Can You Have Too Much Writing Time?

A few weeks ago, I received an email from a former student, asking for some advice about managing a summer of writing. With her permission, I am sharing her email and my reflections on our conversation.

Some good advice and discussion at the Explorations of Style blog, which continues into the comments. I shared ‘my sabbatical rules for writing‘ back in September 2015, and they worked quite well for me then. Of course, more time and less time are relative, and small amounts of time can add up to something larger. With any amount of time, the questions are what could be achieved realistically, and how could it be achieved.

The key line for me in this piece is “A generous block of writing time is an opportunity, not a solution.” Of course, it’s a great opportunity, but without some thought, planning and discipline, it may not be what you expect it to be. Much to think about here.