Here are some things to think about:
1. Showing up to write consistently is one of the most consequential actions you can take as a writer.
Whether you plan or don’t plan, showing up to write consistently and regularly throughout the year is the best way to see your body of work building over time.
Writing regularly has other benefits as well: According to a study by researcher Robert Boice, writers who write daily are twice as likely to have frequent creative thoughts as writers who write when they “feel like it.”
Writing consistently is also the best way to “find” or develop your voice, something writers often ask about too.
I typically advise most writers to aim to write 5 to 7 days each week, leaning to daily for newer writers or writers getting back on track after time away. Longer gaps between writing sessions make it harder to restart.
On the other hand, “just writing” without any kind of plan won’t necessarily help you see a script (or other writing projects) through to Done. Yes, ideas and voice development, as well as personal growth and insight are valuable. But planned writing leads to completion. At the same time, you can design it in such a way as to allow for flexibility. [more…]
While you certainly can be detailed in your day’s planning, I recommend working within the context of a well-structured goal and overall plan and setting up daily average targets in terms of time, page counts, and/or to-do’s.
Ask the Coach: How Much Should I Plan My Writing Time?
I’d love to answer them for you in my column.
