“I have trouble finding time to write” is one of the most common refrains I hear from aspiring writers. I’m a big believer in the power of language and I think maybe part of the problem is in the phrasing of that statement.
In fact, time to write is not playing peek-a-boo with you; a more accurate statement would be, “I am not choosing to take any time for writing.”
Harsh, but not untrue!
Here are three suggestions:
1) Into your TV guide put a sticky note that reads, “7.30-8.30pm The Writing Hour, starring myself.” Then replace an hour, or half-hour, of TV watching with a writing session. A year from now, what would you regret more: not having seen a season of America’s Got Talent or not having written the first draft of your novel?
2) On your shopping list, add “20 Minutes of Writing.” When you go out to shop, take twenty minutes before or afterward to go to a nearby coffee shop and work on your writing project.
3) The next time your kids or partner want you to go to a movie that you’re not really keen to see, go to the theatre with them, let them go in, and go to a nearby coffee shop and write until it’s time for them to come out, then take them for an ice cream and let them tell you all about the film.
Want more? Go to www.timetowrite.com where you can buy my downloadable book on time management for writers and other creative people.
