Word Count Goals—How I Built a Process That Actually Works

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Every book I've ever written started the same way: one word at a time.

In this episode of Reality Writes, I walk you through my complete writing process. From the very beginning, when I was working another job with a kindergartner at home and 250 words a day felt like a genuine stretch, all the way to where I am now, writing 3,000 words a day across multiple series and genres.

Here's how the word count progression actually went:

• Year one: 250 words a day, five days a week: pre-agent, pre-book deal, figuring it all out
• Years two to three: 500 words a day: the first signs of muscle memory kicking in
• Year four: 1,000 words a day: first book contracts signed, two series, two publishing houses
• Years five to twelve: 2,000 words a day: publishing four to five books a year
• Year thirteen to now: 3,000 words a day: multiple genres, multiple series, one very necessary cup of coffee

We also talk about what happens after the first draft. Everything from the editing passes, the developmental work, the page proofs, I will never love, and where research fits into the schedule, including why a research trip is always work even when it involves a beautiful coastline and a very good grocery store.

And at the end, I make the case for reading as the single most important professional habit a writer can have, even when it feels like leisure.

Whether you're a reader who's always wondered what goes into the books you love, or a writer building your own process from scratch, this episode is for you.

Mystery Series Masterclass — https://courses.elliealexander.co

Ellie Alexander's website — https://www.elliealexander.co

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