Making Time to Write #amwriting

Since it’s so hard to FIND time to write, perhaps it’s time to MAKE time to write.  Let me help you through each of the steps…

The first thing you need is an unrealistic deadline. Or a realistic one if you’re not a masochist.

Next, it helps to realize and acknowledge you’re nowhere near being done. A little panic goes a long way. You don’t have to have a full freak-out here.

Time to pull out the spreadsheet and figure out how many words you can realistically put down on the page every day. Even word counts for those days where you only write a paragraph or two count. It helps to keep a word count log for about a month (two is better)to get your daily average.

Next, figure out what you’re spending your time doing and eliminate things you really don’t need to do so you can add more writing time. Watching TV? We don’t need no stinkin’ TV. Cross it off!  Doing nothing is a waste of time.

Next, it’s time to create a comprehensive plan. Make a word count goal for each day and a plan of WHEN you’ll write every day, whether it be on the train, when the kids are in swimming lessons, or during your lunch break. Writing while waiting for your eye appointment, or while waiting for your oil change are great ways to turn time you spend doing nothing into productive writing time.

Next, stick with it! If you find yourself falling behind, don’t freak out! Okay – go ahead and do a little freak out, but pick yourself back up and get back to the keyboard.

Plant your butt in the chair and your fingers on keyboard and go to town. Write, write, write! Revise, revise, revise!

Finally, when you finish one project, move on to the next. Lather. Rinse. Repeat. No rest for the wicked and writers usually can’t make a living off of one book alone!

Good luck!