I write on my iPad using a bluetooth keyboard in a coffee shop once a week. I’ve written in a journal while in my living-room chair, on my laptop, in the kitchen or in my office. I’ve also written in a pocket notebook while in the car and other places where an idea lights my mind.

I don’t want to write just to meet some word-count goal. There has to be another purpose to what I’m writing. I could use prompts to warm up, but would that count towards this 1,000 word-count goal. When I write responses to prompts, it’s longhand, so I’m not counting words.

My biggest obstacle to daily writing is a lack of direction. When I’m writing a draft, I have a rough idea about what I want to include. I usually use a keyboard for this because I can type a lot faster than I can write longhand and it’s easier on my troublesome shoulder. Perfection is the last thing on my mind at this stage.

If I was writing a novel or some other long piece, I could see the point of a daily word-count goal. I’d be more likely to set a goal like writing or editing a particular draft. I’ve started a notebook with a running list of ideas.

Another goal would be to write 10 headlines for any topic just for the practice of creating them. If I were interested in huge financial success or if I were a freelance writer, having a daily writing habit would be essential

What if writing is a hobby for me and all I care about is earning enough to pay my Medium and Canva subscriptions? How necessary is it then to write 1,000 words each day?

Why is there such a shortage of advice for the casual writer who is more interested in connecting with readers and providing value to them more than she cares about earning money for what she writes?