I don’t have enough time to write.
This newsletter is the beginning of a series on writers’ excuses. If you have excuses you want me to write on, you can send them.
As I am writing this newsletter I have to look at my life and see that I am answering a question and countering a statement I make.
How do I find time to write?
I don’t have time to write.
What’s the real issue?
I have asked myself this question: what is the real issue? What does not having enough time to write mean for me?
For me I have this myth where I think that if I have all the time to myself to write, then and only then would I be able to craft a masterpiece.
This is not true.
Having addressed that. How can I find time to write
Finding Time to Write
1.Forget perfect time.
There’s no finding the perfect time to write. Every writer has their time. For me I am working on what works for me.
Here is the irony of perfect time. You can’t find the perfect time unless you carve out time to test and write.
It is likely eating snacks to find your favorite.
Still on perfect time. We have been made to believe we have to write every day. In reality what is true is they write consistently. Some writers write only on weekdays. Others write on weekends only.
Find what works for you and stay consistent.
2. Break it down.
When I think of writing I think of a big piece of work beyond me. Now I will split the work into sessions.
If I want to write a poem in a day I could split the stanzas across the day and write in a ten minute session.
I could do the same for a short story.
Assuming my goal is to write one every week . If I am following Bradbury’s advice to write a short story every week. If my average short story is 3000 words for someone just getting started. I can break into daily sections. That would be 430 words a day. Which I can further split into four sessions across the day with 100+ words each session.
3. Track your time
To make tracking the goal easy I would make an easy goal. Like writing a short story weekly.
Write fifty word stories daily.
Use a calendar or journal to mark the days you show up. That way if you don’t show up it will be obvious.
4. Set realistic goals .
I am not a full time writer. I don’t have that much time. So I have to consider this when setting my goals. To make it more realistic.
If you have about 30 minutes to write in a day . It will be more realistic to set the goal of writing 200 words a day rather than 10,000 words a day.
Quotes
The struggle of finding time to write is a familiar one for many authors.
1.”I don’t have time to write. But that’s because I’d rather be doing something else.”
— Gloria Steinem
2. A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without writing a line.”
— E.B White
3. “I write when I can, in stolen moments and in the wee hours after everyone else is asleep. It’s not ideal, but it’s the only way I’ve found to make it work.” – Jodi Picoult.
This quote speaks to the reality of many writers who juggle writing with other obligations, often having to carve out precious minutes wherever they can.
4. “I write every morning from 4:00 to noon. I write five pages, and then I stop. I never write in the afternoon. I don’t write at night. I don’t write on weekends.” – Haruki Murakami.
This quote showcases the power of a consistent writing routine, even if it’s just for a short period each day.
5. If it’s writing time, I write. I may write garbage, but you can always edit garbage. You can’t edit a blank page – Jodi Picoult
6. “I started writing when I had three kids under the age of 4. I used to write every ten minutes when I got to sit in front of a computer. Now, when I have more time, I function the same way: if it’s writing time, I write.
—Jodi Picoult.
Finding Moments for Creativity:
7. “There is no perfect time to write. There is only now.”
— Barbara Kingsolver
8. “The best time for planning a book is while you’re doing the dishes.”
— Agatha Christie
9. “You don’t have time to write. You make time to write.”
— Nora Roberts
10.”You can always find time to write. Nothing will happen unless you make time.”
— Charles Bukowski
Making Writing a Priority:
11. “If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”
— Jim Rohn
I hope these quotes inspire you to keep writing, no matter how busy life gets!
Remember The only barrier to writing is the one you create in your mind.
Until next time, keep writing
Spotlight
If you have been looking for a way to write consistently and get feedback on your work from a community of like minded writers. A community that is focused and not spammy.
All for free .
I found a platform called deadline for writers. It is hosted by Mia Botha.
Every month she gives a prompt for poetry and short stories. Once the prompt is released you have one full month to write and submit your work on the submission day.
You will give feedback and receive feedback.
Giving others feedback opens your eyes because it is easy to see the mistakes others are making compared to yours.
It runs for 12 months.
Thank you for your support. See you next week.