Where Do You Find Time To Write?

Where do you find time to write? That is a question most writers ask themselves at one time or another or all of the time.

I’ve taken more time management classes than I can count and always pick up a hint or two that I can incorporate. However, I discovered most people taking these classes are the ones who never bother to implement what they learn and the others don’t need the classes in the first place.

Hourglass

I, as well as thousands of other writers, have discovered you have to make the time. Otherwise, distractions will eat your time away—very rapidly.

Famous author, John Jakes, originally made his living by copywriting during the day. He set aside 2 hours a couple of nights a week to work on his writing. He was consistently diligent and it paid off.

Here are a few suggestions:

– Write first thing in the morning for 30 minutes or 2 hours (only you know what you can schedule). Do this before checking e-mail.

– If you plan to write later in the day, set an alarm clock, stop what you are doing and start writing during your allotted time.

– If you are more effective at night—do it then. Not everyone is a morning person.

As for all of the wonderful newsletters with writing tips and suggestions—how many do you really have to read? Pick two or three favorites and bookmark the other ones for reference when you have time. I had over 30 good newsletters coming to me. If I read every one, I would not have the time to write. Do I miss something? I’m sure I do. But I pick it up another time.

The Internet is a wonderful research tool. However, it is best to limit how much time you spend surfing and stopping to read other interesting articles.

Your biggest commitment to writing is to write. Be sure to allow time for it—even if it’s only 15 minutes a day journaling. If you want to be a writer, you have to do more than think about it—you simply have to write.