Comments on: Guest Post: How Much Time Do You Really Spend Writing?

By: Charlotte Rains Dixon

Charlotte Rains Dixon — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 17:56:39 +0000

So very true, Anne. I think of this problem often as I engage in all the non-writing related activities that are associated with the job, and I'm not quite sure how to balance it out, other than limit my time on the internet and phone. But I think a good starting point is being aware, so thanks for the post.

By: Jake P

Jake P — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 23:31:50 +0000

Great post, Anne. I'm 100% with you on not misleading ourselves with how much time we spend writing. I'm content to know that whatever time I've spent is enough to pay the bills — and I'll be honest, the days that I make $400 for 400 words are my favorite! I could never crank out thousands of words a day, I'm just not built for that kind of volume.

By: Brenda Susan

Brenda Susan — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 21:04:08 +0000

Very challenging and thought provoking post! Thank you!
Every time I go riding with my husband on his motorcycle I find myself writing in my head as we sail along. I sometimes can't wait to get back to my laptop to capture what has been circling and growing in my head.
Would that editing and composing in my head be counted as writing time?
Love your blog.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:21:09 +0000

Cathy, let us know how time tracking works for you... I find sometimes it does, and sometimes not so much.

Ashley, yes, learn that there's no such thing as perfection, or that if there is, nether you nor I would recognize it even if it knocked on the door!

Gabriella... editing sure is part of the whole process. I think you get to decide, as long as you're being honest with yourself.

Paula, sounds like you and your buddy have made some good distinctions that keep you working.

By: Paula

Paula — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:09:27 +0000

I may be a full-time writer, but the truth is only a fraction of my week is spent writing actual articles, columns, or blog posts.

Not everything I do for work is writing, but it is all part of the writing process, from marketing and research to filing copy and invoicing. Something I think a lot of newbie writers fail to take into consideration is that writing well is more than putting words on paper.

When checking in on one another's workload, a writer friend and I always make distinctions like, "Today's a writing day," or "This week is mostly interviews and transcribing." Interview and writing days tend to be more focused, but if/when our transcribing days we can try to coordinate a double doggie walk, weather permitting. I don't know about you, but transcribing days are the worst, so scheduling in a break never hurts!

By: Gabriella F.

Gabriella F. — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:10:14 +0000

Hi Anne.

Interesting post.

I can spend both a lot and a little time writing.

Even if I'm on a deadline, if I'm unmotivated, it can take me four to six hours to write something I know I can do in two.

On the other hand, if I'm in a groove, I can write a 1,500-word article in two hours. Of course, I'll take some time to finesse and fine-tune, but the guts of an article I can do quickly. (That brings up another question: Is that fine-tuning "writing"? I lean toward no.)

In other words, I can spend a lot of time writing when I'm not focused. But when I'm focused, the amount of time I spend writing drops dramatically.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:59:59 +0000

I'm really bad about this. Not so much counting nonwriting time as writing, but just getting distracted too easily. When I focus, I can get it done pretty quickly. Thanks for the reminder!

Now, do you have any advice for those of us who are perfectionists and spend too much time rereading and revising?

By: Cathy

Cathy — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:24:08 +0000

Great post, Anne. I would venture to say the same is true of most jobs. I think the constant interruptions when I was in Corporate America drove me the most crazy as it lengthened my day to meet deadlines. Now, as a freelancer, I mostly have no one to blame, except myself-rats! :-)

What I try to do is recognize my "prime writing time" and let nothing interfere with that-no email, social media, etc. As you know, much easier said than done.But, you're right, it's very easy to lie to myself about how much time I actually spent writing.

Think I'll try tracking, like you did, just to get me focused again. Thanks, Anne.