Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of writing authentically and at one's own pace, rather than adhering to the pressure of daily output.

Abstract

The author of the article, P.G. Barnett, challenges the notion that writers must produce content daily to be successful. Barnett, with over forty years of writing experience, argues that the frequency of writing should be determined by the individual's satisfaction and happiness with their work, not by the prescriptive advice of inexperienced writers or so-called "experts." The article suggests that taking breaks and focusing on quality over quantity can lead to better writing. Barnett encourages writers to find their true voice, conduct thorough research, and write from a place of authenticity, even if that means producing fewer pieces. The author's own passion for writing and his consistent daily practice serve as a testament to his love for the craft rather than a rule for others to follow.

Opinions

Writing frequency should be guided by personal contentment and happiness rather than external pressures or trends.
It's important to take time for self-reflection and analysis to improve one's writing, even if it means stepping back from publishing for a period.
Newer writers should not impose their limited experiences on seasoned writers, nor should they use revered writing resources as the ultimate guide for success.
Authenticity in writing is paramount, and writers should strive to express their own perspectives and voices, avoiding the mimicry of others.
Experienced writers have earned their credibility through years of practice and should be respected for their unique processes and achievements.
The measure of a successful writing career is not the quantity of work produced but the quality and authenticity of the content.

When Nothing Is Actually Working For You It’s Okay To Write Nothing

You Don’t Have To Crank Something Out Every Day

It all parses down to who you wish to believe. Some misguided writing acolyte who’s dangled their tootsies in the shallow end of the writing pool for a couple of months or someone who’s actually done it for over forty years and has seen the results it produces.

The truth is, nobody can tell you what you need to do to feel content and happy about your writing. If you don’t think you’re quite there yet and you writing and publishing something daily is how you want to roll, then, by all means, roll that way.

If you want to cogitate on a few pieces and work them until you feel you’ve done your best and only put out a couple of pieces a week, or even one piece a month, then lock and load and rock and roll.

You don’t need or want someone without writing callouses on their fingers to tell you what you should do. You know what you want to do. You know what you need to do.

If you feel what you’re writing of late isn’t working then pull up and do a little self-check. Spend a couple of days or even longer if you need to and perform an analysis of your writing. Maybe, you’ve slipped into a style that isn’t letting your true voice and tone shine. Maybe the topics you’re writing about need more research, more depth, and fewer words.

Maybe you’ve just reached the end of the fuse of your powderkeg and you’re about to blow.

Whatever the reason, it’s okay to take a break, just breathe and take a few mental health days from time to time. Most of your readers will still be here waiting for that something stellar you decide to write and publish when you come back.

All this may sound just a tad hypocritical coming from one who has been labeled as a writing machine. Yes, I write and publish something every single day. Now hang on, don’t bail on me yet.

At least listen to why I write each day, and why you don’t have to.

I write something every day because I love to write, you guys. I love, love, love, love to write. It really helps me get my nerd on, so to speak. Lately, I’ve even been writing with a stupid grin pasted on my face as I pour out my thoughts.

For me, writing is almost better than sex.

I’m like an old dog I used to share space with. He couldn’t drive the cars he chased if he caught ’em, and we were both so old we could barely lift up our legs to pee on the tires.

For him, he’s pushing up daisies. For me, I have my word porn.

Yeah, I take it over the top, but as a crazy writing machine hypocrite I’m telling you, you don’t have to write something every single day to keep your career from swirling down the toilet.

And you don’t need to be shamed into writing daily by these so-called and often self-proclaimed experts who extol you to put yourself out like that.

I guess if you don’t know me or haven’t been following me (actually reading me all you ghost followers out there) your questions are probably something along the lines of, do I have the right or the credibility to tell you this?

This ain’t bragging, but I’ve built up a little street cred here. I’m talking fifteen years of writing short stories, another fifteen years of writing short stories and four books, and 506 consecutive days on this platform cranking out a story, a poem, or an opinion piece.

So in short, d*mned right I do, on both counts.

What troubles me is all these writing noobs, still sopping wet behind the ears telling us the only way to succeed is by writing and publishing something every day. That to be successful we should write something every day.

They’ve been blogging for a couple of months and now they’re suddenly Stephen King telling us to make it big we should write and publish something every day?

Sorry plebes, a lot of us don’t play that game.

And please stop waving Stephen’s Words On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft you bought on sale at some used book store in our faces like it’s the King James Version Bible.

Trust us when we tell you this. A lot of us have already read it. We’ve gleaned from it our own perceptions of what works for us and what doesn’t. Writing plebes you really need to understand who you’re talking to when you write and post your misinformed “guidance” to the masses.

Look, we’re not proposing you don’t legitimately have something to say, but your visions of our road to success shouldn’t be based on a couple of months of experience. You need to understand a lot of us here have been writing for years, even decades.

A lot of us have been on this road for a long time. We’ve been there, done that, and have the trophies. Please don’t insult our intelligence and invalidate all the hard work we’ve done with rather inane proclamations you discovered in a book just yesterday.

Writing fledglings? Yes, you have to write constantly to improve, and if you want to write and post daily be our bloody guest. Just remember this one little bit of advice.

The next thing you write needs to come from a place of authenticity. Not an almost plagiaristic recital of something you read in a book. We want the real you, your own words, giving us your own perspectives.

Now that is something worth reading.

Thanks So Much For Reading

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