I No Longer Write Daily

Put down the torches and pitchforks and actually listen. I know internet writing advice demands two things: “always be writing” and “write every day.” In general, those prescriptions are good advice when (and this is a big when) understood in the context of the importance of having a regular writing schedule that one sticks to. Now, I’ve said previously how these bits of writing advice have become meme-ified to the point everyone shares them and often veteran/more seasoned writers take them with a grain of salt and regurgitate them jokingly.

Here’s the problem with that: younger, less-experienced writers don’t get that it’s a joke. Sarcasm doesn’t travel as well on the internet as many believe it to travel. And this can leave some newer writers discouraged regarding their writing process. Compound that with how many authors (particularly romance authors) output 6+ books each year, and young writers may feel unable to perform at that level and as a result, may abandon their drafts out of frustration.

Meme-ified writing advice lacks the nuance of the specifics of an individual’s situation. And it’s why I, who have written 16 novels and teach writing at a Carnegie R1 university, rarely offer writing advice and never offer it in terms of these pithy little memes.

So, let’s talk about my new writing schedule. I once was a “write every day” writer who was “always writing” because I have ADHD, and my fear was losing momentum for a project would mean abandoning it. So, I would plough through.

The problem is, that has left me with a sense of burnout where my brain is constantly seeking out new ideas to write—new genres—new stories—because dopamine comes from novelty (among other sources). And that search often left manuscripts unfinished. I have a pile of partially completed novels (a YA fantasy and a cozy gothic).

Here’s what I found that works for me: writing every other day. Just like those who lift weights need recovery days, I give my creative muscles days to recover from the exercise of creation. I use this time to read, play video games, watch TV, or interact with my friends in other ways. You know, I “touch grass” as the kids say.

And here’s what I’ve found: (1) My writing flows more freely when I draft because my brain is rested and ready. (2) Momentum has yet to wane. (3) I have an easier time focusing on the draft at hand without constantly brainstorming other projects. (4) My anxiety regarding “must write” has lowered, which is good overall.

Does that slow down my output? Yes. But it means I am happier and enjoy the process more than if I rushed through. And for me, writing has never been about having the product but about the process of creating, of telling a story, and of sharing that story with others.

Updates

And now, some updates. The Devourer’s Sonata, my dark gothic fantasy with a sapphic romantic subplot, is with my editor, and I will release the cover for that on Valentine’s Day.

The collection of dark fantasy novelettes, Saint of the Shattered Veil, is complete and will be with my editor after revisions. There will be ten novelettes of between 7,500 and 1,2000 words each. These stories primarily follow the exploits of a warrior nun known as The Veiled Rose for her ornate armor and the mace shaped like a bouquet of roses. There is a loose progression, but each story is designed to be read individually and in any order.

The collection was originally intended for serialized distribution, but I never really made that a thing that happened. No distribution avenues really felt right for it, and so I sat on it until I felt I had it where I wanted it to be. As always, more later, as I have commissioned character art of two of the main characters.

-Robin