I have to admit, it was difficult at first to write those thousand words a day--it took me all day. But now, I can finish in about an hour and a half, leaving me plenty of time to update the notes that go along with my recently written words.
Before I started this challenge, I thought about adding editing to the mix--write a thousand words a day and then spend some time editing other stuff--and it seemed daunting. However, now I think it could actually be doable.
What I've learned so far:
(1) The key to this challenge for me is writing daily. Writing daily makes writing easier.
It's so true. I may have a brief idea of where I'm going with the scene but as I start to write, it words begin to flow. But, you have to start writing first. I NEVER wait for the muse to hit me. I hit first.“Inspiration usually comes during work, not before it.” – Madeleine L’Engle
“If you wait for inspiration to write; you’re not a writer, you’re a waiter.” – Dan Poynter
(2) It's possible to finish four or more books a year (based on a 90,000 word novel which is my average). FOUR OR MORE! Imagine. In a ten year writing career, you can have forty books to your name.
I agree with this - especially the not waiting for inspiration part. Inspiration is the least of it for me - I have a gazillion ideas a day - I need to write, practice the discipline - then I'm joyous. My new year discipline is going fairly well - I have another week to finish my revision then I'm going to work on my package and get it out.
ReplyDeletethe only problem with the four books a year thing is, for me, revising is slow work. I can write in a fever pitch but I need to revise cool and slow. ah well, I have three and a half books written in only 11 years. Revised and ready to go? Nearly one!
Waiting for inspiration means you'll wait forever! And a thousand words takes me at least three hours. I'm a really slow typist.
ReplyDeleteWow. I'm impressed!
ReplyDeleteAt this rate, you'll have your own shelf at the library! Keep it up, Clarissa...
Best~~
Very very true. I never really thought about it. But most of my inspiration does come when I write. Sometimes the words just flow right off my fingertips and that's when I think of a twist or a turn in the plot.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness! That's quite a goal! Best of luck, Clarissa. :)
ReplyDeletewhoot! You are awesome. I really want to try this in February. It's true. Writing is a craft, and it's also like a muscle. The more you do it/use it, the stronger it gets. You geaux, girl! :o) <3
ReplyDeletePutting those first words down does tend to bring more forth. I can't image writing four books in a year. WOW. Continued success with your challenge.
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
Wonderful advice! I'm glad you're getting into your groove.
ReplyDeleteCan we expect four books from you this year? : ) Have fun writing!
Way to go, Clarissa! This sounds like such an excellent challenge.
ReplyDeleteWell done. You have made a great start with the 100k in 100 days Challenge. The 1000 words a day is manageable. I'm fitting in the prompts - Writing Recklessly - in my lunchtime, just for fun and experimentation.
ReplyDeleteMy word count slipped. I had been doing really well until I had my nails done - a Christmas present. How do people with beautifully long nails manage? Deep respect. The fantastic plastic lasted three days before I cut them right down.
And if you get stuck being a waiter, heaven help you when the dinner rush rolls around!
ReplyDeleteLove that Madeleine L'Engle quote. In fact, I will get working right now...after I am done surfing blogland.
ReplyDeleteThat would be prolific indeed! I could do that if I wrote full time, but alas. Not going to happen at least for a while.
ReplyDeleteMost importantly, writing gets easier the more you do it. You get rid of the "fluff" time--the time when you first sit at your computer and waste away. The more you write, the better you get at sitting down and actually writing the moment you sit. Congrats to you! Christy
ReplyDeletegood luck on your goal
ReplyDeleteI wrote 4 books last year. Did have some moments of great stress and panic, though! I'm planning on writing 3 this year (although it may end up being 4)...
ReplyDeleteCongrats on keeping up with the 1000 words a day! I unofficially am trying it, and I've only missed one day of writing and spent one day only getting 300+ words written. Writing more does make the writing easier. Wow, it's amazing to think you could have that many written books in 10 years. I wonder how it would be to keep up the writing/editing consistently, though.
