For years, I have struggled with finding the time to write on a consistent basis. I have many excuses. Two kids, full time job, husband works lots of hours which means I am typically responsible for carpooling, dog walking, house cleaning, homework helping, and dinner making. Several months ago, I decided to forget the excuses and make writing a priority. Here are some simple changes that have headed me in the right direction. I am definitely writing more and loving it.
Pick a Location
This turned out to be one of the most important of all the changes for me. I did not have a writing spot. I realized this when I participated in an online writing class this summer. One of the first things that the instructor had us write about was our writing spot. This exercise pushed me in the right direction. I now have three writing spots to choose from. I chose my deck because it's quiet and comfortable. My kids and husband tend to leave me alone when I'm outside, so it works out great. I get the peace and quiet that I need for writing from that location. When it's dark, cold, or raining, I head indoors to my office. It's not as comfortable, but it does provide me with bouts of solitude. My least favorite location is at my kitchen table. It's not so quiet. I can usually hear my son playing his gaming system, my daughter chatting to her friends, and there is usually supper on the stove. Even though it's not quiet, I am finding that I am able to get more writing time in by setting up in this location.
Be Prepared When On the Go
I found a tote bag in my closet and stocked it with a couple of notepads and pens. I put this tote bag in my car. I pull it out when I have to wait for my kids or when I have to wait for an appointment. I use one of the notepads strictly for making a list of writing topics. I pull this one out when I know that I will have a wait of ten minutes or less. I pull the other out when I really have some time to write. I have been really surprised with how much writing that I have been able to work in with this method.
Plan
In the past I always planned my vacations, my work day, my children's' schedules, our evening meals, but not my writing. I now think of writing as an item to add to plan into my day. I make sure that when I am thinking about my schedule for the day that I consciously decide when and where I will write. There are days where there is just simply too much going on to work writing into my schedule. I no longer stress about this, but simply think ahead and determine the next time I will be able to write.
I was really surprised that by just changing my attitude about treating writing as a necessity has really opened up many opportunities for me to write often. By giving writing the attention it deserves in my life, I am finding that I am no longer making excuses and miraculously now have the time to do it.
