Day Quote by John Lanchester
“I don't answer the phone or do my email; I don't do anything until I've got the day's writing done. I have a word count for every day: 500 for fiction, 1,000 for non-fiction, and journalism is 1,500. That's a level I can sustain.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, 2015
He prioritizes daily writing over other tasks, using strict word‑count goals to maintain productivity.
In simple terms: He writes first, then handles calls and email.
Set daily writing targets and stick to them.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- author routine
- freelance work
- journalism deadlines
- creative blocks
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a daily word count affect your creative quality?
- What tasks suffer when you prioritize writing?
May neglect important communications or relationships.