Multi-tasking and Writing

By L.C. Martin


In today’s busy world, it’s a miracle that we get anything done. But for a writer, who has an outside job in addition to a family to take care of, it’s virtually impossible to write at all, but somehow we do.

You see, if you’re truly a writer, you’ll find the time—otherwise you’ll burst into flames from the desire burning within. I know. I’ve gone weeks without my writing fix and realized something had to change. Without allowing a space for my creativity, I felt as if I would shrivel up and die. So that’s why I’d like to share my thoughts with other writers…who knows? Maybe it’ll help.

1. Find a time that’s convenient for you. Even if it’s five minutes in the morning or fifteen at night. Maybe after the kids are asleep and hubby’s watching the news is a good time for you. Or after a good workout at the gym. Everybody has their own body clock, but committing to a time and sticking to it is the fist step.

2. Give yourself a goal. Don’t think about the entire manuscript ahead of you. Think in terms of pages, paragraphs…heck even a sentence a day is better than nothing. My point is that if you have a daily goal, you’ll feel good about yourself once you’ve reached it and once you get rolling, you may even have to set bigger goals. But in the bigging, be realistic, and if you miss a day or two, don’t knock yourself out trying to make up. Just get back to your writing schedule as soon as possible.

3. Perfect your craft. This can be done away from your computer by simply being aware of everything around you. The job you want to leave to become the next Nora Roberts may be a minefield of information for that book you’re working on. Take notes. Watch, listen & learn from the people around you. Wonderful tidbits of conversation are right there in front of you. That word or phrase you’ve been looking for that fits your character perfectly or the line of dialogue that just doesn’t work suddenly does because of a different phrase you’ve added. And you can pick up great character traits by just people watching. Of course,I don’t want to get you fired, so please do it discreetly. And remember to always carry a small notebook around, so you’re ready to jot down those precious pearls.

4. Finding the space to create. Some writer’s could write in a closet.But others need a quiet space. Far away from the world, far away from the stresses of daily life. It’s hard to find an entire room for yourself. If you have one, you’re lucky. My office is a combination office/guest bedroom. So when we have visitors, my writing takes a sabbatical. Unless it’s a long visit, then I kick them out of the room for a few hours. Hey, if they don’t like it…then they may not stay as long the next time. Maybe going down to the local Starbucks with your laptop works for you. Or the library. I absolutely LOVE working in a library and when my hubby’s family visits, you’ll find me there at least for an hour or two every day. So make the space you create in work for you and you’ll find it much easier to hit the keyboards and stay on track.

The key to all of this is if you love what you’re doing, you’ll find the time, space, and inspiration you need to create...now go on and get writing!






L.C. Martin