Just Writing

When I turn off word count and start to write, I actually enjoy writing more than with it on. When the word count is on, I’m constantly looking at how much I’ve written rather than focusing on what I’m writing about. It’d be like a runner who constantly keeps checking the timer as they run, rather than running the best they can.

I’ve found that there have been times where word count has helped me since it kept me writing when I felt like taking a break. But at the same time, it could be daunting to reach a word count goal, since it’s like you’re writing to reach a number rather than writing for the enjoyment of it.

But I think it depends on the writer. Some writers need that extra push, that external motivation of reaching a goal each writing session. For me, I can reach that goal once in a while, but not all the time. My writing sessions are influenced by my mood and energy level, and whether or not I feel inspired.

It’s hard for me to write anything if I’m not inspired or if I feel like I’m depleted of ideas. I’d sit at the chair and stare at the screen blankly until an idea strikes me, whereas some can just start writing when they see a blank screen. But when the wheels start turning in my mind, I can write based on what I see in my mind, like I’m recording an event as it’s playing out on the cinema screen behind my eyes.

And when I write, it’s not like I’m aiming for a number or toward a goal of it being my best piece of writing, but because what I’m seeing is so important to record that I don’t want to miss it.