I just recall something my mentor told me about the word count most professional authors he knew write daily. He said most differ from 500-3000 daily. But most write 20,000 words in a week.
I am writing this entry after rereading chapter 23. I just can't get over it. The term 'word-count slaves' is totally a phrase made without thinking. Maybe, out of jealousy or bitterness or crab mentality. If that is an acceptable term, then the professional authors who earned $800-$2000 daily or monthly out from their books are also word-count slaves. Is that reasonable enough?
I think those who aimed to write with a word count goal daily have built a habit of which even professional writers are doing. So, any newbie writers who are doing this, whether paid or not, they are on the right track for a writing career. Even my mentor is doing it.
He actually gave us a goal: to write faster and finish books with quality and quantity.
Let's change the focus to make my point clearer. Each of us goes to school, studies for years, graduates, and tries to land a good job in a good firm. Then, works from 8 am to 5 pm daily and sometimes required to work overtime with a minimum daily wage. Added to that salary are cash or in-kind bonuses and being reprimanded, even shouted or humiliated, for mistakes. Are we not slaves of these companies as well?
The worst, the famous authors had been in that kind of lifestyle and worked hard to write good books, so they can leave that kind of system.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not against those who are employed in companies. Each one has each own direction in life. Not everyone can be writers or businessmen. Employees are greatly needed and important for every company. I'm writing this entry with the goal of clearing the air from this term 'word-count slaves'.
In conclusion, is calling contracted authors as 'word-count slaves' acceptable? I care less. If the professional writers are doing it, then why not follow their lead?
To end this entry, I want to quote an excerpt from the article titled '7 Powerful Secrets of Thinking Like an Entrepreneur' written by Peter Economy in Inc.com. This is taken from the first secret.
"You're the one who decides the attitudes and assumptions you will carry with you through your life, and you're the one who can change them. If your mindset--and the work you're doing--isn't taking you where you want to go, then change it."
I love writing and I want to reach new heights with my laptop and my stories.
Cheers to all authors! You shine brightest with your stories. ✨🎉💕