No, I'm not talking about taking your twinky boy puppies for a walk, although that is important. What I am talking about is the discipline an author--all authors need when it comes to putting words on paper. Every person is different and every author has their own method, but today I will share mine. 

Some write in sporadic fits of muse induced fervor, while others pace and plod, planting down words with an almost religious devotion. I like to think I'm sort of in-between. I mean yes, when your muse takes over, stories can be written in days as opposed to weeks, but generally I like to do a chapter a night. 

This means I don't focus on my word count. I think focusing too much on word count stifles the creative process (which is why, in a way, NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) isn't such a good idea a lot of the time) Sure, it's great for filling pages with words, but if--like I do, you focus on a more flexible goal, I think you'll come out much better.

That's not to say my system is perfect or you should do as I do. I am just sharing my experiences here. So, by writing a chapter, you can finish off your writing in a good place to help you pick up the thread for the next time you write. I always find that important, being able to pick up the flow of the writing you had earlier. Many works remain unfinished because I couldn't pick up the flow. Then again, they will get finished, one day because nothing should be discarded. Sure, they may be totally re-written to get that flow back, but there you go. The original words did help, because the idea of the story was still there even if the content had been changed. Unicorn's Peril was one such example of this. It was a story which had all the ingredients, plot, character and atmosphere, but the words needed a major overhaul. I put it aside for two years. 
 
Yes, you need discipline to write, but you needn't be military about it either. As I said, a chapter a day for me, Monday to Friday (with weekends off unless really inspired) and I can get a 20-30k story out per month. I am comfortable with this goal and I do believe all authors should have such goals. Whether its to write a full 100k novel a year or 12 short stories/novellas as I do, it makes no difference. Discipline is important. Now, don't forget to take the water when you walk your boy puppies :) 

Now...I need to write a chapter! Talk to you later.