by Marlin Bressi

Created on: February 05, 2009

We all know that success is a matter of quality, not quantity. However, quantity is the best way to improve quality. Repetition and practice are necessary in the development of any skill, especially writing. You simply cannot get better at doing anything by wishing or hoping; you only get better by doing. An Olympic swimmer must swim thousands of laps in a pool before winning a medal. A pianist must practice for years before ever playing a note at Carnegie Hall. A writer will never be successful unless he or she writes millions of words.

How can you learn to write more in a day? The first step is to set aside time in your life for your writing. Set aside at least an hour or two each day to write, even if you may have nothing to write about. Experiment with writing at different times of the day. It wasn't until recently I discovered that I was a night-writer (not to be confused with Knight Rider, the cheesy 80's television show with the talking car). I always used to write in the afternoon, but I discovered that I am far more productive writing in the evening. Some people are morning writers. Find out what time of the day you are feeling creative and relaxed, and half the battle is already won.

The next step is to gradually increase your writing workload. Nobody ever decides to throw on some sneakers and run a full marathon; it takes time to build up to that level, by gradually running longer and longer distances. Set a goal for yourself. Perhaps start by writing one page each day for a week, then increase it to two, and so forth. Before you know it, you'll be able to turn out a respectable amount of work each and every day.

A writer can also write more each day by becoming a more efficient writer. Every writer's work area should be equipped with the necessary items. On my writing desk there are two dictionaries, a thesaurus, the 2008 Writer's Market (an essential for every writer), notebooks, pens, and other resources. If I need anything, it is all within easy reach. If you write on a computer, make sure you have important reference websites bookmarked to your favorites folder. My favorites folder contains all the information I may need right at my fingertips: manuscript formatting guidelines, synopsis guidelines, instructions for how to write a query letter, and so on.

The process of writing is a process of paradoxes. You will never write more unless you have discipline, and you will never develop discipline unless you write more. The more you write, the better you will get; and the better you get, the less you will have to write.

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