With all the distractions surrounding us in the world, it is practically a miracle I have time to write this or you have time to read it! Writing can feel overwhelming. As though you need to dedicate seven hours a day to writing or you are a failure and not prioritising your time right. For a lucky few who have managed turn to words into profit, they might be able to dedicate a work day to words but, for the rest of us, we have to settle for snippets of sentences here and there. It isn’t really settling though, any time we write it is a success and any time we map out an idea in our minds it is a success too.
So, how do you find time?
- Work through the idea that you need to dedicate a certain number of hours each week to be successful at something. Yes, if you want to write a book and can sit down for a month writing solidly, you will probably write it quicker than the person juggling fifty commitments and only finding ten minutes here or there. Ultimately, any time you do write, you are closer to the end goal so, if it is thirty minutes whilst the dinner cooks in the oven or an hour whilst you children nap in the other room, you are still succeeding.
- Forget what everyone else is doing. I have been plagued with guilt when I see writers taking part in a nanowrite and I’ve not had time or they’ve talked about their “five to nine before the nine to five”. Quite frankly, I like sleep and if I set an alarm to wake myself up at 5am to write, I would loath writing before the first alarm had even started ringing. It’s ok not to be like everyone else. It’s ok to put a metaphorical finger up to the trends and the early birds. (It’s also ok to be a trend follower or early bird, I just know I’ll never be like you!)
- Set goals or don’t. As I said, it’s ok to be different and with that comes working out how you work best. Are you an all or nothing kind of person? Do you need a goal? Or are you a go with the flow and one day get there kind of person? Work out what works better for you and go with it. Set a goal for how many words you are going to write this week or throw the word count out the window and settle on being happy if you picked up the pen once.
- When you do write, write. Yes, anything. Long words, short words, made up words. Something. Not only is it a great way to get over writer’s block if that’s what’s holding you back, it also means you get the “scary” bit out the way and can worry about editing later. That’s future me’s issue and not one to worry about when I’m just focused on writing.
- Reduce distractions. If there are things that distract you and, if you can get rid of them (I’m not suggesting sending loved ones or pets out the front door for a few hours!) do so! When you’re making time for writing, try to make sure that is all you are doing. If you like listening to music, try and pick music which will fill the background and not distract you into a dance party. If you like calm spaces, light a candle and consider lower lighting. Whatever it is, make it yours and make the time yours.
- Buy some cute stationary. Treat yourself to a notepad and pen you enjoy writing and writing with. Look forward to using them.
- Use travel time. If you’re not the driver you can use this time to jot down ideas and make plans. If you are the driver, make mental notes of the things you want to write about and jot them down as soon as you’re parked up! I recommend keeping a pen and paper in the car for post driving scribbles!
There are definitely things I’ve missed from my list and things that other people do that I would never have thought of, but these are the ones I’ll leave you with for now. If you have any other top tips, feel free to comment!
This post was written when I should be getting ready for bed but I’m waiting for my partner to finish his EA Sports FC 24 game! That’s tip one in action right there!
Bye for now,
Jen x
Jennifer Pickering 