Consistency as a Writer by Wendy H. Jones

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I've been thinking a lot about consistency recently. Probably because a recent book tour of the states has had me being somewhat inconsistent. An exhausting schedule and different time zones meant that a couple of my podcast episodes got missed as did a couple of blogs, including this one. So, in what ways should we be consistent and how does it help us to be better as writers.

This one will not come as a surprise to anyone reading this blog - it is important to show up consistently to write every day. In order to be a writer it is necessary to write. Yet, often writing can get pushed out by all the other things necessary in the business of writing. Writing every day is what helps us to be more creative, to complete our manuscripts and to release books. So, why do we so often let it slide? If this is you, pull out your diary and block out time every day that is sacred writing time. Being consistent with our writing is part of our contract with our readers - an unwritten contract that we will release books on a regular basis. This is the way in which we build, not only a readership but fans. 

Showing up consistently for our blogs and podcasts is also crucial. It demonstrates that we can be trusted and, in turn, what we write can be trusted. Not only is this important to our followers but it also demonstrates reliability to agents and publishers, something which is extremely important in today's publishing climate. Producing regularly also gets your name out there and your following will grow. 

I can hear you saying, but you missed some blogs and podcasts. Yes, I did, but on the whole I am extremely reliable when it comes to producing work. However, I have come to realise that if the odd one is missed I should not beat myself up about it. Just show up for the next one. As long as the habit is one of producing, and not one of avoiding, the work, then my followers are forgiving. 

What do you do to ensure that you produce work consistently. Please let me know in the comments, as I would love to know. 

About the Author

Wendy H. Jones is an award-winning, international best-selling author who writes adult crime books, young adult mysteries, children's picture books and non-fiction books for writers. She is also a writing and marketing coach, runs the Writing Matters Online School and is the CEO of Authorpreneur Accelerator Academy, The president of the Scottish Association of Writers and hosts The Writing and Marketing Show podcast. She is currently writing a series of historical fiction novels based around the life of a 19th Century Surgeon in the Royal Navy. 


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Comments

Reb MacRath said…
Fine post on an important topic, Wendy. I don't believe you
were at all inconsistent in the time months you spent in the States. Your commitment to perfecting your brand and expanding your base resulted in a few shifts in priorities. A far cry from loafing on a beach or binge-watching shows on Netflix.

I feel the same way about my Latin studies and translations being perfectly consistent with my own growth as a writer. And my related interest in someday in giving lectures on translation to university students.

Sally on!
16 October 2022 at 21:39
Peter Leyland said…
A useful post Wendy as I have just come up against a stumbling block in my own writing - an essay on colonialism in literature that I submitted has not been published in a magazine I write for. Very disappointing.

The regular monthly blog that I write for AuthorsElectric can help to relieve this. It is a consistent writing exercise with a deadline and an appreciative set of readers. I can explore ideas here that I may or may not take further. Thanks again.
17 October 2022 at 09:22
Cecilia Peartree said…
Good post Wendy - I agree it's important to be consistent, but managing it for most of the time means you can afford a little break!
My gesture towards consistency is to set aside the mornings for writing and related tasks. That's easy enough to do now that I'vecretired from the day job! I do have some other commitments as the secretary of a local organisation, but I try to make a point of not scheduling meetings or writing up minutes etc during my writing time.
17 October 2022 at 14:18
Umberto Tosi said…
Your post inspires me to press on with my various projects no matter how I happen to feel about each of them at any given moments. I'm often tempted to allow my enthusiasm about a work rise and fall with my satisfaction with it -- something that's unreliable and usually an inaccurate barometer of worth in the first place. Judgmentalism is a poor indicator of worth, whereas consistency - as you point out - is what counts. Thank you.
17 October 2022 at 15:16
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