out of time

Finding time to write can be one of the greatest challenges an aspiring writer faces. Unless you are fortunate enough to have inherited a large sum of money from a wealthy relative, have a trust fund or won the lottery, chances are you will have to work another job to support you financially.

So how do you do it? How do you find the time write when you have a full-time job and other pressing engagements?

The answer is simple: Make the most of the time you have.

I have heard some authors are able to pick up their story and begin writing at any moment. That's good and well for them, but for the rest of us that isn't always the case. Writing is a creative process that deserves your full attention.

Try taking 30 minutes (or better still an hour) of your day to turn off your cell phone, Internet, TV or any other distraction. Interruptions can be detrimental to the creative process. Find a place where you can work comfortably. If possible, designate a place where you can write every day so you can make it a habit. Once your distractions are eliminated, devote yourself completely to your writing for the set time period.

For me, I've found that I can write just about anywhere as long as I cut out as many distractions as possible. I traveled extensively while writing my first novel. I would estimate I wrote about one-third the 100,000-plus words in the first draft on an airplane or in an airport. I would put my headphones in — even if they were not playing music — to help me get in the right frame of mind.

One universal reminder is to give your story at least a few minutes every day. If you can only spare 15 minutes one day that is great. It will at least keep your story, the details and your creativity fresh on your mind so you can delve deeper into the writing when you have more time.

I know I manage to produce more words between Friday night and Sunday night (evenings are a big creative time for me). Even though it might interfere with my social calendar, I endeavor to carve out as much time those evenings as possible.

When I'm well into the plot of the story, making time becomes even easier. When I hit about 65,000 words on my first book, I had a tough time tearing myself away from the writing. I was so involved in the plot that I had to keep going.

No matter how you do it — in 15-minute or 5-hour intervals — make the time to write if it is something you want to do. The satisfaction of having a completed project will be worth the added effort.