Lately, I’ve noticed that there is never enough time. It seems like there’s never enough time for ANYTHING let alone the fun stuff you really WANT to do, that always gets pushed to the bottom of the pile under the stuff you HAVE to do.
By the time I get home from work, spend time with the family and put the little one to bed, I have about enough energy to open a book and fall asleep thirty seconds later. Sometimes sixty seconds. My husband can vouch for this.
Lately, it’s the season. My body always wants to go into hibernation mode right now, even though I keep telling it, it’s not a bear or a squirrel. Somehow, it doesn’t get the message.
So how do other people do it, short of carrying around one of those awesome little time bender thingies like in Harry Potter? On her blog, Author Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz, has asked the same question and gotten a few great answers. Some of her guest authors are full-time authors, but most of them are not, so it’s very encouraging to see how people with full-time jobs and families are still getting their writing done.
Here’s a link to her blog. Scroll to the bottom to start with the first post in the series.
What are some of your tips and tricks? Do you find you write better in the morning or afternoon? Do you have any little rituals you do to get yourself in your ‘writing mind’ and away from everything else?
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4 users responded in this post
Hi Vanessa, I’m glad you enjoyed my series of posts and guest bloggers. The writers I interviewed all had great tips and tricks for making the most of their writing time.
Vanessa,
This really interests me, I’ve always worked full time + hours and have always TRIED to get some writing in any way I can. Here’s my best tip. Schedule one hour per day to write. It’s like exercise, you have to make time for it. Try early in the AM, but my best time has always been late at night when the house is quiet and my mind can SOAR. When you sit down to write, just write. Don’t stop to edit, don’t check word counts, just write. Editing can be done on the weekends!
Now I’m going to check out the other tips you mentioned to see how the rest of the world copes!
Write On,
Great post Vanessa! I have to agree with LD, making that hour or so seems to be the best strategy, although I don’t always follow this advice I try! With me I tend to get into “all or nothing” modes. I either spend tons of time doing writing and art and the house falls apart, or I get everything around the house ship-shape and the artist in me suffers. It’s so very hard to find a balance. You’re right too, the hibernation part of this season doesn’t help. Add to that the holidays and for me it’s helping my Mom a LOT, it goes on and on! This is such a common topic these days, I wrote about it too last month, especially with moms. I’m going to sign off now, go to bed and write! Tomorrow I’ll check out the links you suggested, good advice is always welcome, good luck! Susan
…there’s no specific time, each has to find the time in their day, or night, to do the writing that has to be done. No cookie-cutter method exists. It’s difficult for all of us…but for those who desire a published piece at some point in time…we do what has to be done, whenever. Nice that you bring this up Vr…just something else to create anxiety…geeish!
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