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A Writer’s Competence is Developed When a Writer Shows Up and is Intentional About Improving a Little More Every Day
“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of, no shortcut.” — Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
In 1841, Anthony Trollope took a job as a postal surveyor’s clerk in Ireland. It was demanding work — long hours, difficult travel, unpredictable schedules. By most accounts, it was not the kind of life that leaves much room for literary ambition.
Trollope, however, made room anyway.
He rose every morning at five-thirty, sat at his desk by six, and wrote for three hours before leaving for work. He set a mechanical standard for himself: 250 words every fifteen minutes, 2,500 words per session. When he completed a novel, he would note the time remaining in his morning session — and immediately begin a new one. He did this not when he felt inspired. Not when he had time to spare. He did this every morning. Without exception.
Over the course of his writing life, Trollope produced forty-seven novels, sixteen short story…
