How to Make Time for Writing

Having trouble finding consistent time to write? Make a plan, start a routine and stick to it. Set some goals with regards to writing and a reasonable time frame to achieve them such as a week or a month. Here are some ideas to help teach you how to fit writing into your daily life.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Make the last hour of each day before bed your time to write. Whether its trying to brainstorm what to write on or actually starting a piece that you already have the idea for, if you do a little every night you will be developing a nightly pattern (no different than brushing your teeth) where you are consistently building on your work. After reminding yourself each night to do it, it will become old hat!

2. 

   If that doesn't work, get up an hour early each day or maybe just the weekdays, whatever works, and do your writing for an hour in the morning. Be committed to it.

3. 

   Pick a Saturday or a Sunday each week, put on a pot of coffee and get some breakfast, and write for a few hours in your pjs. If you have to do it before everyone gets up and the house gets loud, then get up early! Do what you have to to get that time alone.

4. 

   House always full of people no matter what time it is?? Find a time that works with your family's routine and go somewhere else to write. Go to your local bagel shop or park and sit and write for a few hours. Wherever seems like a good spot for you with little distractions.

5. This tip works really well for parents. If your kids go to sports practices, stay for practice, sit in the car and write. That's where I was when I was writing this article and let me tell you, every week I get 4 hours at soccer practice to write. Its always quiet. I look forward to it all day too.

6. If you spend time commuting on a train or plane use that time or part of it to write too.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember you don't have to complete something in a short period of time. Its on your schedule. The trick is to find time each day if you can to write a little. Keep creative and interested in coming up with new ideas and building on what you have already.
• Hope you found this article helpful. Be sure to post a comment and go up to the top of the article and rate it with the row of stars! Thanks!

[niteowlgardener]

on 8/20/2009 I really like your tips on finding time to write. I will have to start doing some of these. Thank you.

[circusmama]

on 4/7/2009 I've found my best time is early in the morning, as long as I have a plan before I start! Though I do like to write during naptime as well.

[eliptica]

on 2/21/2009 Thanks for the excellent article I will try and use some of your methodology.

[khanr]

on 2/10/2009 great tips. 5*

[LilacGirl]

on 1/9/2009 Fantastic suggestions for finding writing time in a busy schedule. I like to write real early in the morning and late at night myself, but your suggestion about writing in the car while waiting for the kids is a great one too.