It doesn't matter if you're writing a novel or a book based on your favorite hobby or craft, sometimes finding time to write can feel impossible. So here are a few tips I've used and continue to use.
1. Create an appointment. Put in your diary that perhaps for 20 - 30 minutes every other day you have an appointment to write. Just like an appointment with the dentist or doctor, you can't break it. You will find you can get quite a lot completed and your family and friends soon get used to you being unavailable at these times.
2. Take yourself out. If you find the home environment difficult to write, then take yourself out. Perhaps when you do the shopping, stop off at your favorite coffee shop. Treat yourself to your favorite drink and spend time on your writing.
3. Set goals and/or deadlines. Perhaps you could set yourself a goal that every day you spend just 10 - 20 minutes working on your book. This may sound impossible but perhaps you can implement tip four to achieve this goal.
4. Repurpose your time. I think it's safe to say many of us have time that can be classified as wasted. For example, I used to classify walking the dog as wasted time. Now it's not! Between throwing the ball, I use my phone to make notes. So, do you spend time waiting for the children to come out of school? Do you have to wait for a bus or train? Take a pen and pad with you or even print off some copy and sit and edit. Those wasted minutes soon add up.
5. Use bribery! It's amazing how much time you can suddenly find if you offer a bribe in exchange for a little writing time. It doesn't even have to be something that will cost you financially. For example, agree with the kids you'll cook their favorite meal if they keep themselves quietly occupied for half an hour.
The above tips have worked for me, and I hope they work for you.
Good luck!
*****
Join Lynne's latest WOW! Women on Writing class:
a five week course starting on Saturday, May 5, 2012.
This class is limited to 15 students and early registration is recommended!
Thanks for those tips.
ReplyDeleteI work best when inspired. So, I have to write my content when that moment arrives then I file it in a drafts folder to edit and publish later when I am not inspired to write.
When I don't have any ideas, inspiration or drafts to publish, I force myself to write by deciding on a content format (like 10 ways to ...) and the go to WriteorDie and type away with whatever comes to mind.
Having content templates, like 'Top 10 tips...' really help to get content written fast and easy.
Bribery works great for me!
ReplyDelete