Author, writing helper, and how to write a book guide

Blog

Finding Time to Write

findingtimetowrite.jpg

Finding Time to Write

by Raquel Garcia

Writing in a world of full-time everything takes creativity.

I am a full-time mom, a full-time wife and I have a full-time job. I also have full-time friends and a full-time family. Finding time to write has taken some trial and error.

Last month I struggled. My priority was to survive the beginning of a new school year and prepare for a major presentation at work. I didn't write much, and I felt the effect on my mood. When I took stock of what I accomplished in a day, it was depressing to admit that I had not written at all. I realized then that all my other accomplishments do not give me the satisfaction that writing does.

When I write, I feel like I created something. When I don't write, I feel like I a wasted the day. I feel like a slacker.

This week I wrote six days out of seven for a total of 7,848 words. It felt great. I reached out to my Instagram community, and they were encouraging and kind. They held me accountable. I knew that if I updated my feed with my word goals for the day, they would comment and cheer me on.

writngforweek1.png

Many writers talk about where they write, how exact their writing environment has to be. At first, I thought I had to have the right space and the right time. Successful writers often say they wake up in the wee hours to have quiet reflection time, a cup of tea, some journaling or reading then they begin to write. They write for hours. It was frustrating that I couldn't wake up at 5:30 in the morning to establish my writing ritual. I write during my lunch break at work.

Once I realized that there was no way I would ever wake up early enough, I decided to try and develop my writing routine at night. After everyone had gone to bed, the husband and the daughter, I made some tea cleared the table, did some reading and said a short gratitude prayer with my eyes closed. In retrospect, the short gratitude prayer is what did me in. My eyes got watery, I couldn't suppress my yawns, my body ached, and my head hurt. All I wanted to do was watch bad movies on Netflix.

As I gained confidence in the story I wanted to tell, I realized that I had to write whenever I had a chance. My writing is scattered throughout the day. When I am waiting for the train, I'll sketch scenes in my head. I write during my lunch hour. If I find my favorite spot on the train, I write the entire 20 minutes. I brainstorm ideas as I walk home. I process plot holes while making dinner. I write while my daughter is taking a shower. If I can't write, I plan. I try to do any small thing that makes my writing time more efficient. My writing is important.

writeanywhere.jpg

Write Anywhere. Any time. 

Some evenings I have to tell my husband that I need writing time, so he keeps our daughter entertained while I write in our room on top of his bureau. Writing can happen whenever. Writing can occur even if you are not writing. Take advantage of any time you have and think through the obstacles that might slow your writing down. Have a list of scenes you want to write. Ask yourself questions about the scene before you write. Try and identify plot holes, and map them out before you sit to write. Come to your writing prepared.

Writers have bad days, good days and days that are complete shit. But as with any project, you must iterate and move forward.

Next Monday, I'll share how I use Trello to map out my scenes and make my writing time more efficient.

Thanks for reading,

Raquel Garcia