--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I don't answer the phone or do my email…" description: "\"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,..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/442/john-lanchester-2601_day_i-don-t-answer-the-phone-or-do-my-email_362728.jpg" --- # I don't answer the phone or do my email; I don't do… ![“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.” quote by John Lanchester](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/442/john-lanchester-2601_day_i-don-t-answer-the-phone-or-do-my-email_362728.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/442/john-lanchester-2601_day_i-don-t-answer-the-phone-or-do-my-email_362728.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/442/john-lanchester-2601_day_i-don-t-answer-the-phone-or-do-my-email_362728.jpg) > “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.” [John Lanchester](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-lanchester/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. Key Takeaway Set daily writing targets and stick to them. Themes productivity discipline writing Mood focused determined Type advice inspirational When to use this quote - author routine - freelance work - journalism deadlines - creative blocks Key Concepts goal setting time management Questions to Reflect On - How does a daily word count affect your creative quality? - What tasks suffer when you prioritize writing? A Different Perspective May neglect important communications or relationships. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Day](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/day/) [Journalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/journalism/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [Sometimes you start flowing and shits starts adding on to whatever cipher you're dealing with. 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