Creating Time For A New Author

As a first-time writer and working on my dark novel titled “The Gathering”, I was fortunate to have a day-job with tons of dead time to write.  However, that perfect job for writing eventually came to a screeching halt, as did my writing progress.  With an uncertain future, I knew it would take herculean efforts to adjust my life-style in order to finish my writing project.  

After a few weeks of stressful unemployment, I obtained a new job which was far more demanding of my time, there was zero time to write.  I first attempted to write during my thirty-minute lunch break but that didn't work (for me).  It was now clear, my new job was going to make me work for a living (rude, don’t you think?), I was now in the unenviable position of having to create time out of my life to write a novel while remaining happily married and also help keep my teenage son on the straight and narrow.
 
Most of us have busy schedules such as day jobs, loved ones to share time with, hobbies or time to exercise or be active in one way or another.  So, time is limited and you need to create time on the periphery of your days.  

Personally, as a new author, I need more time than 15 minutes here or there to get the pen and the brain flowing.  That is not to say an idea cannot flash into your brain at a moment’s notice.  For that reason, always carry a small recorder or a small pad to jot something down.  That is just a bonus tip for you, no charge. 

Now for the ideas to help you find that valuable missing time.  There are many ways to find this elusive time to write and since everyone is different, what works for me may not work for you.   But let’s give it a shot…

1.  Wake early a few days a week.  

This would work for the morning person that may have a 9 - 5 job and does not mind waking early and getting some writing done while the world and the house are still asleep.  This idea worked great for me as I’m a person that has that 9 - 5 job and I need a larger block of time to write productively.  

2.  Reduce television time.

This one turned out very well for myself and the family, however, at first this idea faced a lot of friction.  Most of us watch too damn much TV as it is and after much debate, we reduced one hour of television per night, my wife got some extra reading time, my son did some extra studying or time with his flight simulator and I got the precious time to write.  It is now part of our routine and the grumbling has long since stopped.  

3.  Lunch time at work.

This tip was not helpful to me personally, however, many writers have told me they write during lunch.  Most of these individuals have one hour lunch breaks and if they eat in 15 minutes give or take, that leaves them plenty of time to get some writing accomplished.  

4.  Does your family do any activity that does not include you?

For several months, before this Covid-19 crap hit the fan, my son had been taking courses at an airport one night a week, due to reasons I don’t want to bore you with, I decided it would be easier on myself and my vehicle if I just stayed at the airport and waited for him.  This gave me two extra hours with my laptop to get some real writing done and my wife the book worm, got more reading time at home. 

These are just a few ideas that can help and I’m sure there are many more, however, if I list them all, this blog would become a novel.

If these ideas fail to help you or you have another tip that you’d like to share, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]  

In conclusion, the small sacrifices you incorporate into your life will give you extra time to write your book because, unfortunately, it will not write itself.  

F.R. Rivers