Chapter 1: The Illusion of Daily Writing

Writing is an art form that continues even when the pen is down.

With over four decades of experience, my journey began at six when my first poem—a haiku comparing my mother's voice to thunder—was published. Since then, I have published two books—a memoir and a novel—receiving critical acclaim, though only a handful read the latter. In 2002, I launched one of the first online literary magazines, which garnered attention from notable publications like Poets & Writers and The New York Times. For twenty years, my written work has found a home in various formats, from literary journals to blogs.

In my twenties, impatience consumed me. I longed for the instant success that authors like Zadie Smith achieved with their debut novels. I envied my peers from Columbia University who were accelerating in their careers while I quietly progressed at my own pace.

Back then, I would have given almost anything for their success. However, I learned that truly finding my voice and style required fifteen years of dedicated writing. It took years to build the confidence to recognize when a line was right or wrong simply by hearing it aloud.

What I failed to grasp was that quality writing demands time and perseverance. Improvement doesn't come from cramming more words into a day; it comes from sustained effort over time.

Amidst this impatience, many around me seem to be racing in an imaginary marathon, expressing their frustrations in dramatic ways. They often believe that a single secret will unlock their greatness, as if enduring hand cramps and eye strain will lead them to success faster.

Why are so many obsessed with sheer volume? There is no race, no competition—only you and the words you weave to interpret your experiences. This fixation on reaching a perceived destination might stem from a desire for fame rather than a passion for creation. What’s more important—achieving virality or genuinely honing your craft? While both are possible, it often appears that one is sacrificed for the other, as evidenced by the abundance of mediocre writing online.

If you have the time and inclination to write massive amounts daily, congratulations! Embrace the applause and accolades.

I, however, cannot afford to write in such volume, as it detracts from the work that truly refines my skills and robs me of living fully.

I prioritize excellence over fame, focusing on creating meaningful pieces that resonate with readers rather than churning out SEO-driven content.

Remember, quantity does not equal quality. Whether it’s 500 or 10,000 words a day, poor writing remains poor. While practicing by writing more can be beneficial, true growth stems from time, learning, reading, feedback, and recognizing that writing is more than just putting words on a page.

Volume writing is merely a tactic, not a strategy. A writer is always crafting, even if nothing is physically penned.

Consider Nabokov, who would carry a fully formed book in his mind before committing it to paper. For many writers, the act of writing is the culmination of a fully realized concept.

I once took a four-year hiatus from writing essays or stories. I still identified as a writer during this time—not because I was writing daily, but because I was continuously generating ideas, refining my voice, and studying other authors. When I began my second book in 2013, it marked a significant evolution in my writing.

When preparing for a marathon, you wouldn’t disregard all the training, nutrition, and support that lead up to the race day. All the preparation matters, just as every action—big or small—contributes to your identity as a writer.

Whether I’m working on a book, essay, or story, I have a strategy in place. I contemplate characters, research, and outline my ideas. For fiction, I create timelines and character sketches while visualizing scenes to understand their flow. I speak the dialogue aloud to hear its rhythm and cadence. I edit and re-edit, spending hours refining images and structures. I read and analyze the works of authors I admire, absorbing narrative techniques. Then, I step back, allowing the work to breathe before refining it again.

My focus is on long-term growth rather than fleeting trends or platforms that may not endure. I concentrate on my own journey, tracking my progress independently.

Advice from strangers online often overlooks the unique paths each writer travels. They assume their experiences can be replicated while ignoring the complexities of timing, privilege, and luck that shape our individual journeys. They also neglect the diverse ways one can approach writing.

Would you advise a poet—whose craft relies on precision—to write 10,000 words daily? What about a graphic novelist? Or someone with limited time or ability to sit for extended periods?

Such generic advice exploits our yearning for quick fixes and easy solutions. It’s less enticing to encourage writers to find their own rhythm, to engage consistently with their craft, and to take the necessary time to grow and improve. The reality is that discovering your voice can take months or even years, and many want the benefits of success—fame, clicks, lucrative book deals—without the hard work.

I remind you: you cannot achieve your desires without enduring the mess and struggles that come with them.

Years ago, I was an overly ambitious yogi, ignoring my instructor’s advice that my ambition clouded my judgment. I pushed my body too far and suffered a hamstring injury that took two years to heal, highlighting the importance of patience.

There will always be another opportunity, another challenge. The beauty lies in the infinite possibilities. My journey involves understanding the intricacies of each movement before mastering it, which may take a lifetime.

You have your entire life to refine your writing—why rush it? Embrace the journey, and recognize that some aspects cannot be forced. Accept the value of hard work over time. Understand that your path is long, winding, and filled with magic.

Chapter 2: Reflecting on Writing Habits

In this video, we explore the idea that you don’t need to write every day to become a great writer. It’s all about how to nurture your craft over time.

This video discusses the reasons behind not writing daily, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity in the creative process.