Unless you write full-time, finding time to write may be difficult. It’s a challenge to find free time in a busy schedule. And when we do have a few precious moments, writing may not be on the top of our list. This brings me to a few suggestions on how to squeeze out the time to write.
*Prioritize.
To write you have to want to write and to accomplish writing you have to make it a priority. Just decide on an amount of time, a time of day and do it, stick your butt in the chair and put words to paper. One hundred words a day, seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year equals 36, 400 words almost a novella. No matter how long you write or how many words you write, it will be worth it. Trust me; novels are finished one word at a time.
*Organize.
Paper, pencil, computer, micro-recorder, camera, notebook, napkin, drink; whatever tools you use keep them ready when you are. Being organized cuts down on searching for the item you need and adds to your productivity. Writing is the goal not searching 45 minutes for your favorite pen. It’s always a good idea to keep either a notebook, micro-recorder and digital camera with you at all times to log those ideas that may come while you are shopping for groceries, going to the doctor, at a soccer game, having a drink with a friend. Then when it’s time to write, you have a topic. I’ll place a link for the organized writer newsletter by Julie Hood. It has very helpful information on how to get organized.
http://www.organizedwriter.com/
*Rituals.
Some of us have rituals that we perform to get in the mood to write. Hey, whatever works! Music gets me in the mood and I make play lists for the individual pieces I am writing. I also like coffee in the morning and a glass of wine at night while I write. You may like quiet with a glass of cranberry juice. Or maybe you write with CNN broadcasting in the background. The point is use whatever helps set the stage and gets you in the mood to write those words. I like to pace, but haven’t figured out how to type and pace at the same time.
*The Butt Kicker.
This could be a friend who doesn’t mind giving you a good kick when you need to get in gear and write. Or join a writer’s group for motivation. Sometimes even the most self-motivated requires a kick in the pants. So don’t be afraid to ask, I’m more than willing to kick some butt. I’ll also put a link to the MuseItUp club here. I know for a fact the owner is a butt kicker.
http://museitupclub.tripod.com/
*Goals.
Just like at a soccer match it’s nice to make a goal and you can’t make one if you don’t have one. So set a clear goal and work it, one word at a time.
