Who Has the Time?

Well, you do, of course! One of the hardest aspects of being a writer, especially if you are still working a day job, is finding the time you need to do everything you need to do. This was one of my greatest downfalls in the beginning of my writing career. I would sit and think about writing a lot; I would even go so far as scribbling notes.

I thought the writing would magically appear before my eyes. I am still not sure what I was thinking.

Anyway, the point is that you have to schedule time for writing and research. The first thing you should do is buy a small notebook; if you can, splurge and get an actual daily planner.

At the beginning of the week or month, whichever is more realistic for you, take the time to sit down and make out a schedule for your self. Think about your days off and how you spend them or your time before and after work. Every hour is precious. So the one of two days you have off from work, schedule them down to the last minute. You should take at least an hour a day for your writing. For example, on Monday use your hour to search job boards, Tuesday use your hour to do research, Wednesday take this time to do some free writing or query letters and so forth. Scheduling will help you stay organized and feel less scatter-brained.

You will be amazed at the end of your first month how much you have accomplished. You should also try to make deadlines and goals for yourself as a way of staying on track and noting your accomplishments. You will feel much more rewarded this way. Schedule yourself for a month and then take a day off.

Besides, what good is a writer if they spend all his/her time behind a desk?