Writing, like creating products, is best done with a clear mind and a rested body. Jeffery Zeldman nails it with this post. It’s so true that deadlines can turn good work into sloppy seconds. It’s important to meet deadlines but to also pace yourself so that what you are working on gets done and is still relevant. Kudos to Daring Fireball for the link.
When I first began to take my writing seriously (8 yrs. ago) I would work around the clock. But I realized that I would miss things when I wrote or edited while being tired. It made re-writes worse.
I also space out my writings so I can have time to reflect on them and not feel rushed. When I can, I like to have writings in reserve for when I’m not feeling so inspired.
Bakari-
I have found that I write better at certain times. For me, the morning is when I am the most productive. I also tend to write and then let it sit for a day or two. When I do that, I can usually see where my problems are.
For the blog, I usually have 3-4 pieces in various forms of completeness. It just makes it easier to keep a regular posting schedule.