Do you need to write every day?

 

A common writing tip people say is “write every day”. But is this necessary? We asked a few creative people online for their thoughts…

 

 

“I think it’s good advice to get practice in. I just think it should come with the addendum “but it doesn’t have to be good writing or writing you need to show anyone” lest someone think they need to do their absolute best each day, every day.” David Fleming (msrocket.com)

 

 

“I don’t like rules that make you believe you failed if you don’t stick to them religiously. While writing every day builds a good habit, it’s not always possible. Reading (as a writer) & thinking about your writing, or editing in your mind, also count, I’d argue.” Steve Hill (ko-fi.com/stevehillwriter)

 

“If you want to be a writer, try to write every day – or read that day, if you can’t write.”

AJ Deane (andrewjamesdeane.co.uk/voiceover.php )

 

“Then personally I agree with the idea of writing everyday. Even if it’s just a couple thoughts, or ideas. It might even just be writing out part of the structure of what you are planning on writing. But by choosing to take time to write every day you allow yourself the potential to open up more thoughts as soon as you start writing it down. And it helps you not have to panic write as much further down the road if you have deadlines or such. Not only that but, for those who might have visions of writing one day without the pressure of having to or deadlines, intentionality writing daily might be the spark that helps it actually get written….

Like personally I have ideas and visions of writing a self help/informational book on personal things. And I wrote quite a bit of ideas years ago when the spark first started. However over time it got pushed aside for other things and I haven’t touched it since. But if I were to intentionally write a few sentences or thoughts daily it might actually get completed one day and not become a dusty idea I barely think about.” (REDACTED) Lemon, Discord

 

 

“Oh god, there are not enough characters” The Nerd Squirrel (thenerdsquirrel.co.uk)

 

 

“Would you tell any other career or vocation that they need to do it every single day?” ExTeach4AZ (https://twitter.com/Exteach4az)

“Would you tell any other career or vocation that they need to do it every single day?” ExTeach4AZ (https://twitter.com/Exteach4az)

 

My thoughts

 

 

Thanks everyone for your thoughts- there seems to be differences of opinion on this and that’s great. I think the sticking point seems to be the idea of “write every day”. I think there is a danger that we take this a bit too literally.

Like some people have said “write every day” does not necessarily mean you have to do whole scripts or thousands of words every day (I personally don’t do word counts but that’s a story for another blog, if you have thoughts on that I would love to hear it.)

What I do think is beneficial are short exercises that can let you do a bit of writing each day without taking up too much time (and I say this as someone who has previously done this while working 50 hours a week in a pub, so I know it’s possible!)

5 random words to create a premise for #indiecomics, #shortstories, or #art!

band
bitter
apple
eye
nonremittal

There is no need to write/draw anything. Just use it as a think piece to get your #creative mind flowing!

— Starmillion (@starmillion88) February 5, 2024

Starmillion is a great supporter of indie comics. In addition to that, he does this fantastic exercise every day. If you are someone who has recently had an art or writing block, this is an example of “write every day” that can be done in about five minutes but can be a good way to get the creative work flowing.

But this is just one example of exercises you can use to generate ideas.

1. The Summary Exercise- Imagine your project is in a TV guide and summarise it (also works well when planning out chapters/plotting out arcs).
2. Spider Diagram- Say you want to write a sitcom. Put a word in a bubble in the middle of a blank page (for example “school”) and then write words associated with that topic (for example “students”, “playground”, “school dinners” etc). Don’t think too hard as you do it as doing this unconsciously can often help open up ideas!
3. Elevator- This works in a similar way to an improv exercise. Put your characters in a situation outside of the intended story. How do they react when stuck in an elevator with someone they don’t like? What if someone has more than the allotted 10 items at the supermarket self service? Another way is by interviewing them like they’re on a chat show.
4. Basic notepad- Fancy journals and notepads can be lovely gifts. But there is also a danger that they can get in the way of the “write every day” approach as you feel that you need to do something that matches the fanciness (especially if it’s a gift!) Don’t get sucked into that way of thinking- when creating, allow yourself to scrawl notes, doodle, let your mind wander!
5. Take it all in- As others have said, even when you’re not writing you can still benefit the creative process. If you’re in a cafe, observe the people around you. When you’re out on a walk, take in the surroundings. Watch films, read books, laugh at silly videos of people falling over. All of it is potential creative fuel!

 

More help

Our creative tips playlist is compiled with all creatives in mind, not just writers. Whether you want to learn how to promote a project with Ko-Fi, see some fantastic speedpaints from some brilliant artists or learn more about the writing process it’s all in there!

Also extra shoutout to Webcomics Party for their various creative templates, very useful for us!

https://twitter.com/webcomicsparty/status/1753393901514498540/photo/2

Special thanks

 

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