words per minute. 2000 words across three entries... And how long did it take me? Only 8 or 9 hours.
Including at least half an hour hunting around for pictures and arranging them.
As I said, very slow writer...
Comment by Johanna
PCOS Mum
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Thats my weakness (as well as the fact there is absoloutely nothing happening in the world of technology).
Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
I'm actually a professional typist. Literally! That's my job. Touch typing and the works.
I'm not really really fast, but I can do 80 WPM without breaking much of a sweat.
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Comment by migraineur
The Migraineur
Unscientific Quiz of the Day
The Migraineur
I'm also sure it will give me more to write about, although endless blah blah about Baby's latest happenings will probably bore people! LOL
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
Soo true, Ahmed, about the 80 hours of baby care!
Yes, hate to break it to you, MIgraineur, but you'll find you had more time to write, working 40 hours a week, than as a Mummy...
Sorry! Hope I didn't shatter any dreams there! Like I said, my writing time is all when she's asleep....those late night writing sessions I do twice a week totally shatter me the next day...its a vicious, no sleep cycle...
Other than that, Motherhood is fabulous! You'll still love every minute of it, sleep-deprived or not...
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
Sorry, I think I've mislead you...the 10,000 word nights are more when I start writing at 8pm, and go through till 12, 1 am...
Normally I would average anywhere from 3000 to 6000....
Or, some nights, nothing at all! I hate those nights!
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
Totally agree with you...they're only little for so long...I don't want to miss a minute of it (currently missing it now, though, as I sit here!).
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Comment by migraineur
The Migraineur
Unscientific Quiz of the Day
The Migraineur
Yes that late night cycle is a killer.. especially when you get on a roll and then wonder if it was all worth it! I guess writing is a "child" too in many ways.. a creative one instead of a flesh and bone one.
Comment by Damo
I can relate to the fight to find time to write, but more so when I younger and in a bigger hurry. The blog is good practice I find and helps me meet deadlines. Yet when I write fiction it is very personal and I want to savour the moments. A couple hours every few nights a week and slowly things build up.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
So you know what you're in for!
Yes, there a many a-next-day when I wonder if last night was truly worth it...and, hello, see no publishing contract, so perhaps its not!
Will probably just die 15 years earlier from lack of sleep!
No, writing is another child, definately. I love my writing child very much!
Thanks for reading my work!
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
I agree, writing is personal...I love nothing more than curling up with my own book I'm writing!
Savouring it is great too...and it really does all add up, even that half hour a day you find to write...
Apparantly that's how Mary Higgins Clark did it, with 3 toddlers...half an hour a day, until a book was finished. Very inspiring.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Usually its more like 6hrs. A couple of times a week I manage 10hrs, so it sort of balances out. Not much sleep though at the moment.
Hardest thing is staying focused on the assignment at hand. When Im writing a blog I will be thinking about my script. When Im writing a review I will come up with great idea for an ad that ive got to do copy for.
Once Im moving along its Ok, but when Im getting started this always happens.
Thank Apollo for my diary and the ability to make prioritized lists. They may save me yet.
Comment by Joy
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
Sometimes, in the bus, I write letters, and when I get off, I leave them in random places
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Your blog got me thinking....in all honesty I think I spend more time about writing than I actually do writing. I feel guilty just admitting that, but then I can justify it by saying that I am gathering thoughts and ideas that I can use when I do actually write. I think I really should set myself a goal, perhaps a certain amount of hours every day.....
Writing on my blog is great practice, as well as fun.
Good luck with your novel and congratulations on finishing.
Comment by Social Commentator
Comment by Homer Joyce
You always ask questions that are difficult for a writer to ignore in your blog.
I tend to spend the majority of my waking hours writing. I’m an early riser (5am) … and usually stay awake for 16 hours. That being written, the creative writing process involves as much time thinking, poring over what I have already written, and/or editing/tightening the existing text, as it does writing (typing) words. It often involves many hours of research/reading of other texts.
My method is to spew the words/ideas out on the page initially, and then edit, edit and re-edit what I have written. (Why is it called writing?).
Word counts (quantity) aren’t my main concern. The quality of the edited texts/final drafts are.
For example, I might write the first, rough draft of a screenplay (120pp) in one sitting (8-16 hours) but then spend the next 6-12 months editing it, until I arrive at the polished, final draft stage. For one novel, I spent 6 months writing the first draft, and the following 3 ½ years editing it.
How can I afford the luxury of losing days, weeks and months (years even) writing, and find time completely irrelevant? It’s the curse (or blessing maybe) of the single male.
And, what about food, diet and nutrition? I've read about all three. Interesting theories ...
HJ.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
I'm impressed with the time you make to write! Very impressed!
You would obviously get alot written...
I think 'writing time' should involve your blog writing, as well...any writing, or revising, or just jotting down ideas, counts, I think.
Hope to see one of your scripts out there soon!
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
You have real, natural talent...I'm going to sound like a lecturer or mother here (probably more a mother) and tell you to make more time to write! I realise you're probably studying (I think you're studying), but you've got real novel-writing potential. Not even potential, you can do it.
Maybe think about turning all your blog entries into a book??
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
Thanks for your support and congratulations...
Yes, I agree, I can easily spend three nights in a row (or more) just thinking about writing, or jotting down just notes for a future book. Writing does involve all of this, I think.
