As a full-time freelancer, I spend my days researching and
writing newspaper and magazine articles, blogging for my social media clients
and copywriting for businesses. And I have the work of running my own
businesses (sending invoices, putting together client reports, looking for new
publications I can pitch).
Oh, I also have a husband, a 4-year-old daughter and
a love of sleep. So when exactly do I have time for the “me” writing, the time
to write witty and engaging blogs posts for my own website or finally get to Chapter
2 on the nonfiction book I’m writing?
My challenges aren’t unique. Many of us are overwhelmed with
our day jobs, families, social obligations and volunteer work so our writing
often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. Our Voices leadership group was
discussing this at a recent meeting and one comment really resonated with me:
to get over the idea of having to carve out huge blocks of time for writing.
I tend to think I need to sit aside at least two hours to
work on my book, but more often than not, two minutes is more realistic. Why
don’t I take advantage of the moments I do have to write a few lines or jot
down some ideas?
We all have 10 minutes when we’re waiting for the kids’
soccer practice to wrap up or sitting in the doctor’s office waiting room. Use
those moments to do a little writing. Carry a notebook in your purse or use the
notepad app on your phone.
I do a lot of thinking in the car. I’ve occasionally used
the recording app on my phone to capture thoughts and ideas. Or once you get to
your destination, grab your notebook and scribble down the ideas that came to
you while driving.
Yes, I’ll still need those chunks of uninterrupted time to
really develop my book, but at least I can feel like I’m making some progress
if I make the best use of the time I do have.
How do you make time for writing? Do you work in blocks of
time or squeeze out a sentence or two as you can?
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