7 Cool Ways to Write Like a Pro at Your Own Pace
Easy ways to make writing fun without the pressure. They work for me; why wouldn’t they work for you too?
📝 1,222 words. ⏳ Estimated reading time: less than 9 minutes.Is the secret to becoming a successful writer embracing the freedom to create at your own pace, not obsessing over daily word counts?
A few days ago, I was thinking about this topic when Stephen King stopped by for a quick coffee. (Yes, the one and only King of Horror!)
I casually asked him, “What do you think, Stephen? Many say that, as a writer, it’s important to set a daily word count.”
He leaned back, smiled, and said,
Write at your own pace and let the story unfold naturally. Great things take time, and there’s no rush to perfect your craft.1
When he said that, I thought of the times I pushed myself too hard. I realised that for me—and maybe for you—committing to strict word count goals can do more harm than good, when writing felt like a chore.
Here’s why.
Writing isn’t mechanical, and you’re not a robot!
Writing isn’t like assembling IKEA furniture (though both can be challenging!).
Writing is a personal and creative process.
When I force myself to hit a specific word count daily, I find myself shifting from creating to just completing the task.
My writing becomes hollow—more about quantity than quality.
For a while, I tried to follow expert advice and set goals to write 700 words a day. However, half of those were useless.
No shame on me—I wasted time. The pressure of meeting that goal turned my passion into something mechanical, and I started to dread sitting down at my keyboard. Writing lost its magic.
It took me a while to realise that every writer has their own rhythm.
Some days, I can write thousands of words without breaking a sweat. Other days, I’m lucky to write a few sentences. But that’s okay.
Creativity ebbs and flows, and it’s important to honour that natural cycle.
Don’t feel guilty if you’re slower one day and faster the next. It might mean you’re focusing on quality instead of just rushing to meet a number.
One trick I’ve found helpful is to reflect on slower days. Instead of forcing the words, I give myself permission to think deeply about my story.
I might go for a walk or do something unrelated to writing. But when I return, the words come easier.
It took me a while to realise every writer has their own rhythm.
If you think I'm a quack, first… no offense taken! You have plenty of reasons to doubt my reliability!
Psychological research suggests that rigid word count goals can be counterproductive.
Edward Deci and Richard Ryan developed the “Self-Determination Theory” (SDT). Their theory suggests that rigid goals undermine a writer’s sense of autonomy, shifting their writing from a creative process to an externally imposed task.
In the late 1980s, John Sweller developed the “Cognitive Load Theory.” Based on it, rigid word counts strain the writer’s working memory and impair deeper creative thinking.
If you’re not convinced yet, consider Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s “Flow Theory.” He found that writing requires a “flow” state. Strict goals interrupt this state and impede creativity.
I learned that burnout isn’t just for high-pressure jobs.
Writers can burn out too, and when it hits, it’s severe.
Last year, I experienced a serious burnout unrelated to my writing journey. The stress and exhaustion left me drained. Depression, anxiety, sleep disorder, you name it!
I realised that burnout can sneak up on you unexpectedly, especially when you’re constantly pushing yourself to meet unrealistic goals.
I’ve learned that rigid daily word count goals can create excessive pressure, leading to burnout and—in the worst case—writer’s block, which we all fear.
To avoid this, I’ve let go of the idea that productivity is about hitting a daily target. Instead, I focus on nurturing my creativity and passion. Sometimes that means writing a lot, and other times it means taking a break. Both are equally important.
Writing is a flexible process, but too much flexibility can lead to procrastination.
I’ve been there, telling myself to write tomorrow or wait until I’m in the “right mood.” Before I knew it, weeks passed without progress.
Look at this graph:
I’ve learned that flexibility is about balance.
It’s okay to give yourself some breathing room, but stay accountable. For me, that means setting small, achievable goals that keep me progressing without overwhelming myself.
I might not write 700 words today, but I can write 200. That’s still progress.
The 7 Strategies I’ve Tried (And Their Benefits)
I’ve experimented with different ways to stay motivated without burning out. Here are a few effective strategies:
#1 — Experiment with Different Writing Times
I used to write first thing in the morning because experts said so, but I’m not a morning person. Now, I write best in the late afternoon or evening. Test different times to find what works for you.
#2 — Set Small and Flexible Goals
Instead of a rigid word count, I set goals like “finish this scene” or “write for 30 minutes.” It feels less intimidating and more achievable. Once I start, I often write more than expected.
#3 — Create a Comfortable Writing Space
I used to think I could write anywhere, but environment matters. Now, I have a cozy room in my house for writing. It inspires me and helps me focus. But even a corner would work! If you don’t have a designated space, try creating one!
#4 — Use Timers
The Pomodoro technique is popular for a reason. I’ll set a timer for 25 minutes and just write. No distractions, no editing—just writing. You can accomplish a lot in a short burst of focused time.2
#5 — Take Breaks and Reflect
Stepping away from your writing can be beneficial. When I encounter obstacles, I’ll go for a walk or do something unrelated to writing. It resets my brain, and when I return, I often see things differently.
#6 - Writing sprints with a “partner for accountability”
I call this technique an “evolution” of the Pomodoro technique. The writing sprint is done with a fellow writer, while there’s still a timer. This generates mutual accountability and might make the writing experience more productive and enjoyable.
#7 - Themed writing days
I read about this strategy and tried it successfully. Each day is devoted to a specific writing activity: Monday for brainstorming, Tuesday for drafting, Wednesday for research, etc. I like this approach because it reduces writing monotony!
The main point is:
Trust yourself. Find your own way to progress.
George R. R. Martin (yes, the one with 90 million+ books sold) stated that he doesn’t follow a strict writing schedule or set a daily word count goal.
He said:
I write when I can, and that’s all there is to it.
Don’t tell me Martin can do whatever he wants because he has a $120 million net worth. No matter your bank account balance, you’re the main character in your writing journey, and the path you choose will lead to success.
I’ll write to you soon, I promise!
Take care,
—Simon
Hey there! I’m Simon, a business owner who’s totally passionate about writing (and one day, I hope to marry the two!).
A Call to All Writers!
Suppose you can be in contact with a small group of people on a mission to build a publishing company that champions writers and puts their needs first.
Yes, it’s a publishing company that cares about writers and their success.
Would you be willing to take 2-3 minutes to help them turn this vision into reality?
Lately, I’ve been hooked on Forensics: The Real CSI on HBO. Also, I recently read a moving open letter
wrote to his dad. Happy Birthday Dad is what torment and love mean.I’d love to hear what you think about this article! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below so we can discuss them.
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Full disclosure: the story that I met Stephen King at my place is pure fantasy! It’s just a way to quote him in a different way. I hope it worked to make you smile a bit! In any case, horror isn’t my cup of tea. I decided to refer to Mr King as “King of Horror” anyway. I’ve read three books written by him, but nothing more when it comes to his genre, so I’m unable to make any comparisons.
Do you know the “Pomodoro technique” and not “Tomato technique”? It’s named after its Italian developer, Mr Francesco Cirillo!
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I appreciate the kind words and enjoyed reading these insightful tips