Read a lot. Write a lot. Be persistent. But, sometimes, as badly as we want to achieve our authoring dreams, and as hard as we try to "make time," life gets in the way. So, how do we find time to live by our three golden rules?
Organize your work
When I first started blogging, I had trouble finding time to post once a week. Looking back, the issue wasn't time at all, it was direction. My old blog had no focus on what I was writing. Did I want to share my writing process? Promote my books? Give tips? Put my random thoughts out there for the world to see? I wasn't sure, and each week was either something totally new and unrelated to the previous week, or dull, short, and boring in an attempt for continuity.
Once I reorganized into three categories, everything flowed easier, and I found I could (almost) easily post three times a week.
If it's too difficult to fit reading and writing into the same day (or maybe your also trying to edit, or even promote a book you already have published), prioritize your days. One day for reading, another for writing or editing, etc. If you need longer chunks of time, that's fine too. Maybe take a week to focus on reading--that's about long enough to finish a book. Then take the next week to focus on your writing, while you think of what you'd like to read next.
Once I reorganized into three categories, everything flowed easier, and I found I could (almost) easily post three times a week.
If it's too difficult to fit reading and writing into the same day (or maybe your also trying to edit, or even promote a book you already have published), prioritize your days. One day for reading, another for writing or editing, etc. If you need longer chunks of time, that's fine too. Maybe take a week to focus on reading--that's about long enough to finish a book. Then take the next week to focus on your writing, while you think of what you'd like to read next.
Set a schedule
Of course it's easier to get writing done on a day off of work. At the same time, our days "off" aren't always relaxing. We often end up with long to-do lists, and our writing gets abandoned. It's important to put at least one writing item high on your to-do list. Scheduling blogs is always an item on my to-do lists, and so is either writing, editing, or reading. Notice the "or." If I put all of those items on my list, it can be overwhelming and I'll find myself more likely to stare into space.
Use work days
Sometimes it's hard to fit writing in during a busy work week. I can often take a half hour right after I get off work to focus on writing, but not always. But I did start using my lunch break to read. It's far more restoring than browsing the internet or trying to make small talk with your co-workers. At least, it is for this introvert.
Eliminate distractions
How long are you on the internet every day? How long do you need to be? We all need to check our emails and take care of things, but after a point things like Facebook can end up sucking you into a vortex. Pay attention to how long you spend there, and try to transfer some of that time to writing. You're still on your computer, your writing is waiting for you!
Don't "make" time, use waiting time
We hear it so often: if it's important to you, you'll make time! But what does that even mean? How do I "make" time? I've already blogged about forever running out of it! The best advice I've heard is to use the time we spend waiting. Got something in the oven? Pick up your book. Waiting in line? Book. You're ready to go, but no one else is? BOOK. There are lots of moments throughout the day where all we're really doing is waiting. I try to leave my work in progress up on my computer, so when those dead moments come, I can take advantage of them.
It's not about having hours to focus on your work. It's about taking advantage of minutes. Now go take advantage!
It's not about having hours to focus on your work. It's about taking advantage of minutes. Now go take advantage!
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