Setting a goal is really a great motivator. There is nights, however, when I don't hit a word count that equals 3000 plus, when I'm disappointed and berating myself.
But a goal doesn't have to be a word count. It can be a time frame, too. Or pages. Anything! It all adds up.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
Yes, I feel I've shocked everyone with the 9000 word comment....this isn't every week, I must stress that. These are fantastic nights, but I do get a few of them in a month. More likely my average is around 3000 words.
Glad you enjoyed the post...
I remember many an all-nighter at uni, too...then going out drinking after no sleep! For some reason, I can't do that after an almost-alnighter of writing...wonder why...
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
I'm impressed with your writing day...envious, too!
I totally agree with you, your writing day should involve all the other aspects of writing you mentioned, that are just as important...
I think because I've set myself the goal of word count why I'm so fixated on that...perhaps if it was time involved, or how many pages, etc., as my goal, it wouldn't seem the same?
My time is limited, though, so I do get very itchy when my writing time involves revising only, like the last 3 months have involved. Drives me crazy!
K.L.
Comment by Ran
Comment by Aaron
MMMM those muscle arms
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
I know what you mean...hence why my book took 3 years...maybe work on something else in the meantime? I know alot of writers don't like to do this, but I love it...I generally have about 3 novels going at once.
Or taking some time away from your book, seeing a movie, reading another book, works for me...then suddenly I'm hit with inspiration...
A book comes to you when it wants to, I believe. I don't think you can push it...you can try, but it doesn't always work.
Perhaps even just revising earlier scenes? That way, you've suddenly elaborated on a great scene, and made your 333 word count.
Hope this helps...probably doesn't!
Comment by Chantal
It's ironic.... I was thinking that when I become a Mother, I'll throw in the towel on all the other things I'm doing and just start churning out novels. I figured it's one of the great things you can do whilst at home but you bring up some valid points in terms of when and how this affects your child/ren.
I've only just started writing more again now but I've been so distracted by work up until this point!
Nice one! Make sure you come visit me too at www.dropofpop.com I've just started so I'm a bit lonely
Chan x
Comment by Jessicca
Learning Something Everyday
Malaysia Found
I am rather new in this Blogging business as for me, it was always something personal and once a while I would write about how my life is... as for sharing with friends.
All along I didn't realise the flair of writing because my own brother was always the stronger one in terms of grammer and whatever language we know.
I started writing more about it recently because of the urge to let people know what has been happing, especially my mom. I didn't really have the inspiration to non-fic or fic stories, but this time, I am writing my own story for my mom's sake. (I had to find ways to generate income to help her hospital bills).
So. In terms of hours of writing, I usually try to finish within an hour an article. Which is merely a 600 words... I spend more time on reading and gathering facts for my blog as this is my main purpose of blogging.
Sometimes when I write my personal blog I could spend hours writing without realising it and I could write like 3 articles at one time, within 2 - 3 hours.
Having a day job, a part time business, part time forum administrator and other charity works sneak in some time of reading and writing during lunch hour or an hour after working hours. By the time I reach home I just couldn't switch on my old notebook and start writing again. I'd be exhausted.
Almeroth, I would hops that I can achieve your position one day, being married and being a mom. I think it is an awesome experience and also a challenge, with being a wife, a mom and a writer at the same time!
So do keep it up! I am sure that you will do great in your writing.
Comment by Little Angry Doll
Falling Haiku Leaf
Inner West Life
Now I blog.
And only once a week...
Comment by Seventy7
I guess, writing takes up a lot of time initially. But once we get through the pace, things becomes easier.
Some Tips: Its easier to pour out whats in your mind first, and then you could edit it to form structure.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Bhumika
Political Minds
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Chantal,
Thanks for reading, and I'll be sure to visit your site!
To Jessicca,
I think you're doing your own great job, with all that it sounds like you do! Thank you for your support!
To Little Angry Doll,
Blogging is still writing! Its fabulous you find time to fit that in...not sure how I'm going to find time once we have another one! But I will....somehow!
To Seventy7,
I completely agree with you...I think just write, write, write, then go back later and revise and edit. So true.
To Tracey,
You've sparked a future blog for me...one of my favourite aspects of writing is working on my characters...it really does help your story. And I love that you do the same thing I do, when you're creativity is stuck...something else visual, or creative, gets it all flowing for me again, too!
To Bhumika,
1500 words is nothing to put down! Its still great, and it all adds up...just think if you didn't write 1500 words a day...you'd have nothing! Its better to get something down, than nothing...and that adds up to alot in say 3 months time..
Thank you all for reading, enjoying and thinking about what I love so much - the writing process!
K.L.
Comment by Jessicca
Learning Something Everyday
Malaysia Found
I will do my best to get more started because there are a lot to learn about writing, and perhaps one day, I would really be able to start writing fiction / non-fiction stories as I used to prefer drawing more than writing... drawing manga that is, if you know what I mean.
But one day! I believe as long as I keep on writing, I will be able to achieve a level to create my own story. ^_^
Comment by Home Natural Remedies
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Jay
Comment by Jessicca
Learning Something Everyday
Malaysia Found
I just tested on a website that mine is about 56 - 67 WPM. Depending on how many Caps in there in the sentence. hahahaha... If I can spell the word correctly, I think I'd be faster. ^_^