Finding Time to Write

As with anything we like to do that is not essential to living, there is always the trouble of finding time to do it. The same goes with my writing. Quite frankly, I have been spoiled with the amount of free time I had in the past. Being homeschooled, I could basically get through most of my school work in the morning and then have all afternoon free. A couple times a week I would have to work into the afternoon, but never much past 2:00, which is still earlier than most kids get out of school, and then I didn't have home work. 

I know not everyone could write a novel, but I was always surprised at how amazed and impressed people where, especially since one of their most common questions were how I found the time.

With work and just preparing for college, I am beginning to understand their amazement. I really do have a passion for writing through, and I have learned I few tricks to still find time to do it.

1: Plan the next scene you're going to write

I know for those of you who write "on the spot" and come up with the story as you write, this tip may not be as helpful. I work in retail though, and there are usually at least a couple hours each shift where there isn't much to do. As I straighten or put away cloths I plan the next scene of my book in more detail than I have in my outline. I don't write every single word in my head; it's more like I come up with a detailed outline for the scene. I have found doing this can increase my writing speed almost by 100%

2: Writing a few hundred words at a time is fine.

I prefer to write when I have at least an hour to sit down and write, but especially once I start school that might not be an option all of the time. If I know what I'm going to write though, I can get over 300 words in only fifteen minutes or so. It doesn't seem like much, but all fifteen minutes writing sessions put together really add up.

3: Set time aside for writing.

One days off I have a specific time when I write. I work anywhere from 3 to 5 days a week, (that's retail for you) but on the days I have off days I sit down at my computer at 10 am and I don't stop until I've have reached 1,000 words, or until an hour passes, which ever happens second. Many days I will keep going until 12 and write 2,000 to 3,000 words.  

4: Write through writer's block

I have found, even if it is only a couple hundred words, trying to write through writer's block will help me get past it more quickly than just thinking I'll get to it later when I feel more like it. Often times it's the part of the story I am in that is making me feel that way. Getting past that part is what is going to cure my "writer's block." 

5: Set goals.

I have set a goal of at least 5,000 words a week. Before I set that goal I would often not even reach a couple thousand. Now that I have set that goal, I go over it more times than not. Simply having a "goal" an amount I'm going to reach no matter what, will push me to go ahead, sit down, and write. One I've started writing, the rest is easier. 

6: Have fun

As always, I write because I like to do it. All these rules can sometimes make it seem like a chore. Why would I need all these rules and tips for something I enjoy doing? The truth is that even though I do find it fun, it is hard work sometimes, and lazy me would rather watch mindless TV or read a book. For me personally though, writing is a kind of fun that is more rewarding than many of the other things I could do. As long as I keep that in mind, I find it easy to put down the book, click off the TV, and delve into writing.