The WMF Archives

By Angela Atkinson


I can't tell you how many times I've heard writers complain that there isn't enough time in the day to actually write. This is especially true for new writers and for those who are trying to work more than one job (even if the second job "only" involves being Mom or Dad.)


Day to day responsibilities and habits often overshadow one's passion for writing. While we all have time-consuming responsibilities, there are some things that can be re-prioritized. Even so, certain things just can't be ignored, so how do you overcome this little obstacle?


Personally, I'm very grateful that my "other" job is being Mom. And, for me, it's all a matter of working around the kids' schedule. I write at nap time, bedtime and any other time in between when there are moments of quiet. Plus, when I'm on a deadline, my husband helps out with the kids.


If you want to write but can't seem to find the time, there may be a simple solution.


Do you really want it?

Often times, we SAY we want something because we think we should or that it will please someone else--and in some cases, we believe that we actually DO want it.


So ask yourself, do you truly want to write? Are you passionate about it? Will it make you happy? If you can answer yes to these questions, then you're on the right track. If not, maybe you should re-evaluate your reasons for choosing this career path. The ability to write functionally does not a writer make, in my experience.


When are you most productive?

My freshman year in college, I had this English class that started at two o'clock in the afternoon. Inevitably, I found myself propping up my eyelids with toothpicks to stay awake in this class. For whatever reason, two o'clock was not a good time of day for me back then. (Maybe it was all those late "study" nights?)


So take a few minutes and think about your day. What time are you more likely to be productive? If you're not sure, carry a notebook with you for a week or so and take notes. When you feel especially energized, note the time. When you're tired, write it down. This will give you a general guideline to your "productive time," which you can use to help schedule your days more
effectively.


Time Is Money, So Quit Wasting It

Once you've chosen your writing times, get focused. I have a certain little "ritual" I do before I begin an article. I set up my Word document and get all of my research materials together in a very specific fashion and get to work. Even when I don't feel like working, sometimes just setting myself up to do so makes all the difference.


Your writing time is valuable, so don't waste it surfing the net or playing pointless games. If you can stand it, close your email program and put your phone on vibrate. Time is money, so spend it wisely--especially the time you carve out for writing.


Are you beating yourself up?

Writers are notorious perfectionists. Cut it out. As Joel Salzman, author of one of my favorite "writing" books says, "Progress, not perfection."


When you write, try to avoid editing yourself as you go. Instead, get it all out and then don't be afraid to cut. If you're not comfortable with this, try adding ten minutes of stream of consciousness journaling to your writing schedule. By doing so, you'll realize that sometimes just "getting it out" can be a good thing. And, you can always go back and edit later.


Are you shooting for the moon?

Many writers set lofty daily goals, and while it's important to challenge yourself, you should consider breaking your longer-term goals into bite-sized chunks. That is, if you're writing a book, then the completion and publication of the project would be the ultimate goal. Instead of just "writing it," consider setting smaller daily goals. Doing so will increase your productivity and make the project more likely to come to fruition.


For example, for that book, you might start with writing character sketches, say one each day or week. Then, you might progress to outlining story ideas, to filling in details, to writing chapters (or a certain number of pages or words per "mini-goal".)


When Inspiration Strikes...

No matter how much scheduling you do, your muse doesn't always cooperate. So, carry around a small notebook or tape recorder. This way, when you are at the grocery store and a great idea for an article or sentence or character pops into your head, you can jot yourself a note for later use. Many cellphones also offer "notepad" type functions, which can be a great writer's tool.


What are your priorities?

For me, family always comes first, and I work around them. However, I'm not afraid to send the kids out to play or into a different room with their dad for awhile while I get my writing groove on. Truth be told, though, most often I'm writing with them all around me, being their loud little selves. It's a talent, really. :)


Take a look at the commitments in your life. Are you over-extended? If so, for the sake of your health and the sake of your writing, slim down your schedule a little. You are allowed to say no sometimes. Enforce that right when you can.


Bottom line: if you want to be a writer, you must make time to write. Take it seriously. Make it your job (or second), even if you're not getting paid just yet. Commitment and focus are major keys to your freelance writing success.


What kinds of tips would you offer other writers struggling with this issue?

Finding Time to Write