This is the question I get all the time. Being a writer is like giving yourself homework, every day.
I practiced this a lot before I met my husband. I used to wear a promise ring on my hand that I would write everyday to be a writer. In fact when I met my husband he asked about the ring on my finger as I forgot to take it off the night of our date. (Whoops.) Then after my daughter was born, I took this writing way more seriously.
So now that I just received my letter for RWA recognizing my 25 novels accomplished I have to say most of the work was done because I work at it everyday. I am not a writer that can say ‘I wrote a novel in a week.’ I know I built my endurance up through sprints and daily goals.
So my answer to this question that people always ask me is simple. I work hard. There is no science or special formula. I wish I was as talented as Margaret Mitchell who wrote Gone with the Wind and never wrote another book in her life. It’s not in my character to analyze and create with so much precision that I’m paralyzed to do anything else. I actually find pleasure in working hard on a book and it relaxes me to spend time with loved ones, be happy at work and a million other things as I don’t define myself on others. So if anyone asks you for a secret formula for what you do everyday that seems like you leap mountains, tell them your truth. Mine is hard work, sweat and my own tears to make everything move forward. I wish I had a fairy dust that gets things done, but that fairy dust is from my sweeping away the dirt and working to scrub and polish. (So not exciting.)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do prolific authors write so many books consistently?
Prolific authors write consistently by treating writing like daily homework and building endurance over time through sprints and daily word goals. There is no secret formula — the core answer is hard work done every single day. One author credits writing 25 novels to simply showing up daily, not to any special talent or speed-writing technique.
What does it take to become a writer who publishes consistently?
Becoming a consistently publishing writer requires daily commitment and gradual endurance-building, not innate talent or a special formula. Making a personal promise to write every day — even before external accountability exists — is one practical starting point. Finding genuine pleasure in the writing process and not defining your self-worth by others’ opinions also helps sustain long-term output.
Is it better to write one carefully crafted novel or many books over time?
Both approaches have merit and depend on personality. Some writers, like Margaret Mitchell who wrote only Gone with the Wind, thrive on precision and deep analysis. Others are wired to write many books through consistent daily effort. If over-analyzing paralyzes you, a high-output daily writing habit may be more productive and personally fulfilling than striving for one perfect work.
