I have been writing a lot lately – including seven blog entries over the last ten days – and while the pace of it may not be sustainable and much of it will remain unpublished by choice or published at a later date, it got me thinking about why some writers produce copy like rabbits make babies and find it easy to write. In contrast, others approach their craft like a patient approaches a dental appointment. Some writers are prolific due to personal traits, disciplined habits, conducive environments, and specific motivations. Understanding why certain writers can produce abundant work involves delving into these interconnected factors.
Fertile writers often have a deep passion for their craft. This motivation drives them to write consistently and with great zeal. They sit down and do it without thinking about it. Their love for storytelling or exploring ideas keeps them engaged and productive. I fall into this category; I love what I do, and writing is a joy and never a chore. On the rare occasion I do get stuck, I will begin writing about anything, and after about one hundred words, what I am working on will come to me, and I’ll shift gears.
A vivid imagination is another critical trait. Prolific writers have a wealth of ideas, characters, and plots and are constantly filling the bucket. This creative abundance allows them to continually generate content without experiencing writer’s block. I have never experienced writer’s block because I don’t believe it exists. I took a hiatus from writing a while back as I encountered some personal and professional challenges, but those experiences are now being poured into my (as yet) unpublished writing. Much of a writer’s work remains in draft form and bits and pieces, never seeing the light of day, or if it does, it is completely rewritten and unrecognizable from the initial draft(s). In my case, perhaps 30 percent – and that is a generous estimate – of what I have written is published, with the rest remaining in early draft form, unfinished, or is just pure crap. I keep it all because I have the online storage capacity, but I revisit the unpublished works and never know what ideas may come from them.
Writing, especially at a prodigious pace, can be fraught with challenges, including criticism, rejection, and self-doubt. Resilient writers possess the mental fortitude to overcome these obstacles, learn from setbacks, and continue producing work. There is much truth to the saying that writers – and creative people in general – dislike their work and are their worst critics.
Busy writers often adhere to a strict writing schedule. They treat writing like a job – because it is one – allocating specific hours each day to write. This discipline ensures steady progress and accumulation of work over time. I write in the morning but in recent times, afternoons, evenings and weekends are also working for me.
Setting achievable goals helps writers maintain focus and direction. These goals include daily word counts, deadlines for completing chapters, or timelines for finishing entire projects. By breaking down large tasks into manageable parts, writers consistently achieve their goals.
Many writers develop efficient processes for brainstorming, drafting, and revising their work. They might use outlines to organize their thoughts, employ writing software to streamline editing, or use techniques such as free writing or stream-of-consciousness writing to overcome perceived blocks. Workflow efficiency allows them to maximize their output.
Having a dedicated space to write is important. Whether it’s a home office, a quiet café, or a secluded retreat, a conducive environment helps writers concentrate and immerse themselves in their work. For me, I like to work quietly at home and then move to a restaurant or café, – be it noisy or not. Inexplicably, I can block out the background noise and concentrate.
Prolific writers often have access to various resources that aid their writing. This includes research materials, writing tools such as Scrivener, and technology that enhances their ability to write efficiently and effectively. Online dictionaries and thesauruses have made writing easier.
For many, writing is not just a passion but also a profession. The need to meet publishing deadlines, contracts, or financial obligations can drive writers to be highly productive. Writers usually balance multiple projects, contributing to their high output.
Some writers are motivated by the desire to leave a legacy or have a significant impact on their readers. This motivation can fuel their drive to produce a large body of work that addresses various themes, genres, or issues they are passionate about. Most professional writers have a blog and contribute regularly to several publications over and above their bread and butter work.
Writing can be a deeply fulfilling activity, providing a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction. Industrious writers may find joy in the act of creation itself, the process of exploring new worlds, and the thrill of seeing their ideas come to life on the page.
We’ve likely heard of Stephen King and his writing 2,000 words per day, and Isaac Asimov and his 500 novels, but below are examples of prolific writers you may not be familiar with.
Maria del Socorro Tellado Lopez, (1927- 2009), writing under the name Corin Tellado, published more than four thousand romantic novels, most of them best-sellers in the Spanish speaking world.
Charles Hamilton, 1876-1961. He is estimated to have written over 100 million words, which is the equivalent of 1,200 full length novels. He also wrote about 5,000 short stories.
Ryoki Inoue, 1946 – present. The Brazilian author has written nearly 1,100 books using 13 pseudonyms. Reportedly, once starting a book, he writes night and day without any breaks until it is finished. While I do find that last point difficult to believe, his output does speak to the dedication to his craft.
John Berkovich Talks 