Making time for Writing.

January 21, 2009 at 12:57 pm · Filed under fiction, writing and tagged: author, blogging, fiction, lists, novel, novels, online life, short stories, short story, stories, tips for writers, write, writers, writing, writing advice, writing ideas

I’m sitting here after a busy day, and I can’t help but pause and think, “Why haven’t I written anything today?” This poses an interesting question to me, and it makes me realize that during my work week I write much less than on my three days off. This leads to the realization that I don’t WANT to write less. I want to be able to keep writing all week long.

So, my thought for today is, how can writers put more time for writing into their days?

I use to be a morning person (back in the days before I worked third shift) and I would write best in the morning. Interestingly enough I am now a “night” person and I write better at my “night” even though it is the same time! (around 730-930 am) Do you think that is just when my body is ready to settle down and write at this point? I’m rambling, please forgive me.

Anyhow, here are some of my ideas at how writers can carve time into their days to actually, well, WRITE.

1. Schedule a time. Sit down at the same time every day. Your body will get use to this being your “writing time”.

2. Let people in your family know not to disturb you during this time. Keep bugging them about it. Eventually they WILL learn. My 11 year old does know, that when Mommy is writing, it is best to back away from the room and leave her alone. Unless there is fire, smoke, death or destruction (IE the cat is into the garbage, the stove is on fire, ect!)

3. Set up writing goals for that time frame – and stick to them! Do not let yourself be distracted by online life. Its very, very easy to be distracted.

4. Set goals for tomorrow’s writing session at the end of today’s writing session. This way your muse is thinking about what you want to write all day, and you already have a general idea about your writing when you sit down next.

5. Write on work breaks. For those of us who have to work, going to a quite place and writing is a great way to get in some time. I do “crosswords” at work. What I’m really doing is writing notes on the edge of my crosswords for my next ideas. This way it looks like I’m doing something, people don’t chat at me, and I get to write in peace without a lot of annoying questions.

6. Have a device that records. This way, when you are in the car; if you are lucky enough to be by yourself, you can record ideas as you drive. Make sure that it is something you don’t have to mess around with to much. No need to endanger yourself while you are driving!

7. Have something to write on next to the bed. Heck, have notepads all over the house, and in the car. You never know when you will be inspired. You’d be amazed what you can write while your at the laundry mat.

8. Remember, writing is your time, and it’s something you do to express yourself. If you don’t get to express yourself creatively you will end up feeling stifled, and that is not a good feeling.

It will become easier and easier with practice to squeeze writing into our days. It just takes willpower and determination. Happy writing… I’m off to write some now… I’ve done my “online procrastination” for today and now I’ve motivated myself again. Hope this helps you get motivated to write too!

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