Down the Rabbit Hole column
by Melissa Robinson
Make Time to Write
For any author, having the time to write is extremely important. I want to spend this week talking about what it’s like to be a part time writer with a full time job. I currently work a job with a twelve hour shift. This makes writing difficult on days that I work. Fortunately, my bosses don’t mind if I work on my WIP in my office as long as it’s not busy. I realize that’s not the case for most people, so let’s be realistic. If you have a 40 hour work week, kids, marriage, a house to keep up, bills to pay, and errands to run….you’re going to be exhausted. Who has time to write in that situation?
ANYONE! Anyone can find the time even if it’s only for half an hour a day. Whether you get up earlier or stay up just a bit later, you can have time to write on your story, novel, etc. I can understand how difficult it is to balance everything out. I once read an article that said to figure out when you’re the most creative and go with that. I’d agree completely. Even if it means carrying a small notebook to jot down notes during the day so you don’t forget them when you’re staring at the blank page on your laptop. In this technological age, smartphones also have note taking apps that are perfect for this.
In the end it all boils down to a drive and a passion for writing. There will always be a reason to put it off. Always. Don’t let the daily grind wear you down until you can’t create what you were made to create. Set small goals and stick to them. Yes, this is all probably something we’ve heard a million times over, but it’s still true. It’s like the one quote I’m so fond of: “If you want it, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.”
I get up at 530 in the morning, pretty much every day. My body clock is practically set to it now. I grab that first big ole mug of coffee, a bowl of cereal (or whatever I end up making myself), I go into our little office room, crack a window so the cats go look outside at the morning birds, and sit down and write. Try to write. I have to discipline myself to not spend too much time in email, too much time on FB or Twitter, or on Minecraft (my constant downfall) and get to writing. If I write a minimum of 350 words, I am happy and feel like I WROTE for the day. If higher word count, super awesome. The thing is…you have to keep doing it. It takes discipline. You don’t have to be perfectly honed, but the more the better. Any little bit is moving you forward.
Great advice! We all need to make more time for our passion. It gives is joy when we get to do what we love. Great article my friend!