Finding Time

2018 has been a busy one and we’re only halfway into February. Over the past two years I’ve met many authors and chatted about finding time to write. Most people don’t know I work a full time job which doesn’t include my writing. The question I get asked a lot is ‘how do you find the time?’ or ‘how can you write so much and work full time?’ Well, this is where I respond to your questions!

There is never the right time to do something. Finding a moment for yourself in the midst of life and chaos is often difficult. Most authors I know are mother’s, full time workers, and there just isn’t enough hours in the day. I understand that, trust me. I’m right there alongside you.

True, that most people will tell you to make time. And this is something that always seems like it’s just out of reach. How do you make time? Surely we all only have twenty-four hours in a day? So, how is it that some can do what they love, find the time to sit down and write when other’s can’t.

I must be honest, I don’t have kids. That to me is one of the strange advantages I have. And it’s a point I’ll always make to authors who ask me how I write so much. They take up your time, in a good way, but that’s where most of us fall down. Being a mom is a full time job, and on top of your 9 to 5, it can be difficult to spend another hour or so in front of a screen once the little ones are in bed. Even though I don’t have to spend a few hours before bed with kids, there’s still many things I want to do.

We have so many places to be at once. But, in saying that, I put down in my calendar on my busiest days that I WILL take time to write. And that’s when I find that elusive hour or so to myself. When the house is quiet and I can focus. I try to put aside a minimum of an hour at night to write. To get the words down. If I’m feeling tired, I’ll grab a snack, my ice cold bottled water, and I’ll bang out at least five hundred words. Once I have, then I’ll feel accomplished for the day.

Many authors I’ve spoken to have said that when they actually put it on their calendar, a reminder, or a note on the fridge, it’s just that small push you need to get you going. Those few words you do get down, may not be the best words, but editing comes later. Doesn’t it? 😉

So, starting today, why not take a moment and look at your diary, calendar, whichever you use, and slot that hour, or even 30 mins into your day. Your characters will stop screaming and you’ll find once you’re in the routine, it will come easily.

It doesn’t always happen, and life does get in the way, there is no doubt about that. Look at what you have, and if you have plot first, sit down with a notebook and jot down where you want your story to go. While you’re watching TV, make notes, scribble your ideas as they come to you. And perhaps, when you finally sit in front of that screen, the words will flow.

As much as I’d like to tell you that you’ll get the hang of it easily, I can’t. It takes time. Practice. Focus. It’s definitely something you need to set your mind to. But when you get it right, it will be as if you’ve never struggled before.

So, put those headphones on and get your playlist on. Allow your characters to take you on their journey, even if it is at 500 words a time.

Whoever said working for your dreams would be easy? Haha!

Thank you for reading and good luck!

Let me know how you get on.