by Elizabeth S. Craig @elizabethscraig
I’m definitely a creature of habit. I have a morning routine for getting the kids off to school, and if I mess up one part of it, there’s a sort of domino effect of screw-ups that happen.
But as life and schedules have gotten more complicated with a busy family life, I’ve tried to be more flexible and responsive. Sometimes I’ll do a better job with that than others. Now I can at least fake being flexible.
With writing, I’m able to squeeze it into miniscule amounts of time at the drop of a hat. This is just a response to a packed schedule (and a schedule that I’m not totally in control of.)
Squeezing writing in is a lot easier if:
You’re prepared. You’ll need index cards or a small notebook and something to write with.
You know where you left off. And I wouldn’t waste time reading what you just wrote…that will burn up your time right there. Just make a quick note at the end of each writing session to remind you where you were.
You can block people and noises out. It takes a little getting used to, but yes, you can make the whole world disappear. After a while, actually, it’s tough to bring it back…
You’re forgiving of your efforts. If you’re squeezing writing time in, then it’s not the time to except perfect prose.
Then, there comes a time when you’re not squeezing writing in. It’s time to put more time into writing.
There are different ways to add writing time to your day (but most of them aren’t fun):
Sleep less. I’ve done this. It’s okay, but after a while I start looking like something out of Night of the Living Dead. I write more on the front end of my day…in the morning, instead of at night.
Take vacation time from work or spend a weekend writing. Here I’m luckier because I’m at home. Weekends are my busy times because the family is home.
Spend less time online or engaged in other activities. Set timers for online time, turn off the television, etc.
Right now, trying again to be flexible, I need to write more. I’m editing a book, brainstorming another, beginning one that’s due in May, and coming up with a new series premise. And I have a book launching on November 1 (the 3rd book in the Memphis BBQ series—Hickory Smoked Homicide.) I’m sleeping a bit less, but it’s looking like I need some more writing time. :)
I’m moving for the next couple of months to a M-W-F-Sun schedule of blogging until I get ahead with the writing I’m working on. And Wednesdays will be a retro-post day. But guest bloggers are more than welcome for Tues/Thurs. spots (or the M-W-F ones, for that matter, too.) If you’ve read a good book lately and want to share it, I’m opening Saturdays up for that.
Do you ever change your schedule to include more writing? How do you do it?
I’ve recently changed my blogging schedule to help add more writing time. I hate to do it because I miss blogging, but sometimes it must be done! Thank you for the great tips.
Getting by on less sleep is what I tend to do, but it isn’t a good option. Sleep is so important for all kinds of reasons.
To make more of the time I do have, I will often set a kitchen timer to ring every 15 minutes. It makes sure I keep things moving and don’t get stuck trying to think of the perfect word for half an hour. lol
Good idea about making a note of where you stopped. Rereading sometimes throws me into editing mode and I don’t get to writing more words.
I’ve always used your tip on jotting down where to begin the next time you write.
It’s funny I can block out noise, but I’m so visual that it’s hard to block out what I’m seeing. Maybe I need to try out blinders that people use on horses.
I think moving to a three day schedule is very smart with your schedule.
Elizabeth – I think you’ve made very effective adjustments to include more writing. I think at some points we all have to do that; otherwise time’s just gone before we know it. I’ve adjusted my routine by making sure I’m ready whenever I have ten minutes. For instance, I keep whatever I’m writing minimised on my computer so I don’t have to spend time getting to it. I keep relevant web sites minimised, too, if I’m doing research. Then I can just get right back to it.
Hi Elizabeth .. although you appear somewhat disorganised – you’re incredibly organised – and know where you’re going and what works for you and the family .. good for you – you set an example to us all. Cheers Hilary
I have found a few ways to get a bit more “writing” time in. Someone told me about this great APP for iPhone (Dragon Dictation) and you can record yourself, it types what you say and then you can email it to yourself. It may sound a little crazy but it is a great way to “write” on the run. I can talk faster than I can write so it gets it done.
I haven’t had a ‘real’ schedule in a long time, but that doesn’t mean things don’t interfere. I’m trying to be more disciplined, as the current WIP is dragging. I’ve cut back on my blogging as well–I’ve added my What’s Cooking Wednesday which in some ways, is “easier” than a writing post, and the extra effort of cooking something has some nice side effects. And waistline side effects, too, I notice.
(I’m very happy to have other share recipes; let me know if you want one of yours on my site.)
