A vast majority of people at some point wanted to write a book. Then how come they don’t? It is a simple matter of time. However that is absolutely false. Anyone can have time for anything— they just choose not to use it wisely or prioritize. In our digital age there are many distractions, the internet, movies, video games and so on. As a writer you must push aside the easy path, despite what most people say writing a book is not easy. It takes hard work and determination. If you know how to use time wisely and prioritize you won’t need much time, such as an hour a day. So here are some things that can help you ‘find the time to write.’
Disconnect from the internet. Put your phone on silent. Turn off your wifi. Are just the basics for staying productive. The internet can be a valuable tool for writers, but more often than not it is also a distraction. If you find yourself constantly drawn to it, make it so it isn’t a temptation. Going camping helps a great deal because, depending on your region has no internet. In the silence and solitude of your weekend, you can take the first steps to writing. Of course camping for the duration of the writing process isn’t feasible, but helps. Going into nature also helps with writing block. By camping you would hit two birds with one stone so to speak. Disconnecting from the internet would not only keep you from getting distracted, but will also provide you with the time that you would have normally spent on browsing various social medias or watching movies.
Write every day. This step doesn’t necessarily ‘create time,’ but makes it a habit. Make a rule to yourself that you have to write a certain amount of words or pages, or any other minor accomplishment before sleeping. That way, with some self discipline you will be able to push other small things aside so that you would sleep more and get writing done. Use with caution as you might occasionally get days where you can’t write anything at all, take those days off, but don’t go too easy on yourself too often.
Ignore writers block. Every writer dreads this moments, when words don’t come out of your brain and when they do they seem to be really bad. There are many ways people have figured out how to get out of writers block. A simple google search will give you dozens of ways. Different ways work for different people, you have to experiment and figure out something that works for you. What I find works for me personally is pushing myself and just writing anything, I can edit it later, but I can’t edit something I don’t have, so just go for it. No one sees your writing except you, so there isn’t anything to worry about. Going into nature, or even just a walk around the block helps. Having a simple object such as a snow glob to fidget around to gather your thoughts has helped me. Also don’t wait for motivation to stick you, otherwise you’re going to wait forever.
Finding a quiet place. Being of a roll typing out words faster than you can think and then someone starts talking to you and breaks your train of thought. Yeah, happens to everyone. If its possible try being in a room alone without anyone and tell anyone your living with, roommates, family, whomever, this is the time for you to work.
Writing rituals? If you have been searching for writing tips you may have come upon people talking about writing rituals. What are they. Basically it’s a certain action that is done by the writer before they site down and write, such as; having a cup of coffee, listening to a certain soundtrack, pretty much anything. Does it work? No one knows, but the people who use this ‘method’, claim it works. It’s a way to trick your brain into thinking you’re inspired. If it works for you, do it. You will know when you found the thing that inspires you. If nothing strikes your fancy, don’t worry, just remember the most important tool for a writer, besides writing supplies is dedication. Nothing can stop a truly dedicated person so don’t stop writing.
These are my ideas of what to do to find time to write your novel. Remember, this is just my opinion based on my experience and research. Some of these tips may work for you, others might not.
