Common lore states that it takes about three weeks to establish a habit. Though we usually associate habits with things that should be done (like flossing or washing dishes daily or walking to work—notice the negative connotations), leisurely activities also qualify as habits.

Like writing.

When we begin to establish habits, we may not “do” the habit “well”. For example, there’s a difference between flossing daily and flossing well daily. However, one needs to establish the habit first before aiming for any proficiency. (Read: You can’t floss well if you’re not even flossing.)

So it goes with writing. Quality writing—whatever that is—cannot happen if no writing is happening. Publishing crappy writing, however, isn’t exactly rewarding, either.

Quality comes with time (and a good bit of luck), though, and, sometimes, the joy of writing comes from polishing the dull surfaces of the narrative to reveal the sheen underneath.

So just write. There isn’t a defined word count; just write. It’ll get easier (and I’ll feel less self-conscious and paranoid) with time.