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
I think I need to be more organized and make a daily commitment to writing even if it is only for 30 minutes. It’s so easy for me to be all over the place and, of course, Im only spinning my wheels. Thanks for the post, it got me thinking.
Saturday I was really busy and you know what, I didn’t go on the internet one minute. Well, it proves that I’m not totally addicted. I agree that with our crazy lives and schedules we have to always be ready to write. Awesome post.
I’ve really slacked off in my writing lately. I’d be lying if i said I wasn’t enjoying spending the time doing other things, but I know I’ll need to get back at it very soon.
Since I don’t work and my kid is off to college, my days are pretty flexible – and that’s when it’s hardest for me to stick to a schedule. Those are great tips and hints. I just need to make myself spend less time online or on other activities (TV is my downfall).
PS. I can’t wait for Hickory Smoked Homicide. Yay!
That’s why I only blog three days a week. Not good at tuning out distractions but I can write in short bursts.
oh, yes. I think it’s necessary and healthy. Good luck to you! :o) <3
Think I go for the sleep-less approach. I can stretch the writing a lot into the late hours >:)
Cold As Heaven
As I mentioned in comments on my own blog (where I’m also cutting back) slowing down a little also gives you a chance to refresh the blog itself. Concentrate more on what you DO write for the blog, etc.
Changing routines have ALWAYS been the bane of my existence. Usually it is for weight maintenance, but I am approaching a WriMo with dinner and exercise commitments I’ve never had before for it, and MAN, it is stressful to figure out how to fit it in, but I really feel like I HAVE to fit it in because of what I really want to get done.
I have a meeting tonight at son’s school–one I’ve been to BEFORE because daughter did the same trip… you’ve inspired me to take my notebook…
This is great!
I have to take the leap in trying to figure how to reconfigure my schedule to fit in more writing. I used to rely on sleepless nights but lately I realize I need that sleep to function effectively as a Mom during the days. I’ve been relying on chunks of scheduled time three days out of the week but I believe I need to write daily to keep consistent.
Thanks for the tips!
Heather–It was definitely my last option. I kept hoping for there to somehow be just *1* more hour in the day somehow. :)
Hilary–Thanks so much! I’m trying. Hopefully I can knock all this work out and be back to it quickly.
Cathy–I love timers, too. Otherwise, I can lose track of time quickly. Yes, rereading really messes me up. Then I start
worrying about what I’ve written and start changing things…I just can’t do it.
H. L. Banks–I’ve found that making a to-do list for my writing really helps. I know that sounds Type A, but it really
makes a difference.
Journaling Woman–Blinders sound good to me!
Margot–That’s another good tip! I guess that’s why I usually have 14 or 15 windows open at once on my computer! Ha!
Clarissa–It’s not the way I *want* to write, but that’s what happens when life gets crazy!
Paul–It’s funny about that, though–the first few days when you start back writing, you’re rusty, but then it seems like
your brain just remembers how to put it all together. It’s like riding a bike, I guess. I think you’ll be fine. :)
B.E. Sanderson–I think we’ve all got something as a distraction. Today it was a cat at the vet and my daughter with an ear
infection! So I guess even with the very best of intentions we end up going off course. And…thanks so much!
Becky–I’ve used voice recorders in the car a few times on trips, but I didn’t think to find an app that will let me share
my dictation with email. Thanks!
Alex–I think there’s definitely something to be said for 3 days a week. I’ve been blogging every day since…well, I guess
early 2009? Something like that? I like it, but I’m feeling the pinch right now for sure.
Terry–I know what you mean! Whenever we have a nice meal at our house, my husband always asks if I’m on the food blog the
next day. :) The sad thing is that he’s right! Maybe you can do a Thanksgivingy or New Yearrecipe?
LTM–Thanks! I hate cutting back, though–I have way too much fun here!
Cold as Heaven–I’m better in the mornings, oddly. After late afternoon, I’m not good for much.
Hart–Take that notebook! Hope you get stuff done. :)
Camille–You’re absolutely right. It’s good to stay fresh.
Thanks, Elizabeth. I sure hope so.
Given that the only book which needs to be considered serious work at the moment is the one coming out next year, I’m trying to just have fun with my other projects instead of obsessing on every little bit of word count.
A writing routine is hard to define even when you’re a single woman living alone. There are still distractions. I take little bits of notes constantly and write when the feeling hits me. Most of my first drafts are little more than bits of an outline.