ReplyDeleteNicely done Clarissa. I think we can take your lessons learned and apply it to many other things in life.
ReplyDeleteOh wow!! Well for me, YOU are such an inspiration!! Yay!!
ReplyDeleteTake care
x
Cheers for doing good on your goal. You sound like you're really making some headway and that's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI really like the quotes. Waiting for inspiration...doesn't sound like a very good plan at all.
Good luck! It sounds like you're doing really well and you're one of those amazing authors who can write multiple books a year.
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm writing a first draft, I shoot for 1000 words a day. But I usually take weekends off or I burn out.
Congrats to you! I admire your ambition. Wishing you all the best with it!
ReplyDeleteyep, the inspiration often comes when you sit down in front of the computer or a notebook.
ReplyDeleteIt's not the writing, it's the editing that takes me forever. Totally agree it's not worth waiting for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI used to be able to write that much, enough to turn out at least two books a year.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and keep it up.
ReplyDeleteHey Clarissa, it was nice to read you on my blog. Thanks for visiting me. I agree with you. A living will define your writing and a person can use whatever they do to make their writings deeper. Anyway in relation to your post, i suppose it is doable IF IF you have a plan, or I should say if you're a planner. If You know how it's going to end with every single book ...something that all writers can't do. but still it is very commendable that you can achieve such feast.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your progress! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat quotes.
I'm goaling for 2000 words a day in four hours when I start writing next month. If it goes as well as the editing, I know I can do it. I don't want to think about what tack I'll take if I can't keep that pace.
ReplyDeleteForgot - in my late-day fog now... congratulations on your great progress!
ReplyDeleteThose numbers are so impressive. I wonder if I could do it if I didn't have a day job.
ReplyDeleteYuppers! If you write at least 1,000 words a day, you can have about 4 novels (if you write YA). Kinda cool, huh?
ReplyDeleteClarissa, you are a writing beast! Way to go! :)
ReplyDelete1000 words a day is totally doable, but it would be a long 100 days and it'd be a while until the light started to show at the end of that tunnel.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with writing first, and waiting for inspiration to come once you've started!
It's not the writing that takes so long, it's the re-writing.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Clarissa.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing challenge. I wish I could go for it. Too much other stuff going on... But I hope to write something new soon....
Keep up the good work!
“Inspiration usually comes during work, not before it.” – Madeleine L’Engle
ReplyDeleteI hadn't come across this quote before, but it's so true. One for the office wall methinks.
I LOVE those quotes - a big hearty YES! My aim this year is to write three books. It's doable given my daily word targets, but the real crunch is in editing. I'll definitely get two done... we'll see!
ReplyDeleteThat be crazy but then again I haven't even written one book in my life.
ReplyDeleteHi Clarissa - well done .. and yes writing does get easier the more one does.
ReplyDeleteLove the way you set your stall out for four books - highly feasible and I'm sure you'll do it - you're quite disciplined seems to me ...
Cheers for now .. go for it! Hilary
Well done, Clarissa. Here's to you keeping a steady pace. Love Poynter's quote.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a terrific thing. Think of how flexible your creative muscle will be at the end of 100 days!
ReplyDeleteYou go girl :) Sounds like you're really kicking this challenge in the plot :)
ReplyDelete........dhole
My goodness, you're becoming a female James Patterson all by yourself without a "stable of writers". That is truly awesome. I'll certainly cheer you on.
ReplyDeleteWriting everyday is the only way I can do it these days otherwise I make excuses and don't do anything.
Daily writing is, indeed, the key. I look forward to reading 40 of your books!
ReplyDeleteWow, I am uber-impressed. I won't even try NaNoWriMo. It would feel like a gun to my head. But plenty of people thrive with daily goals. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou're a (very imaginative) machine!! :)
ReplyDeletewow! that is sure some information for thought. I'm trying to get some daily writing in. so hard but so worth it. hope you are well.
ReplyDelete