Comments on: The Most Productive Writing Day I Never Had

By: Barbara Mealer/B. A. Mealer

Barbara Mealer/B. A. Mealer — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 19:19:05 +0000

To me, sitting down and actually working on my writing, be it refining an idea, a conversation with a character to get their backstory or voice down, or editing, total revision, research, etc. That is all "writing" in the sense you are working on your book/story.

What I consider wasted time when I am playing around and not doing what needs to be completed. Like playing games when I'm supposed to be working on my writing. That is procrastination and avoidance behavior.

So taking that walk to think about what your character should do has two purposes--working on your book and exercise. That is not wasted time.

By: Ann Henry

Ann Henry — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:41:42 +0000

You have made a very valid point here, Jenn, and one we writers should take to heart. I agree with you 100%. Good advice!

By: Jerry Tabbott

Jerry Tabbott — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 14:56:42 +0000

Wonderful, helpful article, Jenn!

By: denise

denise — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 04:27:41 +0000

great reminder.

By: Jennifer Windrow

Jennifer Windrow — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 03:44:38 +0000

In reply to Lynette M Burrows. I love your process! Journaling is such a wonderful way to work through the plot issues, and then you concrete proof you worked!

By: Alicia Butcher Ehrhardt

Alicia Butcher Ehrhardt — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:04:45 +0000

In reply to Jenn Windrow. I'm going to remember that until I feel more myself: "TRUST that even a few words on the page are progress."

By: Lynette M Burrows

Lynette M Burrows — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 20:37:59 +0000

"Productive doesn't always mean comfortable." Ain't that the truth! I wish more writers understood that. Thinking time is so important. I frequently stop writing on the draft and start journaling to ask me all those questions: would the character really do that? Why is she insisting that this is true when she knows it isn't? Sometimes I write in the journal, sometimes it's doodles or maps, and sometimes I dictate and say all the things that frustrate me. Somehow that process works. My journal for the novel is always much longer than the actual novel. To help me "feel" productive, I track the number of journal words as well as the words on the actual draft. It can also be depressing when I write several thousand words in the journal and 50 on the manuscript, but I've learned to trust my process. Great post, Jenn.

By: Jenn Windrow

Jenn Windrow — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 19:33:13 +0000

In reply to Lisa Norman. This sounds like a fantastic use of your time! And in the end you learned something that will help you move forward.

By: Lisa Norman

Lisa Norman — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 19:21:38 +0000

For me, it was a recent analysis day where I did a scene by scene analysis of all 6 drafts I had for a series, got everything into my story bible, and then looked at what I had. I'd been tied up in knots about whether to remove one member of an ensemble cast, but discovered that she actually holds they key to one of the most important themes of the series! No wonder I was stuck!

By: Jenn Windrow

Jenn Windrow — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:41:40 +0000

In reply to Alicia Butcher Ehrhardt. Trust is a perfect word to describe this. Trust that even a few words on the page are progress. I hope your health is improving!