#tracking wordcount

So, for context, I write in 20 minute timeblocks, otherwise known as writing sprints. Then I take a 10 minute break. Rinse and repeat. I will usually write for a minimum of 2 hours like this, which is 1Hr 20Mins of active writing time.

As previously mentioned, Nov 1st I did really well. (Keep in mind I'm REwriting a draft, so none of this is new-drafting, which takes me significantly longer) But in Four 20Min sprints I managed to knock out a frankly ridiculous 3,527 words.

Today, November 2nd, after the EXACT same number of sprints, and the EXACT same type of writing (I didn't need to draft any entirely new scenes, or anything else that would slow me down) I managed to produce 2,396 words.

And I have a point, bear with me...

Because I used to track my progress via WORDcount. And while, as you can see, I do still make a note of my wordcount (because it's fun!), I no longer use it as a metric for my progress, and Nov 1st & 2nd is a perfect illustration of why.

Same situation, same rewrite, same time of day, same amount of time writing. Everything should have worked out to have at least a similar word count, but there's a huge discrepancy here. A mismatch of over a thousand words (1,131 words, to be exact)

So, yeah, I make note of my word count because it's fun, but what I use as a metric for progress these days is How Much Time I Spend Writing, which is why I actually track my sprints as well.

I also find this easier when editing. Because tracking word count when I'm editing was an absolute headache.

But, I digress, 2,396 for November 2nd is still incredible, and I was thrilled with it... but it's not actually enough to earn me my three slices of cheesy garlic bread. So I kept writing this evening, added another 2 sprints to my quota for the day (Bringing my total time up to 2 Hours of actually writing)

And tipped my word count for November 2nd over to 3,867.

Am I delighted? Yes

Am I terrified this isn't going to last? Also yes.

But we make the most of it while the inspiration is flowing.