It’s important for writers to ‘know thyself.’ To discover the best way to initiate our process for writing. As beginning writers, we experiment with different processes. But if we keep writing and find what fits us best — that process will benefit us in the long term.
Some of my clients do well with chunky writing. They program a chunk of time into their calendar to work on their projects. Sometimes it is their day off or the weekend. Sometimes it is investing in a writing retreat, getting out of town with a complete focus on the craft of writing. Sometimes it is within the structure of a writers’ conference.
The chunky method works especially well for novelists, poets, and short story writers. It takes time and plenty of creativity for these genres. They don’t lend themselves to stopping and starting in small pieces. So creative writers who work in fiction and poetry find more productivity with the chunky method.
Chunky writing also works well for writers who tend to lose focus. A shorter period of time can be distracting, with more squirrel hunts. But chunky time allows for fewer squirrels. More possibilities for the crafting of words.
If you are a chunky writer, be intentional about setting time away from the distractions of home and life. One writer plans a getaway every quarter. Register for a conference or a retreat. Plan your calendar for a day devoted to writing. Do not delay. Your words matter.
Other clients do well with timed writing. These writers work for a particular amount of time each day, then their writing goal is met. They find consistency in the shorter amount of time. And they feel good about themselves when they can check ‘writing time’ off their daily planner.
Timed writing can also be a certain time of the day. As in Julia Cameron’s ‘Morning Pages.’ Or Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of the ‘Living Bible,’ written during his commute on the subway. Timed writing respects whether a writer is a morning person or a night owl. Respecting the circadian rhythm of your body and mind. Working with yourself instead of against yourself.
Writers who like nonfiction, articles, blog posts, and shorter pieces work well with timed writing. You can put together an outline in 20 minutes. Or write the first draft of a blog post in 15 minutes. Then ruminate on your draft during the day and revise it the next day, during your timed writing schedule.
Of course, there are also writers who practice using both methods, because their lives and the circumstances call for a varied approach. I happen to be in that camp. I do shorter writing every day, during specific times of the day. But I also allow myself the longer retreat time to finish a book or complete final edits or write for a while, take a walk, write more.
Whatever fits you best — do it. Know thyself and experiment with what works best for you. But whoever you are and whatever genre is your favorite, do keep writing. Because your words matter.
©2025 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
The ending of a month is a good time to evaluate your productivity. Check out Setting & Reaching Your Writing Goals for some tips on your next project.