Finding the time to write a novel is one of the major issues confronting writers, particularly those who haven't been published yet. How does one justify to themselves, or to their loved ones, that they need time to write if they have demands on their time, like a job, or a house to be cleaned, a family to be fed, or shopping to do? They make the time.
To make time, one would have to sit down and plan it. If this is not done, then writing will become a haphazard event, dictated by a whim, or a passing urge, rather than a scheduled time. This often results in the book never really being finished. You do want to finish that book, don't you? Below, I have my own suggestions as to how to make time.
Once you make that appointment with yourself, that's the easy part. Next, you have to keep that appointment. There are so many instances when something else interferes with your designated time. I know, I've been there. Therefore, you need to have some flexibility. Always have a reserve time slot handy in case you don't make your date. Although I was pretty regular and rarely strayed from my afternoon schedule, there were times that I just couldn't stay on track. I learned to be flexible and wrote in the evenings. The important thing to remember is to not stray too far from your schedule, because it defeats the purpose.
Once you've scheduled your writing dates, then prepare your work area. Try and have it ready before your designated time. If you have a computer, make sure the printer has enough paper, and there's a floppy disk available to save your Word files in. If you use a pen and paper instead, make sure you have them handy. Also, make sure you have enough lighting in the room. You wouldn't want to strain your eyes. Make your writing area as comfortable as you can.
Now try writing for a week. How did it feel? If you're like me, it felt great. Not only did it feel great writing, but I quickly found out it wasn't enough time! One does need time to get into the story, to think about the dialogue, to write that chapter. Sometimes you'll be so absorbed in your writing, that you may surpass the hour you designated, and that's fine if you go beyond your scheduled time (unless it affects your other activities). There will be other times when you'll sit there doodling, trying to write something, and it won't be easy, so you'll probably finish quicker than the allotted time.
The important thing is to write on a consistent basis. It's similar to exercise. In order to see results, you have to do it persistently and over a long period of time. A novel can never be written in one sitting! Over the course of your writing, you'll be learning valuable skills that can only come from experience. Also, you'll notice that the more you write, the easier it'll become.
As you follow your daily writing schedule, you will show your loved ones that you are serious about your work, and more importantly, prove to yourself that you can write that novel!
I wrote my first novel in 1-? years. Being a stay-at-home mother gave me the opportunity to write during my baby's naps, which averaged about 2-3 hours each afternoon. It is very rewarding to see your novel taking shape. If I could do it, then so can you!
About The Author
Patty Apostolides is author of Lipsi's Daughter. She has published several articles and poems. Her website showcases her works: http://www.geocities.com/10500bc/index.html
http://www.geocities.com/10500bc/index.html
cheap limo service Lombard .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareFreelance editing opportunities are out there, you just need to... Read More
What a lack of research could do to you.When creating... Read More
It would be very selfless or noble of me to... Read More
You may not remember this, but in the early days... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?Complete a character questionnaire for each of... Read More
Remember back in the dark days of your school years... Read More
We've all seen those ads that grab our attention and... Read More
As many authors are fond of stating, "Ideas are all... Read More
Beginner's Blues: How to Collect Samples, Testimonials, and References as... Read More
Prolific authors write; they don't just dream about it. A... Read More
Often, time is an enemy of writers. Sales seem slow... Read More
1 - Join a reading or writing group. Ask members... Read More
Persisting With Bulldog Determination [Book excerpt from Successercising} by Rick... Read More
So you've decided to crown yourself with a title that... Read More
"You should write a book." For years, I had been... Read More
Take out a white piece of paper and place it... Read More
A UK based freelance proofreader should be able to provide... Read More
Many of the most effective low-cost marketing strategies require writing.... Read More
The biggest mistake authors make when trying to get free... Read More
So you want to be a successful author? You want... Read More
Based on the feedback that I have been getting from... Read More
No matter what your fifth-grade English teacher says, some grammar... Read More
"I don't know if I should put 'writer' on my... Read More
You have a great idea for a poem, a story,... Read More
Technology vendors often contribute bylined articles to trade journals. The... Read More
limo O'Hare Glen Ellyn ..There is no specific formula for children's fiction. There are,... Read More
When attempting to understand Creativity and Innovation, it pays to... Read More
How do you choose a name? Do you put down... Read More
I recently read a book where everything was akimbo. Arms... Read More
Writing for the web is very different from writing for... Read More
Mindmapping is better than linear outlining because authors can use... Read More
Many of the most effective low-cost marketing strategies require writing.... Read More
Back in my school days, if the teacher demanded a... Read More
How long should your chapters be?I can't resist... I have... Read More
Want to write a how-to article but can't come up... Read More
It would be very selfless or noble of me to... Read More
Sometimes a freelance writing career can feel very much like... Read More
A book coaching client recently emailed me that she was... Read More
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a... Read More
One of the biggest problems that inexperienced writers have is... Read More
Good writing is like sex. Two people are involved ?... Read More
Everybody knows writing a story is not easy. Like the... Read More
Is there a book inside of you? Yes? Then why... Read More
Today it begins.I have always known I was a freelancer.... Read More
At some point along the way, most of us have... Read More
When the writing bug hits you, get out your pencil,... Read More
First, let's tackle the question that is uppermost in many... Read More
The first and final rule of quality writing is this:... Read More
Everyone has a unique story to tell. From explaining business... Read More
A writer writes. Bet you've heard that one... Read More
Writing |