“Write Every Day” Isn’t What You Think It Means

Welcome to the messed-up writing advice we all get wrong.

The writer and the clock | Image created on Canva

I used to tell people I write every day.

That was a lie. A well-intentioned one, but a lie, nonetheless.

It sounds like advice carved in stone. If you’re a writer, write a little something every day.

Easy.

Obvious.

Like telling a runner to go for a jog, just do something. Keep the gears moving.

But that’s not what this advice is really about. Not even close.

And I should know, because I got it wrong for years.

From my POV as a working writer

You’ve probably heard the advice a hundred times: “Write a little bit each day.” And sure, it seems harmless. Helpful, even.

But here’s my beef with it: when people hear it, they interpret it literally, like it means scribbling in a journal, sending off a couple of tweets, or jotting down dot points in your Notes app.

Something — anything — is better than nothing, right? Well, sort of. But also, not really.

I’ve been a professional writer for years now. I’ve written for clients, for editors, for myself. I’ve…