Short answer? It depends.
Over the years, I’ve read countless blog posts and listened to many writing podcasts where the most popular piece of advice given is to write every day.
“Just write every day and you’ll become a better writer.”
Logically, it makes sense. The more you practice something, the better you’ll get at it. Right? While this is very true, the deeper answer is not as simple.
So, do you actually HAVE to write every day to become a better writer?
If you look below the surface, the answer can be a bit more elusive than you might think. If you’ve been in the writing space for any length of time, you’ve probably seen it or have even asked it yourself.
As I mentioned, the short answer to this question is… it depends.
It depends on who you are as a person.
It depends on the type of writer you are.
It depends on your personality.
It depends on your attitude.
It depends how you define success.
It depends on where you are on your writing journey and in life.
If you’re reading this and the answer is obvious to you, great. Go with that feeling. If it’s strong, then let it guide you on your writing journey.
Personally, I don’t write every day. It just doesn’t feel quite right to me. I’m the type of writer that needs time to recharge and fill the creative well. It’s a feeling that’s innate and feels completely and utterly natural to me. As much as I love to write, forcing myself to write everyday feels more like pulling teeth. Again, it’s just who I am. Believe me, I’ve tried to write every day, and it feels like going against the grain with a razor, so to speak.
My writing tends to not only be more enjoyable to get down on paper, but it comes out better when I’m actually enjoying the process.
But just because I don’t write every day, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.
I’m not here to discourage you from writing every day. Many writers do it all the time. Often those writers have been writing for years and have built up their writing muscles enough to make it happen. But if you’re new to writing or are coming back after an extended break, it may not be the best approach. Sometimes a gentle approach may be the best path forward.
If writing everyday does indeed speak to you positively, then I’d recommend trying it if you haven’t already. Schedule it in your calendar and have a go at it, regardless of whether you write fiction, non-fiction, or a bit of journaling.
If it feels right. Great! Keep going and enjoy your journey.
If for whatever reason it doesn’t feel right, I’d recommend stopping right there and getting away from the page for a while. Come back to it with a fresh perspective. Go for a walk, do some yoga, read, spend some time with loved ones, or however you prefer to clear your head and recharge.
If you come back to the page the next day and writing still feels off, then I’d recommend sitting down for a while and do some self-reflection.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is stop and just take a deep breath. Look deep inside and be completely honest with yourself.
It can be a truly eye-opening experience.
What’s important is that you write in a way that fills you with a sense of wonder and joy. You know a feeling where you can’t wait to write again. Follow that feeling.
If you’re called to be a writer, then you’re better off enjoying the process in the long run. Writing is a long game after all and I can speak from personal experience that your writing will improve.
No matter how you choose to answer the question, you can improve your writing regardless of whether or not you write every day. Just take a step back and determine who you are. No, I mean who you REALLY are. Not only as a writer, but as a person. The answer will impact your writing, creativity, and possibly give you some much needed clarity on the road ahead.
And that’s the long answer.
Thank you for reading. If you found this helpful and would like to learn more about igniting your creative spark, nerd out about writing, or simply want to connect, the best place to find me is at jeffaybar.com. Reach out anytime. You can also find me on Twitter @jeffaybar.
Jeff Aybar is a writer, writing & creativity coach, Sci-Fi/Fantasy nerd, INFJ, veteran, and lover of all things creative. You can get a free copy of his guide for writers and artists on starting the creative journey by signing up to his newsletter HERE.