A fellow writer friend of mine said something recently that caught my attention.
She said, “I aim to write at least 25 words a day. That way I’m not overwhelmed before I start and am far more likely to sit down and spend some time with my work. I’ll admit, most days I end up writing far more than 25 words. What’s important is convincing myself to get started.”
Now 25 words a day is never going to make anyone a prolific writer. In contrast, Stephen King aims for 2,000 words each day. At one point my daily goal was a solid 1,000 words. I’ll admit there were many days that those words were 100% garbage, but having that goal kept the story rolling forward and the ideas and characters fresh in my mind.
Working at that speed I was able to do what I previously thought impossible, complete the first draft of my novel.
Currently, the thought of writing 1,000 words a day is completely unrealistic. With the kids out of school and a new baby to care for there is not enough time or energy during the day. But, I can do 25. With that in mind I’m getting back into the habit of sitting at the computer daily and starting to create and make progress.
For those who write to earn a living this approach will not work for you. However, for those hobbyists out there waiting for the perfect time to write perhaps this idea will help. Even a little a day is still progress and therefore better than nothing.
Happy Writing!
My Literary Quest 
Delighted to see you back! Will those 25 words a day be on this blog, or work on your book? (Or both?)
It’s good to be back! For now my goal is just to work on something everyday, which would include the blog, some short stories, and when I’m feeling ambitious the novel.
Hi Jodi! Welcome back . . . hope your days are filled with humorous snippets and slices of life.