Writing Prompt #3
- Jodie Lindsay Popma
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 30
Science Fiction writer James Van Pelt is quoted as saying, "The act of writing is more important than the fate of the writing." What do you think he means by this? Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Provide specific details about your perspective, including an example (can be a personal experience).
March 9, 2025
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on my struggles with discipline, especially maintaining routines. Some activities become routine, like feeding my cats, my morning beverage requirements (chocolate milk, kombucha and coffee), and the Times daily puzzles. But the discipline to develop consistent workout and journaling routines remain elusive. I go through dedicated streaks, only to lose momentum when boredom sets in. This mirrors my writing process; it’s not only the outcome, but the act of showing up, pushing and finding connection through persistence creates success.
James Van Pelt began writing 200 words daily in November 1999, to develop discipline for his craft. After years of writing science fiction, teaching high school and attending creative writing workshops, he developed the disciples out of laziness. After he graduated in 1990 from University of California Davis with his MFA, he returned to the high school where he previously taught. Van Pelt wanted to be a great writer and published a few excellent pieces. However, he had yet to develop his discipline. Writing occurred in streaks, but he became “lazy”. When he learned that author Steven King wrote 1000 words per day, 365,000 annually to maintain his craft, this was a turning point. Van Pelt’s inconsistent writing routine did not support his art; documenting approximately 35,000 words per year was embarrassing. He developed the discipline for writing 200 words daily, doubling his annual word count to 70,000. However, he could not skip a day, not for kidney stones nor when his child was born. This single page of writing could be accomplished while sitting in meetings, or when he was exhausted at the end of the day. The 200 word-a-day approach was more important than the fate of writing because it allowed for reflection, creativity and encouraged discipline. (Pelt, 2022)
There are fundamental benefits to the act of writing, such as clarifying thoughts and defining ideas. Still, if there is a structured end goal or deliverable, it can be difficult to construct thoughts and put words on paper. There are many techniques for helping ideas flow, but sometimes even these techniques feel challenging.
I often feel paralyzed when faced with writing prompts. I question topic relevance, does it align with the prompt, and whether it will resonate with my instructor. A lack of confidence in my writing skills leads me to revisit assignments multiple times before truly starting.
The statement, “the act of writing is more important than the fate of writing,” is accurate. When writing in a journal, words flow much easier. Writing about the good, bad and challenging parts of my day helps clear my cluttered mind. Journal writing is not quite a discipline for me, I can go years without opening my notebook. When I do, it always helps me relax. Thoughts are clarified, problems are solved, and I just feel better. I wish I could develop a routine for this discipline and perhaps structured writing would flow more easily.
(How Writing 200 Words a Day, Every Day For Years, Changed My Life - James Van Pelt Interview)
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