Orbit · Explore

Writing · by Wei Lim · 2026-10-01

I changed one thing and suddenly fiction made sense before coffee

I had a disappointing first try, a surprisingly good second try, and then a third attempt that taught me humility. So, naturally, I now have opinions.

My current rule is simple: if it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, I am much more likely to keep doing it.

My current rule is simple: if it takes less than 9 minutes to prepare, I am much more likely to keep doing it.

50 sparks · 6 comments

Comments

Curious Orbit · 51 likes

Agree completely. The simple version is underrated. I learned that one the expensive way.

Maya Williams · 13 likes

My version of this was messier, but the conclusion was similar. This is where I would ask one more question before choosing.

Kabir Khan · 3 likes

Anecdotally, this tracks with what I have seen. I keep a note about fiction for exactly this reason.

Paolo Garcia · 2 likes

This has cozy competence written all over it. I keep a note about poetry for exactly this reason.

Curious Orbit · 2 likes

Helpful and not preachy, which is rare. My friend tried it in Cape Town and had the opposite result. I like that it feels lived-in instead of over-polished.

Can Arslan · 0 likes

The conclusion is too broad, but the example is interesting. Honestly, the simplest version wins for me.