So when asked how I do it, my response is always the same. I schedule time, like I would for a doctors appointment or a kids activity, and guard it. It's my time and, outside of emergencies, I don't give it up. I find the golden time for writing in my house is between 9 and 11 pm. My kiddos are in bed, the dishes have been done and the house is quite. I'll usually throw a load of laundry in and fire up the old lap top.I also use wasted time to my best advantage. I've been known to write while my son's at Tae Kwon Do. I eat lunch at my lap top. I have even been know to write at the kitchen counter while trying to cook (not recommended...it leads to crappy writing and burnt food).
Another great thing I've done is join a writers group. Mine is online, but I have a small group of people who are following my work. I feel obligated to produce something for them to read. So I move forward. Ira Glass from This American Life had the best advice. "Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story." So my main motivation is one chapter a week at the very least.
So do I write 3,000 words in a setting. NO. I'm averaging about 900. But I'm moving forward. Until the publishing fairy drops off a big check and I can hire someone to do my job...I'm still punching the 9 to 5 clock.
Posts
I think time is a premium for anyone with a young family. When I am working on my first draft, my goal is about 500 words/day. But during editing, it’s only about 3-4 scenes a week. I write in increments of 10-15 minute blocks every day between setting the toddler up for coloring or play doh after I get home from work.
ReplyDeleteI really regret not writing in my twenties, but then I didn’t have the life experience or the depth of emotion to draw from. I think the busier you are, the more you realize what’s important. If writing is important, then you’ll make the effort. And sometimes it’s okay to just live life first. I think writing is lifelong habit. It’s okay to hit the pause button when things get chaotic.