When given the opportunity to talk with a successful writer, and coax out some advice, it seems the advice given always revolves around, or at least comes back to, the same theme again and again:

“Write 1,000 words a day”

That’s at least what I’ve come to notice with my own experience anyway. So, if there is one true “secret” to finding success as a writer, I’m thinking it probably has something to do with writing 1,000 words a day.

What makes writing 1,000 words a day so damn difficult?

Everything. When working in a medium that requires a level of dedication, determination, and self-motivation unparalleled in most fields, everything can make the process difficult. This is especially true due to the fact that on top of it all, the medium throws a new curve ball everyday, giving the writer problem after problem to solve – this is where most writers get hung up.

Screenwriting is problem solving

You can easily spend hours pondering the various outcomes, possibilities, or avenues a character might take when breaking story. While there’s nothing wrong with this – writers have been doing it for centuries, – it can often distract the dedicated writer from reaching their goal to write 1,000 words a day.

That said, many screenwriters tend to approach screenwriting and the problems it presents just as they would a math problem – they think and analyze the problem, points where they might be able to solve it, and possible outcomes …

This is why most writers don’t make their goal to write 1,000 words a day … well, either that or they’re bogged down with one or more of the early warning signs of writer’s block.

The reason the traditional problem solving approach doesn’t work when writing is because the screenwriting medium doesn’t offer formulas or solutions, which is what the left side of your brain is searching for. It’s an artistic medium. There is no wrong and no right … simply experimentation and reaction from the audience.

Shut the left side and let the right side take over.

Solving problems using your brain … the right side of it

Letting your imagination take over can mean the difference between writing 30,000 words a month and writing nothing at all. The sooner you let go over being in control of the story and let your imagination take over, the more writing you’ll be able to accomplish.

So, what’s the quick way to writing 1,000 words a day?

I find that shutting down the left side of my brain, which is where most writers’ inner-editors live, enables me to go with the flow, use creativity to solve problems, and not only write the story, but listen to it and react as well.

Again, screenwriting isn’t a technical craft – it’s art. With art, there is no wrong or right, simply expression and form, which requires creativity, inspiration, and passion above all else.

So in essence, I find that transferring most of my power to the right side of my brain helps me write 1,000 words a day with ease. No inner editing. No wasted hours of analysis or pondering. No left-brain approach.

If you want to exercise your left brain, go balance your check book – for those that want to exercise your right brain, grab a pen or keyboard and start writing.

How do you write 1,000 words a day?

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