Writing Every Day: How Important Is It?

As a writer, it’s a question that comes up occasionally – should you be writing every day? It’s a practice recommended by many, including respected writers such as Stephen King and Anne Lamott. It’s repeated all the time as advice for refining your skills, or making progress towards a specific goal. You don’t have to write a lot, they reassure you, just make sure you write daily. Build discipline through a daily writing habit.

It sounds good, sure. But how important is it really? First, let’s take a look at the advantages of daily writing.

If you’re looking for advice on how to find time to write every day, you might find this post helpful!

Advantages: Why write every day

Writing every day helps to build a habit

First and foremost, writing every day can create a habit, which makes it easier to write more. It’s a kind of virtuous cycle. I’ve actually suggested a habit of writing as a useful way to get yourself writing when you’re not really in the mood.

It lets you see progress

Daily writing can be a great way to see progress, whatever it is you’re working towards. Whether you’re working on finishing a manuscript or just trying to practice your writing, regular writing can help you get there.

It helps you take your writing more seriously

It’s not always easy for writers to take themselves and their work seriously. Establishing a daily practice can make it easier to do this.

All of those are great outcomes! And if writing every day is something that works for you, then that’s fantastic. But what if it doesn’t? Are you doomed never to finish a book? Never to be a ‘real’ writer? Hopefully this goes without saying, but no. Categorically, no. There are actually a couple of good reasons not to aim to write every day.

Disadvantages: Why not write every day

Can set you up for failure

Chances are, no matter how good your intentions, you won’t be able to write every day. Now, if you’ve made a commitment, and then you fall through on that? It can feel like a failure, and can lead you to want to avoid your writing. Totally counter-productive! Here’s an interesting post I read on the psychology of this, incidentally.

Doesn’t necessarily help you improve

Some say practice makes perfect, but an alternative version of that saying is that practice makes permanent. Writing every day won’t necessarily help you improve as a writer, it can just cement your writing style (with its positives and negatives) the way it is.

So if I shouldn’t be writing every day, what should I be doing?

Well, first, I’m not here to tell you that you should or shouldn’t be doing anything. To be clear. The best way to approach your writing is the way that works for you. But if you’re looking for advice, I do have some ideas.

Instead of writing every day, try to focus on scheduling writing for time that works for you, and making the most of that. Also, don’t forget that writing isn’t the only way to improve as a writer. Active, thoughtful reading can help you to develop as a writer, and making time to do that can be just as valuable to your growth as daily writing.

And even if you do choose to write each and every day, don’t forget that breaks can help you as well! Taking a break from a project can help you to come back with a new perspective.

How do you feel about the advice on writing every day?

Is it something that you find useful, or is it too much pressure? Have you got any tips for making it work? Share any advice in the comments!