I really appreciated this post, and the clarity of your framing around rapid release vs. artisan authorship.
Something funny happened recently that made me think about how skewed public perception can be. I was listening to a book podcast run by two avid readers, and they compared authors who release ONE BOOK A YEAR to “fast fashion.” So in their mind, that kind of “fast writing schedule” equated to rushed, disposable, even harmful content. It made me roll my eyes, but it also reminded me how far removed many readers are from what it actually means to write consistently and publish often.
The idea that writing frequently is inherently “lesser” or that creativity can only thrive when it’s slow and tortured is such a strange myth, and it does a disservice to both writers and readers. Some of the most electric, alive writing I’ve ever read came from authors who clearly loved the act of storytelling and just kept going, story after story after story.
Thank you for sharing your perspective so openly. There’s something deeply encouraging about hearing from writers who love the work and don’t see the need to apologize for enjoying the process and publishing often.
Dean Wesley Smith talks about it as well. He's also mentioned authors using pen names to hide how quickly they actually write, which made me sad. Especially since if I enjoy an author's stories but don't know their pen names I may never find those stories.
I like how you mentioned to stop a writing session mid scene (or sentence even). I have a tendency to stop at the end of a chapter or scene and then I do find that it can be harder to get back into the flow. Ill have to try your mid scene technique. I can see how that would let you hit the ground running
It's a good way to end, and in my case it usually means continuing a little after I thought I was going to stop for the day. I first learned the technique from SF author CJ Cherryh, who advocated (paraphrasing) "Always put your character in the shower at the end of the day. Then when you come back, you have to write him out of the shower before you can continue."
I think you're presenting rapid release well here. It's mostly some posts and videos where rapid release is presented in a way that's likely to raise the hackles of a lot of writers, instead of making them curious and try it. Also for some people it can sound too good to be true and trigger the "snake oil salesman alert". I know authors who write and release quickly stories which are quality, so I already have evidence it works, but for other people it can be too big of a leap.
"I love to write and write whenever I can" is logical evidence. If you write a lot you'll get better and produce steady quality. If you continue writing a lot of steady quality, you'll end up with a lot of stories to publish. If that makes sense (it's 11pm here and my brain is a bit tired but I wanted to write my thoughts while they're fresh).
I'm still clearing out critical voice and prioritizing writing, so I'm not as speedy as I want to be, but I'll get there.
That you will get there is evident in this lovely quote: "If you write a lot you'll get better and produce steady quality. If you continue writing a lot of steady quality, you'll end up with a lot of stories to publish." And wait'll you see tomorrow's TNDJ. :-)
I really appreciated this post, and the clarity of your framing around rapid release vs. artisan authorship.
Something funny happened recently that made me think about how skewed public perception can be. I was listening to a book podcast run by two avid readers, and they compared authors who release ONE BOOK A YEAR to “fast fashion.” So in their mind, that kind of “fast writing schedule” equated to rushed, disposable, even harmful content. It made me roll my eyes, but it also reminded me how far removed many readers are from what it actually means to write consistently and publish often.
The idea that writing frequently is inherently “lesser” or that creativity can only thrive when it’s slow and tortured is such a strange myth, and it does a disservice to both writers and readers. Some of the most electric, alive writing I’ve ever read came from authors who clearly loved the act of storytelling and just kept going, story after story after story.
Thank you for sharing your perspective so openly. There’s something deeply encouraging about hearing from writers who love the work and don’t see the need to apologize for enjoying the process and publishing often.
Dean Wesley Smith talks about it as well. He's also mentioned authors using pen names to hide how quickly they actually write, which made me sad. Especially since if I enjoy an author's stories but don't know their pen names I may never find those stories.
A very valid point. These days he recommends not using a pen name unless you have a really valid reason (e.g., a preacher also writing erotica).
I like how you mentioned to stop a writing session mid scene (or sentence even). I have a tendency to stop at the end of a chapter or scene and then I do find that it can be harder to get back into the flow. Ill have to try your mid scene technique. I can see how that would let you hit the ground running
It's a good way to end, and in my case it usually means continuing a little after I thought I was going to stop for the day. I first learned the technique from SF author CJ Cherryh, who advocated (paraphrasing) "Always put your character in the shower at the end of the day. Then when you come back, you have to write him out of the shower before you can continue."
I think you're presenting rapid release well here. It's mostly some posts and videos where rapid release is presented in a way that's likely to raise the hackles of a lot of writers, instead of making them curious and try it. Also for some people it can sound too good to be true and trigger the "snake oil salesman alert". I know authors who write and release quickly stories which are quality, so I already have evidence it works, but for other people it can be too big of a leap.
"I love to write and write whenever I can" is logical evidence. If you write a lot you'll get better and produce steady quality. If you continue writing a lot of steady quality, you'll end up with a lot of stories to publish. If that makes sense (it's 11pm here and my brain is a bit tired but I wanted to write my thoughts while they're fresh).
I'm still clearing out critical voice and prioritizing writing, so I'm not as speedy as I want to be, but I'll get there.
That you will get there is evident in this lovely quote: "If you write a lot you'll get better and produce steady quality. If you continue writing a lot of steady quality, you'll end up with a lot of stories to publish." And wait'll you see tomorrow's TNDJ. :-)
Enjoyed the article on teaching children to write!
I really only hear good things about rapid release for writers. Keep on trucking.