TAMING THE TIME BANDIT

One of the most common frustrations I hear among writers is not finding the time to write. As responsibilities mount in our lives, we’ve all cried, "Clone me!" I know I’d like a clone who will go to my day job while I stay home and write fulltime. However, figuring out other alternatives seems more efficient than waiting for my double to arrive.

Below are some tips to overcome your time challenges:

1.    Print out manuscript pages to revise on your lunch hour.

2.    If possible, work close to home so time isn't wasted commuting.

3.    If commuting, listen to books on tape to supplement your reading. If you use public transportation, utilize the time to brainstorm ideas, work on revisions, or write first drafts either in longhand or on a laptop.

4.    If your job includes "down time," this may be a most fortunate situation. Of course, complete your employer’s work first and be certain your employer doesn't mind you working on your work on his time. I had one such job where I had verbal permission to read or work on my writing if I’d completed all work and nothing remained to be done. The boss would come by and say, "How's the novel coming along?" Because I was efficient, I had time for my writing. That job was like having an art grant.

5.    Day jobs are a wonderful place to get material because you're forced to spend a lot of time with people who you wouldn't be with otherwise. This broadens your world, which broadens your pool of characters and situations. Don’t forget your notebook!

1.    Set up a scheduled time for writing; otherwise, it might not happen. Think of it as a job where you're expected to show up at a specific time each day.

2.    Don't overestimate how much time you have for writing, or you'll set yourself up for failure. Keep the time realistic for your lifestyle.

3.    Write in smaller chunks consistently rather than going too many days between writing. You'll be amazed at how small chunks of time each day add up until eventually, you'll have completed your manuscript.

4.    Keep a notebook available at all times. You won't always be able to sit down and write, but the ideas will come and you'll need to jot them down.

5.    Something has to go in order to make room for writing. For some, that means cutting down on sleep. For me, I don't watch TV and hardly talk on the phone. Look at those things that are time eaters and make a decision as to what to cut out, or cut down.

6.    The need for a spotless home is not always conducive to writing. However, if you're like me and you like it clean and neat: a) get over it; b) learn to clean quickly, if not perfectly; c) utilize the help of those who live with you; or d) if you can afford it, pay someone to clean your home.

7.    Identify the ways in which you procrastinate so you'll be more aware of them happening, and more apt to stop them sooner. Some common forms of procrastination are e-mailing, cleaning, phone calls, snacking, etc. One of my writer friends allows himself no more than five minutes of reading e-mail before he begins to write. To give yourself incentive, once you write a certain word count or write for a pre-set amount of time, reward yourself with the activities you normally use to procrastinate.

Okay, enough talk. Let the writing begin!