Embracing Daily Writing: My Journey and Insights
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Chapter 1: The Challenge of Daily Writing
I nearly let today pass without sharing a new piece. My wife's flight was delayed, which meant I had to pick her up at a different time—first at 7:30, then at 9:00, and she eventually landed at 10:00.
After a long drive home from the airport, we finally settled into bed. Although I had intended to write something, the opportunity slipped away. I thought, "Well, tomorrow is another day." However, a comment from Rangga F caught my eye, asking how I manage to write and publish daily.
I realized that I couldn't just wake up tomorrow and write about my daily writing habits after skipping a day. To clarify, Rangga F, I don't write every single day. When I do write, it's often because something ignites my creativity.
Thank you for the inspiration!
Why I Write Regularly
A few years back, I delved into fitness and started listening to a podcast called Mind Pump, hosted by fitness experts who provide insightful advice. One particular statement resonated with me: they recognized they were late to the podcast scene, where most creators were releasing one episode weekly. To catch up, they opted to record three episodes each week.
This strategy compelled them to grow quickly and master the medium. I took this lesson to heart. If I only published one story weekly, I would have fewer than forty stories by now. In fact, this is my two hundred sixty-fifth story on Medium. The sheer volume of writing has significantly enhanced my skills as a writer.
How I Write Regularly
I want to clarify that I don't write every day. Some days, I may produce three stories and keep others ready for later publication. While I strive for daily consistency, external factors like editors' schedules can affect this. On some days, I'm either too busy or simply lack inspiration.
That being said, I do consistently write, but it’s not always a regimented routine. I haven’t kept track, but I estimate I write around seven thousand words weekly.
Here’s my approach:
Variety in Topics
I write about anything that interests me, which is why I joined Medium in the first place. However, this can be a double-edged sword—my short sci-fi tales or tales of drunken adventures aren't everyone’s cup of tea. I find myself alternating between personal stories, fiction, and conventional Medium content.
Experimentation
I'm not shy about throwing different ideas at the wall to see what resonates. Recently, I've noticed that articles on personal development and finance tend to garner more attention, so I've been focusing on those subjects more deeply.
Stream of Consciousness
My typing speed matches my thinking speed, which allows me to maintain a conversational style while writing. This method helps me convey my thoughts naturally and keep the narrative flowing.
Batch Work
Some days, my mind races with fantastical ideas, while other days, I’m preoccupied with understanding the Medium algorithm. When inspiration strikes, I fully embrace it—if I'm inclined to write about Medium, I dedicate that time to it without forcing unrelated content.
Constant Brainstorming
My mind is perpetually on the lookout for new stories. Some days are more productive than others, with ideas flowing like a torrent, while others require more effort, involving outlines and structured thoughts.
Keeping a List
To support my writing habit, I maintain a list of story ideas in Google Docs, which I can access via my phone. Whenever inspiration hits, I jot it down immediately. I've learned that if I rely on memory, I often forget.
The Journey of Writing Daily
In the beginning, I doubted my ability to write every day. After publishing a story, I wondered how I could possibly come up with more ideas. Would this be the last thing I ever write about?
With time, I discovered that the more I wrote, the easier it became to generate new content. Daily writing has honed my skills, and while I’m not a professional, this is a passion for me. I adopted the motto from my favorite fitness podcast and applied it to my writing endeavors.
Thank you, Rangga F, for your encouraging words and for inspiring me to share my thoughts on this topic. It was just the motivation I needed to put pen to paper.
Tips for Writing Daily: A Personal Approach
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