I know not the main point, but you are the only [other] person I've seen reference the Stephanie Perkins "love list" in the last decade! It's one of my most core writing tools and I talk about it often.
This is one of the most comprehensive takes I’ve seen on finding time to write. I think the most frustrating thing is how much finding those ideal times/places/conditions for writing can change over time. In my teens and twenties, I was a late night/midnight writer. As I drifted through my thirties, that changed into morning. Now, I’m finding the afternoon is my ideal time. It’s so hard for new writers to feel like they can justify that time to themselves; they still think of it as a hobby and relatives often treat it that way (and continue to treat it that way, even when someone is a professional writer). I was fortunate that my wife and children were in my corner for most of my writing career, especially after my first book got published.
You bring up such a good point, Bill -- how and when we write often changes as we move through different seasons of life. It's a constant juggling act, and oftentimes we are re-learning what our creativity needs amidst life responsibilities and demands.
You're also spot on that having a supportive partner/spouse/family makes a huge difference when it comes to staying motivated and choosing when/wear you can sacrifice to get some words down. I'm glad your people have been in your corner.
Your advice about being stuck resonates with me. Erin, haven't found a writing group for my MG family mysteries. Every group member ends up with family or medical or job problems. Any advice! I think I need an accountability partner and/ a developmental editor after mine ghosted me after promised great edits!
I hope you hadn't paid that editor?! If so, keep checking in so that you receive the service you paid for or, at the very least, get refunded.
If your main hope is an accountability partner, I'd start online. Browsing hashtags like #amwriting and see if anyone is participating in (or interested in joining) writing sprints. You can work for a set period of time, then check in with each other to report progress. If you have a couple writing acquaintances already from online spaces, you can do the same thing. Set up a writing date and DM/text to check in.
Sometimes simply being in a public space can help with accountability. Similarly, you can use social media to keep you accountable. Announce that you're going to start working for X minutes (invite folks to join if they want), and then report back with your progress when the time is up.
Thanks, Laura. It's definitely been a long stretch of silence since I took the summer months off. Happy to be back to my regular posting schedule again :)
There is so relatable and what an excellent collective of tools for getting words in! SO much of this post resonated with me, it IS different for everyone, and I have to force myself to remember that sometimes (I am a ridiculously slow writer). And I especially loved this: "If you keep coming back to your story, if you keep putting down words, you will reach the end. I promise. As long as you chip away at it, some way or another, it will eventually get finished." Thank you so much for this!
I couldn't find time to finish your article, but what I read really resonated.
Will try to find the time to finish it.
Thank you.
Not having time to finish reading is very on theme with this newsletter content! 😂 Thanks for reading!
The list for possible time helps depending on what's causing the problem is so practical and helpful. Thank you!
So glad you found them useful!
I know not the main point, but you are the only [other] person I've seen reference the Stephanie Perkins "love list" in the last decade! It's one of my most core writing tools and I talk about it often.
Yes! Adore "love lists!" Such a simple way to focus on the parts of a project that excite us most.
This is one of the most comprehensive takes I’ve seen on finding time to write. I think the most frustrating thing is how much finding those ideal times/places/conditions for writing can change over time. In my teens and twenties, I was a late night/midnight writer. As I drifted through my thirties, that changed into morning. Now, I’m finding the afternoon is my ideal time. It’s so hard for new writers to feel like they can justify that time to themselves; they still think of it as a hobby and relatives often treat it that way (and continue to treat it that way, even when someone is a professional writer). I was fortunate that my wife and children were in my corner for most of my writing career, especially after my first book got published.
You bring up such a good point, Bill -- how and when we write often changes as we move through different seasons of life. It's a constant juggling act, and oftentimes we are re-learning what our creativity needs amidst life responsibilities and demands.
You're also spot on that having a supportive partner/spouse/family makes a huge difference when it comes to staying motivated and choosing when/wear you can sacrifice to get some words down. I'm glad your people have been in your corner.
Your advice about being stuck resonates with me. Erin, haven't found a writing group for my MG family mysteries. Every group member ends up with family or medical or job problems. Any advice! I think I need an accountability partner and/ a developmental editor after mine ghosted me after promised great edits!
I hope you hadn't paid that editor?! If so, keep checking in so that you receive the service you paid for or, at the very least, get refunded.
If your main hope is an accountability partner, I'd start online. Browsing hashtags like #amwriting and see if anyone is participating in (or interested in joining) writing sprints. You can work for a set period of time, then check in with each other to report progress. If you have a couple writing acquaintances already from online spaces, you can do the same thing. Set up a writing date and DM/text to check in.
Sometimes simply being in a public space can help with accountability. Similarly, you can use social media to keep you accountable. Announce that you're going to start working for X minutes (invite folks to join if they want), and then report back with your progress when the time is up.
Thanks for more good advice.
Yay! I was so excited to see a new post from you. This is filled with useful tips for someone trying to find time to pursue any passion.
Thanks, Laura. It's definitely been a long stretch of silence since I took the summer months off. Happy to be back to my regular posting schedule again :)
There is so relatable and what an excellent collective of tools for getting words in! SO much of this post resonated with me, it IS different for everyone, and I have to force myself to remember that sometimes (I am a ridiculously slow writer). And I especially loved this: "If you keep coming back to your story, if you keep putting down words, you will reach the end. I promise. As long as you chip away at it, some way or another, it will eventually get finished." Thank you so much for this!