Is it normal to write a first book in small bursts?

[Worrieddancemum]

Im writing my first book, and despite having lots of time to do this, i find im writing small amounts here and there instead of sitting down and solidly writing. Is this normal?

I’d say it’s less common, and less desirable, if you have lots of time for it. Writing for longer stretches enables you to get more deeply focussed on the story. The longer you write for in one session will often mean you write longer for the next too, because you are more immersed.

Saying that, any consistent approach will get the job done in the end.

What’s going on when you only write small amounts? Do you feel bored? Lacking in motivation or imagination?

There is no ‘normal’, really. Everyone’s process is different, just like everyone’s brain is different.

Most professional authors set office hours and stick to them. If you are really serious about writing your book you need to set aside chunks of time

What stops you writing solidly if you have ample time? Some people do of course plan in detail in their heads, so that most of the work isn’t done at their desk because they’re just transcribing there what they’ve essentially already composed. (I’m not one of them.)

I write as solidly as possible when I have the time. If it’s a writing day, I don’t move from my desk unless acutely hungry, thirsty etc. Today was a writing day for me, and I was at my desk from about 8.30 till about 9.30 pm, with breaks for food and teenager stuff. I’m not a fast writer, though.

Of course it can be normal. It might just take you a little bit of time to get into the swing of things. What you need to look at is progress over time. If you spend a year writing only the first chapter, it's going to take a long time to finish anything. If you have all week to write, but only do the equivalent of 2 hours, but get loads done in that time, you might still write a decent draft in a year. Loads of writers write faster than that, and loads write slower. There are no rules.

I've had periods of my life where I've written 2k words a day, and times where I've really struggled. I don't listen to anyone who says you must have a set schedule.

It can help if you want to be serious, but it's not strictly necessary. Everyone is different and some successful writers are painfully slow.