Writers count words.
That probably comes as no surprise to the readers of this blog, but still. Those who write for publication count words. It comes with the territory, as Professor Harold Hill might say (or sing). Writers-for-publication know that published articles, stories, and books in certain genres must meet certain word counts. For example, a two-page spread in a magazine is typically 1,200 words or so. A historical novel tends to be 80-100,000 words in length. And so on.
Many writers plan their writing routine by the word count. Novelist Graham Greene averaged 500 words a day, five days a week; Kate DiCamillo’s daily goal is in the 600-900-word range. Michael Crichton somehow produced 10,000 words daily. My head hurts just looking at that number.
So, yeah, counting words is part of the job. You just do it. But there are other things to count. Better things, perhaps. Not dollars (though some clients of The Steve Laube Agency probably spend a lot of time counting their money). But I’d like to suggest counting more than words.
Count friends. Writing is a solitary task for most. It requires long spells of quiet and solitude. But even the most introverted writers (like me) need friends and thrive when the company and support of others fuels their writing life. If you feel a lack in this area, take out an ad. Or get thee to a conference.
Count skills. Have you learned any new skills lately? Every so often one of my writer friends—or even my boss, the Incomparable Steve LaubeTM—will say something like, “Guess what I learned recently!” My ears always perk up, as I try to be alert to new tricks of the trade.
Count books. Not those you’ve written but those you’ve read. Prolific western writer Louis L’Amour wrote in his autobiographical Education of a Wandering Man: “A writer’s brain is like a magician’s hat. If you’re going to get anything out of it, you have to put something in first.” So count the books you read each year, to ensure that you’re putting enough magic into your brain.
Count your blessings. Maybe it’s because writers spend so much time alone, with themselves and with their thoughts, but we can be a gloomy lot. I suppose it could also have something to do with the frustration of working with editors and agents. Nah. But how often do we lift our heads from our keyboards and think, How blessed am I to do this? How fortunate am I to know so many words and know how to use them? To live the literary life? To rub shoulders with people like Bob Hostetler? Count your blessings. Very few people get to do what you do.
Count incandescent moments. Those flashes of inspiration? You know, when the words flow, along with laughter and tears, as you write? Count those. Record them. Remember them. Revisit them. They may not keep you warm in your old age, but they sure can temper rejection and inspire diligence.
These are just some of the things I think we should count as writers. I imagine you can add a few of your own—right? What do you track and count, as a writer? Or what do you plan to do, moving forward?
The Bronze Mirror
I count the times that I did not
tell the Lord God, No,
for they’re the very best I’ve got,
my diamonds, even though
those golden times are very few,
and far further between
the moments when I thought I knew,
and knowing, made the scene.
To bow my head and to obey
was glory of a quiet sort,
that sometimes would win the day,
but otherwise might just abort
disaster and a fatal toll
on my God-graced eternal soul.
Andrew,
I would not have thought to count these moments. Thank you.
You are blessing.
Cindy, thank you so very, very much.
Among the wonders of the internet, I count Christian writer friends I’ve never met in person. Living off the beaten track, I would otherwise feel like a lone voice. We share the struggles and joys of using our words for God’s glory.
This is very timely, Bob. I had an open house for the anthology I have a story in last evening at the hair salon I go to because in my story, a hair salon is opened. And I put in all the girls who work there, of course. We were all so excited!
Not one single person showed up.
However, the owner of the local bookstore came in for a haircut. He was early, so we talked, and I’m going this afternoon to talk to him about starting a Storytime for children and also a “local author” event!
So while I can’t count attendees, I can count this amazing opportunity that only God could arrange! Glory to His name!
I count letters from readers who thank me for writing my book. Each one fills me with wonder, gratitude and humility. Some move me to tears. I pray over each one, thanking the Holy Spirit for these undeserved gifts.
Oooh, yeah! Letters from readers!!
Across my tiny writing space is a bookcase. On the front edge of one of the shelves is a trimmed-down piece of a sticky note that says, “TEN MARRIAGES.” Twelve years ago, when I wrote my trilogy of books for husbands/wives/couples, I asked God for affirmation that my work was having real-world significance. (Like most writers, I was having doubts.) I prayed for signs that my modest books had impacted ten couples. Within two months, I received emails, phone calls, and notes saying — in some cases the exact words — “Jay, you saved my marriage.” That counts.
Great, great blog posting today, Bob.
That is the response.
Bob, I count the time I can spend with my kids and grandkids, friends and neighbors. While I counted pages in my dissertation (450 till I cut it down to 400 pages) and words in my first novel (just shy of 107,000), thanks to your posting, I will make more effort to count what really counts. Thanks!
A good reminder to not forget the truly wonderful benefits that enrich our lives and writing as writers
Bob,
Thank you for your post. I needed this reminder. So I count the spots my writing mentor says “Good job” or “good writing.” Helps as I dive into her teaching and edits and much needs to change.
What a great reminder! Learning new skills is something I hadn’t thought of. I AM blessed to have rubbed shoulders with you, Bob, at ACFWC! 🙂
I can count on Bob’s humor in all he writes. Grateful.
Thank you, Bob! When the words come slow, it is good to stop and count some of the other things in the writing life as well. I’m editing right now and can’t count words, so this was a timely post!
Ditto! Happy editing and have a blessed day!
Thanks for this Bob. It was such a perfect reminder at just the right time. It’s hard to say how much it meant to me, but let’s just say it was a lot. Thank you for the reminder that the writing life is about so much more than a daily word count. God spoke through you to me today.
Thanks Bob for a great way to look at what matters most. My husband and I will celebrate 25th years of marriage. The milestone number means so much. He supports my writing efforts in so many ways. Counting my blessings for 25 years of being with my best friend
Nice Bob, and I like the humor inserts. No shortage of words for me. Works out perfectly. Wish that could apply for accepts by agents as well! Keeping perspective and not getting bogged down by the negatives of writing helps for me. And keeping faith of course. Blessings
Great, thoughtful article.
Such an excellent article! Going forward, I will count (or maybe I will read) how many of these thoughtful, playful, and inspiring pieces I have not read because I’ve been too busy only counting words. Thank you, Bob!
Wonderful article. I count my friends as blessings, my understanding friends! and I also thank God that I enjoy the solitude of this writing life.