As writers we could all use more time. I know I could. Time is my greatest ally and my deadliest foe. There never seems to be enough of it and I always need just a little bit more to complete my task.
So, below I have listed 4 ways to squeeze out some time to write. That way you and I can no longer have excuses and can stay focused on our tasks.
1. The grocery story. Silly I know, but bring your notebook with you everywhere and seize the opportunity. There are always little bits of time that, when strung together, equal that sizable chunk all writers long for.
2. Write during your lunch at work. I love socializing as much as the next person, but I have changed my lunch into a time to be productive. When do you relax then? Never. Remember your goal.
3. Take the last two hours of each day from 11-1 or 12-2 to write. At the end of a long day of work my bed seems like heaven. However, if I wait longer, how much more inviting will it be?
4. Get up at 5am to write. I have attempted this for the past few weeks and have been mildly successful. It has been an exhausting few weeks but I have made more progress than I’ve had in some time.
In the end, it all comes down to what you love. Does one night of watching the latest movie mean you will never finish a novel? No, of course not. But think of how much you could have gotten done during that two hours. So, evaluate your week, make a plan, set a goal and do whatever it takes to scrap together enough time to accomplish it.
Cheers,
Bob
PART-TIME NOVEL 
Bob – As always, you are a constant encouragement. Thanks for the kick in the pants.
It was more of a kick in my own pants, but I am glad it translated! Keep writing my friend.
Great tips, Bob, thank you for the reminders! It’s taken me a while to get back in the saddle, but am now beginning to return to a routine. Someone once told me it takes 21 days to develop a habit – and if you can stick it out that long, it becomes much easier to make it a part of your life. (I’m guessing this will work well for your points 2, 3 and 4.) Have a great day, and happy writing! 🙂
Julie,
Good to hear you are getting settled. I am trying my best to form some habits like getting up early regardless of the amount of sleep I have to give up. It’s hard, especially when my daughters wake up at night but, hopefully I will get there!
Right, getting up early rocks for me. There are fewer excuses and distractions at 4am.
I am trying my best to get up at 5:45 and will work back from there to 5. My youngest has been sick (she just turned 1) or teething, and is up at night. It makes it harder but I want to get some consistency at some point.