How I Write 3,000 Words Per Day, Every Day

Summary

A full-time employee and father manages to write 3,000 words daily by adopting a disciplined routine, utilizing mobile technology, and applying focused writing techniques.

Abstract

The author, despite juggling family life and a full-time job, consistently writes 3,000 words each day. Initially, the author wrote solely on a smartphone, even earning money from the articles composed this way. To maintain productivity, the author emphasizes the importance of a writing ritual, which includes meditation and journaling, and the use of an hourglass to avoid digital distractions. The Pomodoro Technique is recommended for focused writing sessions, and the author stresses the importance of separating writing from editing to preserve the creative flow. The article concludes with the notion that writing proficiency, much like martial arts or mathematics, requires regular practice to maintain and improve.

Opinions

The author values writing as a non-negotiable part of their identity, asserting that "writers write."
Distractions from technology, such as phones, are seen as significant hindrances to focused writing.
A structured morning ritual is crucial for the author's high daily word count.
The Pomodoro Technique is advocated for its ability to instill a sense of urgency and boost productivity.
The author believes in the importance of separating the creative process of writing from the critical process of editing to enhance overall writing quality.
Writing is compared to martial arts and mathematics in that it requires consistent practice to maintain skill and proficiency.

“If my doctor told me I only had six minutes to live, I wouldn’t brood. I’d type a little faster” — Isaac Asimov.

As a father, husband, and full-time employee, I often struggle with writing as much as I’d like. Family means everything to me, so I must find ways to maintain a positive work-life relationship, but it’s equally important finding time to write.

I am a writer, and writers write.

Yet, I have many time-consuming responsibilities, like working to pay the bills and a seemingly endless number of doctor appointments.

Eventually, my goal’s to supplement my income with my writing, but until then — until I free up an additional 9 hours per day from the traditional J.O.B — I need to find ways to write, and so far, things have been going great.

Even with the family's unexpected addition — our newborn daughter — I’ve still managed to write consistent 3,000 words per day. Keep reading because I’m going to share my methods for writing as much as I do.

Write On The Go

For the first three months on Medium, I actually did everything from my phone. No, seriously. All of my writing, editing, and pitching to publications was done from my $30 smartphone. Eventually, I managed to make enough money from Medium to purchase my own laptop. Yet, as portable as they seem, I can’t write on my laptop in the middle of the line at the bank — like I am now, except with my phone — without seeming like a total maniac. One of my posts, How To Become A Master Salesman, has made over $80 so far and was written (and edited) entirely from my smartphone.

Turn Off The Phone

If you’re not writing from your phone, turn it off. During my writing ritual, I make it a habit to shut off my phone, removing the distractions that come with email and social media notifications. I used to use my phone as a timer while writing, but even then, I’d find myself tempted to check for notifications or exciting news, which is why I purchased an hourglass, eliminating my need for a phone.

Develop A Writing Ritual

If you want to write more, you’ll have to plan it into your day. Successful authors and bloggers will tell you that writing is a habit, and like all habits, you have to be consistent to produce good results. I manage to put out over 3,000 words per day because I’ve developed a morning ritual: a daily practice that eases me into the flow. First thing in the morning, I’ll brush my teeth, take my Omega 3’s, pour some coffee, and then I’ll meditate while my coffee brews. Afterward, I’ll proceed to write in my journal before setting my timer and getting to writing. I’ve been following this ritual for a while, and even though I write throughout the day, I always produce my best results during my writing ritual.

“I only write when I’m inspired, so I see to it that I’m inspired every morning at nine o’clock” — Peter De Vries

Try Using The Pomodora Technique

This technique doesn’t work with an hourglass — you can’t pause an hourglass — so I don’t use it during my usual writing ritual, yet the pomodora technique still comes in handy in my other infrequent writing sessions. To apply the pomodora technique, set a timer for 25 minutes right before writing. The reason for this is that the timer brings along a sense of urgency, encouraging you to write as much as possible before time runs up. Take short breaks in between each 25-minute session — not too long, because you don’t want to lose momentum, but long enough to stretch and pour another cup of coffee.

Write Now, Edit Later

Every article should have a rough draft before a final draft. In no such circumstance should you have a final draft as your rough draft — you feel me? I’m trying to say that you should save the editing for after the writing’s been done. Finish the rough draft before editing. I still often stop after a few paragraphs, read through what I’ve written so far, and edit before moving on, which takes away from the general flow we often experience as writers. To curb this habit, practice using the pomodora technique. Set a timer for 25 minutes, write with urgency, and then use your break to go through and edit your work. Bam!

Put In The Reps

Writing is like martial arts, or — shudders— math. You have to practice, otherwise risk forgetting the basics. In martial arts, athletes exercise and practice their form daily. They put in their reps to be the best, understanding that they risk losing it all if they don't. As Bruce Lee once famously said, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” With math — even those who consider themselves extremely educated in the field — are still constantly finding new ways to use and improve their mathematic abilities. Even a college professor might forget the basics eventually without continually brushing up on their skills. Similarly, as an aspiring author and full-time writer, I find that I have to put in the reps consistently; otherwise, I risk losing my flow and my overall motivation to write. The more I practice, the better I get. If I want to be a writer, I have to do just that; write — and often.