Should you write more to be a better writer?
Or should you write less?
Following up on my last “debate” post (you can check that one out here if you missed it), the next logical question in the series is:
Should you write more or write less to successfully write to the last page?
And let me get the obvious out of the way:
You have to write A LOT to write a book. There is a point at which you must write. There is a length of writing that you must do in order to have an actual book.
That is not the kind of writing I’m talking about here.
If you don’t want to do any writing at all… well, that makes you like me, and there’s nothing at all wrong with that. We readers as just as important to books as writers ;-)
What I’m talking about today is process, time management, accountability, and burnout.
Why you should write more
One of the most classic bits of advice on writing is that you have to do it… a lot… often every day.
You don’t have to take my word for it.
“Write a page a day. Only 300 words and in a year you have written a novel.” (Stephen King)
"You don't start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it's good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That's why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence." (Octavia Butler)
“Just write a little bit every day. Even if it's for only half an hour -- write, write, write." (Madeleine L’Engle)
This is the practice makes (sort of) perfect approach.
It’s about creating the habit and the mindset to write.
And there’s a lot to be said for this.
Probably the most famous way to start a creative practice was laid out by Julia Cameron over 35 years ago. Her book, The Artist’s Way, is still the gold standard for building a writing life.
She famously begins with the practice of “morning pages.”
You may have heard of this before, often spoken in an awed tone of voice by both seasoned practitioners and occasional dabblers.
You may do them yourself.
The simple premise is that the first thing you do every day is hand-write 3 pages. It’s not journaling, it’s not writing a coherent book. It’s just writing.
It’s the opening up of the mind, clearing out the mental clutter, and doing so in a way that encourages creative expression in written form.
And it works!
There’s a reason writers speak of them with such reverence.
What about you? Have you tried morning pages? Let me know what you think of them.
Writing every day also helps push through procrastination, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and writer’s block.
The words will not be perfect - they never are - but the more you use them, the easier they are to use.
Writing is fitness.
You might not want to do it, but it’s good for you.
And the more you do it, the better you get at it.
And in case this feels like a lot, remember that “more” doesn’t have to mean every day.
“More” means setting a schedule and holding yourself accountable to this amazing accomplishment you have in front of you: your book!
“More” means setting time aside consistently and not letting your writing be the last thing on your list.
“More” means believing in yourself enough to make writing an important part of your life.
And, of course, if you need help with “More,” I’m here for you.
Why you should write less
As I start this section, I’m imagining all of you readers who are gasping in horror at the thought of writing less ;-)
Yes, I’m going to say it.
I think there are times when writing less is a good, productive, progressive choice.
In my humble opinion, it is completely possible to write yourself into corners, to lose track of yourself or your story, and to need to walk away.
In those moments, what should you do?
Some classic advice:
“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” (Ben Franklin)
"Read, read, read. Read everything -- trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You'll absorb it. Then write. If it's good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out of the window." (William Faulkner)
"If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it." (H.G. Wells)
Go. Do. Walk. Read. Travel.
The world around you is what you’re bringing to the page, so never be afraid to immerse yourself back in it.
If writing is fitness, it also benefits from fitness.
There are few things better for your writing than literally walking away from it. A landmark Stanford study in 2014 (read more here, here, or here, if you like) connects moving your body to boosting creativity.
When you feel uninspired and just don’t want to write...
When that inner gremlin starts growling, and you set your book aside for “later…”
Don’t be discouraged.
Don’t beat yourself up.
Step out for a walk, go for a hike, hit the gym, run around the playground with your kids.
Remind yourself that it’s actually making you a better writer.
And, thanks to the magic of modern tech, when you’re out there getting great new, creative ideas, you can save them in your phone for inspired writing later.
The other reason I recommend writers write less is when their writing gets in its own way.
This is particularly the case for both procrastinators and perfectionists (who are, yes, often the same person).
Writing can become the weapon you use to avoid the next things your books needs from you.
Is your book getting longer… and longer… and longer?
Did you hit your 65K word target 3 chapters ago?
Is your revision becoming more of a complete rewrite?
Are you adding just a little more research… and then a little more… and more?
Are you adding chapters “just in case?”
Are you doing more writing to avoid pitching (aka feelings of rejection)?
These are all scenarios I’ve seen writers find themselves in.
In each case, the act of writing has become a crutch, a safety net. It’s like the process took over and the product got left behind.
Most of these challenges come from a fear of the unknown.
So what I say to you is: Stop writing
Embrace the next, fabulous part of your book’s journey.
Let it be one step closer to in your reader’s hands.
Write less, so your book can do more!
One last word on writing (more or less) to be a better writer…
Writing doesn’t have to be writing.
It’s important to remember that writing can take many forms.
You can hand-write or type.
But you can also use voice notes on your phone, or transcription apps.
I believe in you and your book.
You can write it however you want.
But please… no matter what else…
Write!
OK, what do you think?
What would you add to the pros and cons of writing more or writing less?
What does writing look like for you?
Love this: “If writing is fitness, it also benefits from fitness.” Yes!
I did morning pages! Back in the day, maybe a decade ago? I definitely got a lot of value out of it, and also felt like it eventually became empty and cramped my hand. I think it's definitely a mechanism for getting things moving / showing up (but so is going for a flow walk, meditating, and other tools).