The number one barrier described by most new and emerging writers is scheduling time to write amidst the pull of other responsibilities.
But finding time to write, like all other endeavors, is a matter of how much you want it. Changes only come with an effort on your part. If you're honestly ready to take the reins and take control of this writing thing, then the following tips will work for you. However, if you're looking for time to drop into your lap, that's not going to happen. This job, this drive to write and see your name in print is like any other practice- you must do it to get it done. It's as simple as that.
Following are some practical, real-life-based tips on getting time to write.
Combine things.
Do laundry with a writing scratch pad. Clean your house while you listen to a book on tape. Eat your lunch at your desk while you send off 3 pitch letters.Give Up Obligations.
Do you volunteer? I do. Or, at least I did, and it was a very important part of my life. But when my business needed a shot of financial capital, I gave up that obligation, making a bargain with myself that it was only temporary. Sometimes that's the key- part of you doesn't want to give up your obligations, but if you can make a commitment to simply try it for a set amount of time, it'll be that much easier. Tell your child that you'll no longer be picking them up from school- they can take the bus. Or, let your neighbor know that you'll no longer be planting and tending that shared garden on your side of the fence. At least for this season.Delegate.
Identify every person in your household over a certain age, and mentally assign them an additional task right now. Consider it a mental exercise. "I'm going to ask ------ to do the dishes after dinner, ------ to walk the dog, and ------- to have the oil changed." Voila! Now make it so. See, I lied, it wasn't just a mental exercise! Since your writing will benefit the family, the family needs to pitch in and help you free up some time for writing.Negotiate.
Surely your partner or mate has some wants and needs in the time department? Or your roommate, children, dog? Time to get out the negotiation skills. As an example, I will tell you that my children love to play video games with me. In the evenings, they want me to sit down and hang out with them. I've begun to negotiate. I will happily and actively get Wii fit with them on the weekends as long as they allow me to write at night undisturbed.Target.
You’re likely good at writing or especially productive at a certain time of the day. Try your best to target this time for your writing endeavors.Deadline It.
Everyone gets something done on a deadline, right? So create one. Joining a writing group or critique group that is eagerly awaiting your next assignment is a way to make a deadline harder to pass by.Track it.
Do you like cold, hard numbers? Think about creating a spreadsheet or a chart in which you can track your time writing. Display it somewhere prominent. There is something very motivating about looking at a sum total of hours to get you going.
Get Away.
I know a woman who pines away, hoping to write her novel someday, but never really getting there. Twice a year she takes a girls-only vacation with friends. In the three years I've known her, she could have easily written her novel by now, and have already been shopping it around. Perhaps a writer's retreat is in order?Obviously, finding time to write is often about your priorities. If you don't want to give up another activity, is it possible that you don't want "this" bad enough? Think about it.
