Did you know all you need is an hour a day to write the first draft of your book?
We all have an hour a day to devote to writing. Even the busiest of us can find an hour a day to dedicate to our writing. Whether it’s waking up an hour earlier, cutting out some social media time, or skipping that television show binge session before bed, you can find the time if you’re committed.
In this article, we’ll discuss where to find your hour to write each day, how many words you can write in that time period, how consistency helps us as writers, and what to do with your writing hour if you have a case of writer’s block.
Can’t Find an Hour? Examine Your Days and Find Something You Can Cut
If you’re having trouble finding an hour a day to write, you’re not alone. Many writers struggle to find the necessary time to dedicate to their craft. It’s important, however, to remember that writing a book is a significant time commitment, and it requires a consistent effort over a prolonged period of time to achieve your goals.
One strategy you can use to find an hour a day to write is to take a close look at your daily routine. Identify any tasks or activities that can be cut out or delegated to someone else. Are there any time wasters you can eliminate from your day? Can someone else take on some of your responsibilities to free up some time?
Another option is to break up your writing sessions into shorter chunks of time. Instead of writing for a full hour in one sitting, consider writing in 15- or 30-minute time blocks to reach a cumulative hour of writing every day.
If you truly cannot find an hour to write in your daily schedule, set your alarm for an hour earlier every morning and use that time to write before anyone else is up and before you have to complete your other responsibilities.
The key to writing for an hour a day is to create a consistent writing schedule. So, try to keep your writing time scheduled for the same time every day.
How Many Words Can a Writer Get on Paper in an Hour?
The number of words you can write in an hour depends on your writing speed and the complexity of your ideas. On average, however, most writers can produce 500–1,000 words in an hour.
How Many Hour-Long Sessions to Complete the First Draft of a Book?
Assuming you’re aiming to write a book with 80,000 words, you’ll need to write for a minimum of 80 hours to complete the first draft of your manuscript. That’s equals to a little more than 11 weeks to complete your first draft.
Why It’s Important to Work On Your Book Every Day
Just like a plant needs daily attention to grow, your book needs daily attention in order for you to make progress. Consistency will help you achieve your writing goals. By writing every day, you develop a habit that keeps you on track. Additionally, consistent writing can help you identify any areas you may need to improve, and you’ll be better able to track your progress over time.
How Consistency Helps Us Become Better Writers
Writing is a skill that can be honed by anyone over time and through consistent practice. The more you write, the more opportunities you’ll have to experiment with different styles and techniques, and the better you’ll become as a writer. When you are consistent with your writing, you’re able to improve your technical ability, and you’re able to develop a unique voice as a writer.
How to Use Your Writing Hour if Struggling with Writer’s Block
If you find yourself dealing with a bout of writer’s block, don’t skip your writing time for the day. Instead, try using the Pomodoro Technique to refocus yourself. This technique involves setting a timer for twenty-five minutes. You’ll then use that time to freewrite or brainstorm. Don’t worry about perfection during this time; the only goal with this technique is to get your ideas down on paper.
Once the timer goes off, take a five-minute break to recharge. Then, you’ll set another twenty-five-minute time session.
If the Pomodoro Technique doesn’t help, use your hour for research that will add depth to your story or turn your focus back to your outline and make any improvements you see fit to your plot.
