May 4, 2011

10 Ways to find Time to Write


Think you have no time to write? I'm finding some of these tactics helpful to get me through writing MY ZOMBIE DOG.
  1. LOVE your WIP. Seriously, this is the best way to find time to write, if you can't wait to get back to it, you think about it all day long, then you'll find a way.
  2. PRIORITISE. Stop thinking you need to find 'spare' time to write. There is no spare time, everyday only has the same 24 hrs. Start deciding to write before you take on daily chores.
  3. MORE HOURS. There's the get up early or stay up late method. Even if it's just 30 minutes and you get a couple of hundred words in, it's a start to get you motivated.
  4. NOTEBOOKS. Take one with you everywhere, you'll be amazed how many words will add up when you add a few on the bus, waiting in line at the supermarket or sitting in the pub waiting for your mate to get back from the bar.
  5. DON'T COMPARE. If you start focusing on how many words other writers get in, you'll feel disappointed.
  6. MINIMUM LIMITS. Sometimes I set a time I'll be on a break and I'll say, ok, just have to get ONE sentence in, then leave it. Of course once you get that one sentence, you'll be motivated to write more.
  7. REWARDS. I've done this before where I want a book on writing or to attend a workshop. I'll set myself a wordcount I have to reach before I'm allowed to purchase/book it. I think everyone should have a nice big reward for finishing a draft. That's a big deal!
  8. TURN OFF the Internet. I could be writing now.
  9. Write BETWEEN tasks. I have a 20 minute  cleaning routine. The whole family runs around madly cleaning for 20 minutes. From now on, I'll extend that routine to 10 minutes writing, 20 cleaning, then 10 writing. Once it becomes part of the routine, it'll have to be done (those are the rules).
  10. SHORT SPRINTS. Even if it's 5 minutes. If you can sneak in ten of those a day, you'll find you write faster and more productively if you know you don't have much time.
How's your writing coming? I've been squeezing in time in my lunch breaks to write, Zane has now found the smelly undead dog back in his room, after burying it yesterday. And it seems to like him.

16 comments:

  1. D. U. OkonkwoMay 4, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    I like! And it's very true. Fact, once we get pubbed and have to work to deadline, we'll have to make time. Best to start practising now.

    ReplyDelete
  2. mooderinoMay 4, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    Great tips. I have a terrible time keeping disciplined. First couple of days I'm fine, but then...

    mood
    Moody Writing

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hart JohnsonMay 4, 2011 at 10:37 PM

    Great set of recommendations! I swear by routine--the writing in the tub... but a bunch of those other ones can certainly add. I am editing now, and I carry it everywhere... easy to find 5 minutes here and 5 minutes there.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Luanne G. SmithMay 4, 2011 at 11:45 PM

    Ha! Turning off the internet would buy me HOURS of writing time. Not kidding.

    I also take a notebook with me everywhere. It really does add up when you jot things down when they occur to you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownMay 5, 2011 at 12:36 AM

    Great ideas. Really, there is no excuse to not write. That being said, I should really get back to writing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownMay 5, 2011 at 1:05 AM

    These are some awesome ideas that I'll have to keep in mind as I start a long term temp assignment and have to adjust my writing time.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mary AalgaardMay 5, 2011 at 5:33 AM

    I'm going to try the short spurts method, and one page a day. I can do that. One page. Little by little I'll build a story.

    ReplyDelete
  8. SaumyaMay 5, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    These are such great tips. I'm constantly struggling to find time to write and have learned the hard way that you HAVE to make it. Totally agree about carrying a notebook!
    Love your blog and am excited to be a new follower.

    ReplyDelete
  9. JulesMay 5, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    Wonderful ideas! I need to write more and these little tips I hope will do the trick!
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

    ReplyDelete
  10. Alleged AuthorMay 5, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    I'm still working on the *love* part. I'm so SCREWED! :P

    ReplyDelete
  11. GrammyMay 5, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Hi, those are great ideas, and I especially like the idea of carrying a notebook or tablet...instead of carrying a book to read. I am always seeing people around me and mentally noting some of the things they say or do. How much better it would be to be able to write those things down as I observe them. Better than trying to rely on memory.
    Ruby

    ReplyDelete
  12. Summer RossMay 5, 2011 at 11:49 PM

    e short sprints- taking a notebook with you

    ReplyDelete
  13. Myrna R.May 6, 2011 at 1:15 AM

    You just motivated me to get to work. I give myself tons of excuses, which I realize are all grounded in fear. Thanks Charmaine. I so admire your determination and I love that you try to help those of us with less energy or discipline.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lynda R Young as Elle CardyMay 6, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    Great post. I like the reward idea too. I might start doing that. It will help me stick to my schedule.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sarah MäkeläMay 7, 2011 at 4:30 AM

    Excellent advice! I try to at least do short sprints and love my WIP. Although, loving it can be hard sometimes, especially when it's not going how I want it to. lol

    I really enjoyed connecting with you during the A to Z Challenge. I have a Versatile Blogger award for you at my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  16. UnknownMay 9, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    Hey there! I'm a new follower, and I just love your blog! This post is exactly what I needed to light the fire under my butt on this new YA historical WIP. Matter of fact, I plan on printing it out and posting it on my workspace at home and @ The Day Job.

    Thank you!! :)

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)