Making Time To Write

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If you’re lucky enough to be a full time writer, then finding time to write probably isn’t much of an issue. But for the rest of us who are juggling full time jobs, families, kids and are trying to have some semblance of a social life, it’s a bit more difficult.

Discovering when you are most productive or creative is one of the first tasks in finding time to write. You don’t want to carve out time when you are the least productive. That will only frustrate you and you may not write. Unfortunately there is a lot of trial and error involved in find this out. When I was writing at different times of day and reflecting on the body of work that I was creating, I noticed my writing was the most effortless early in the morning. As the day progressed writing became harder, then late afternoon my brain had checked out. I was trying to squeeze creativity out of my tired brain and it wasn’t having it. So I found my optimal writing time, but I needed to make the time.

Finding time to write has to be a priority to you, or you won’t hold that time sacred and you’ll start doing other things. Then, poof, your writing time is over and you haven’t gotten any writing done. Also others won’t respect your writing time if you do not.

I’ve heard writers say they only write when they are inspired. Peter De Vries once said, “I only write when I am inspired, luckily that is everyday by 9am.”

Once you have scheduled your writing time, not only you but those around you must understand that this is your time. That unless the house is burning down you are not to be disturbed. Have an area in your house where you can write, or a place to go where you can be the most productive. Some people find that they need the quietness of the library, while others need the hustle and bustle of a coffee shop. We all work differently, so experiment. It may take some time, but it will be well worth it. Remember to turn off your phone or anything that may distract you.

I always carry something I’m working on to edit. You will be amazed how many times in your day you can grab 5-10 minutes to work on something. However you can only work on something if you have it handy.

What does your work area look like? Are you working on a dining room table or do you have an office area, or something in between? Do you work out of a computer bag at a coffee house? What is important is that you have an area to write that has all your supplies handy. I wrote for a year and a half on my dining room table. I was very productive, but once I decided to take my writing to the next level the table didn’t work for me any more. I spent too much time setting up and putting my supplies away. I lost valuable writing time.

Writing is fun and exciting but when you’re trying to write for a living you have to treat your writing like a job, best job ever, but still a job. You have deadlines that have to be met, edits, new stories or novels to start, marketing of yourself and your writing. Your writing to do list only seems to be getting longer. When you find the time that you are the most productive your list will melt away and you won’t be as stressed. You will be better able to get your writing done.

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