Lowering Your Standards & Writing Every Day
Feel free to discuss and share your writing habits in the comments section below.
“Keep a small can of WD-40 on your desk—away from any open flames—to remind yourself that if you don’t write daily, you will get rusty.”
—George Singleton
This is something I must remind myself about often. It is vital to write something (anything) every day. Even if, from the moment you woke up you haven’t had time to do anything besides working, child-rearing, caretaking, dog-walking, house tending, doctor’s appointment-going…. Even if you are juggling 3 crazy, demanding jobs and family expectations... I recommend that you write just once a day about literally anything (with no expectation) for a minimum of 5 minutes before you finally fall asleep at night. Having no expectations is the key to making this habit pleasurable.
“If you get stuck, lower your standards and keep going.” -William Stafford
Some of my best stories have happened when I’m too tired to think or care, and when I can (finally) stop worrying about making sense. My story “The Plank” was written in bed when I was falling asleep, which is probably why it has a dream-like quality.. It was included in the prestigious Wigleaf Top 50 List a few years ago, and I was thrilled to see it there.
And of course writing each day may not be for you.. Everyone is different! I don’t do it religiously, but I do feel better when I can.
For many of us writing in the early morning before life gets hectic is the way to go.. but it’s not the only way.. Writing late at night before the lights goes out (or even in the dark, on your phone!) is excellent. If you have insomnia, try writing in the middle of a bothersome, sleepless night.
“Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Then see what happens.” -Ray Bradbury
Honestly, I disagree. I think it is discouraging to send the message that there is only one right way to be a writer. I found the "write everyday" advice just fed into my self-doubt for years and years. If I force myself to write, even with "lower standards", there is no joy in it. If there is no joy in it, why am I writing? It took me a long time to find a routine that works for me, and it still constantly changes based on what's happening in my life. I applaud any writer that can write everyday, but I want to let anyone out there who is feeling discouraged because they simply can't, that it's OK to find a routine that works for you. There's no one magic formula to being a writer.
I've always thought the "write every day" advice was impractical. I've thought simply writing regularly would accomplish nearly the same thing. However, when you add "with no expectations," that makes it much more doable. The thing is with any habit, it's easier to fall out of it than maintain it. Not writing one day because there's no time can turn into not writing for a week, a month, 5 years... speaking from experience. Writing every day makes writing as much a priority as brushing your teeth or having a coffee. The no expectations takes off the pressure.
I like it.