Do you use word count goals?

[serria]

Do you set word goals for yourself - if so, how many words? Do you find word goals distracting, and focus only on getting scenes down? Or do you tend to just write whenever and how much feels natural for you, without thinking about daily goals?

For me, I never used to think about word counts or anything until I became really involved in fanfiction for a particular series. A fanfic writer friend would always talk about word goals, whether her goal for the day, or an ultimate goal for a fic. When I started thinking about it, it became a compulsion to check my word count every couple of sentences of paragraphs. Now, I don't do word counts at all, unless I'm checking how long a particular chapter is when I'm done with it.

I know they can be a useful way to push yourself to write, especially during NaNoWriMo (or similar events), but what do you think? Are they helpful for you?

Comments

[lunabee34]

It depends. When I was writing my dissertation, I used a time goal. I had to work on it for at least four hours a day. I might write ten pages, or I might write one, but I had to put in the time. That really worked for me for a long-term project, and that's what I'll use again if I ever embark on a big project.

The other stuff I write, fanfic or memoir pieces, is usually much shorter and so I don't really set any goals for that other than to complete it on time if it's for a fest. LOL