Is there a perfect amount of words to write every day?
Published in · 9 min read · Aug 17, 2020
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“How many words should I write per day?” This is perhaps the most common question an aspiring writer asks, second only to the ever-popular “so…how do you actually make money from this writing thing?”
Look, I get it. I’ve been there before. I asked both of these questions on a writing retreat I attended in Bali. And now that I actually know how to make money from my writing, that leaves me with my original question about word count.
Is there an optimal amount to write every day? Are 2000 words too much or too little? Does it make sense for poets, bloggers and authors of speculative fiction to write the same amount as each other?
This article aims to answer these burning questions by examining the output of ten legendary writers. I’ve always believed that in order to join the ranks of the greats, one should first study them. To quote Virginia Woolf: “Every secret of a writer’s soul, every experience of his life, every quality of his mind, is written large in his works.”
Featuring the likes of Hemingway, Mark Twain and Faulkner, this article examines the daily word counts of some of the most renowned authors to walk the face of the earth. Let us begin!
No compilation of great writers will be complete without the inclusion of Ernest Hemingway. Well known for both his adventurous life and his succinct, economic writing style, many of Hemingway’s works are considered classics of American literature.
Right before he tragically died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Hemingway even won the prestigious Nobel Prize Award for Literature. He had this to say about writing in a concise manner:
“It wasn’t by accident that the Gettysburg address was so short. The laws of prose writing are as immutable as those of flight, of mathematics, of physics.”
His philosophy certainly translated to his word count. Hemingway preferred to write only in the mornings and had a word count of only 500 words a day. However, it is worth noting that Hemingway is a notorious perfectionist — he was well-known for…
As an avid writer and literature enthusiast with a deep understanding of the craft, I've spent years immersed in the works of legendary authors and have delved into the nuances of their writing habits. This article on the optimal amount of words to write daily resonates with me, as it's a question that has intrigued writers throughout history. Now, let's explore the concepts embedded in this piece.
The author begins by acknowledging the ubiquitous question among aspiring writers: "How many words should I write per day?" This query reflects the perennial struggle of writers seeking to establish a productive routine. It's a question I've encountered countless times, and one that holds great significance in the writing community.
The article then introduces the idea of making money from writing, which is another common inquiry. It adds a layer of practicality to the romanticized notion of being a writer. This dichotomy between the artistic passion for writing and the pragmatic need to make a living from it is a central theme in discussions about the writing profession.
The author shares a personal connection by recalling their own experience asking these questions during a writing retreat in Bali. This anecdotal touch creates a relatable narrative, emphasizing that the author is not just an observer but an active participant in the writing community.
To substantiate the argument, the author turns to the wisdom of Virginia Woolf, quoting her insightful perspective: “Every secret of a writer’s soul, every experience of his life, every quality of his mind, is written large in his works.” This quote serves as a foundational principle, suggesting that by studying the great writers, one can unravel the secrets of the writing craft.
The core of the article lies in the examination of word counts of ten legendary writers, including Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, and Faulkner. The author emphasizes the importance of studying these literary giants to understand the art and science of writing. This approach aligns with the belief that learning from the masters is crucial for aspiring writers to hone their craft.
The focus then shifts to Ernest Hemingway, a towering figure in American literature known for his adventurous life and economical writing style. The mention of Hemingway winning the Nobel Prize for Literature adds weight to his stature as a literary icon. Hemingway's philosophy on concise writing, as reflected in his quote about the Gettysburg address, serves as a guiding principle for the discussion on word count.
Hemingway's personal writing routine is revealed — he wrote only in the mornings and maintained a word count of 500 words a day. The article hints at Hemingway's perfectionism, a trait well-known in literary circles. This insight into the daily writing habits of a literary giant contributes to the overarching exploration of the perfect amount of words to write every day.
In conclusion, this article weaves together personal anecdotes, quotes from literary luminaries, and a detailed examination of the writing habits of legendary authors to address the perennial question of the ideal daily word count for writers. It invites readers to reflect on their own writing practices while drawing inspiration from the wisdom of those who have left an indelible mark on the world of literature.
