Do you often write less than you want to? Is your busy life getting in the way of your writing time? Well, you aren't alone, for many authors it is difficult to find time to write. Whether you are a working parent or a high school student, life can be busy and stressful, making it hard to write. Continue reading for 10 tips regarding how to write with a busy schedule:
Outline Your Writing
Before you begin to write your novel, it is important to outline your story. Outlining the chapters of your novel, before writing is sure to maximize your time. If you spend time outlining the scenes of a chapter before writing, you won't need as much time to write and will finish faster. As you create an outline, it is important to keep in mind word counts and certain plot points, so you understand what you are writing about. Planning the chapters of your novel will lead you to understand the scenes of your novel and where your story will go. Planning before you begin writing your novel will optimize your time, which is helpful when you have a busy schedule.
Write Early in the Morning
You have probably heard the saying; "the early bird catches the worm," which doesn't just apply to fishing, it also applies to writing. If your schedule allows you, consider writing early in the morning. Four-five am is typically free from school, work, or kids, which is why it is a great time to write! In most cases it is quiet and peaceful, early in the morning, making it an excellent time to craft your writing skills. Waking up early to write will lead you to finish your novel quicker and make the most of your busy schedule.
Don't Stop to Edit
"Don't pause to edit your writing," is my most repeated piece of advice. Pausing to edit, while in the middle of a writing session strips away your creativity and impedes your ability to finish your novel. While writing it is extremely important to remember to write now and edit later. When you are feeling inspired, don't stop to edit grammar or thematic mistakes, instead, leave all your editing for later. Pausing to edit midway through your writing will hamper your process.
Silence Your Phone
Writing with a busy schedule means making the most of your time and eliminating distractions. For some writers, this could mean leaving the house and visiting a park, but for other authors, it could be simpler. The first step to limiting distractions is silencing your phone. Our phones are constantly beeping to notify us, which can be a massive distraction. This is why when you are writing, you must turn off your phone and minimize your distractions. If you want to write quickly and maximize your writing time, make sure you close tabs, turn off your email and silence your phone. If this doesn't work, you may want to consider leaving your phone in another room, before writing.
Set Goals
Writing on a busy schedule doesn't work without goals. Similarly to outlining, before you begin writing for the day define a goal you want to achieve. The goal may be word count, proofreading, or self-publishing, but whatever it is stick to it. It is essential that your goal is realistic and specific. For example, plan to write 1000 words per day or 200 words in one hour. Make sure you stay on target for your goal and maintain a daily routine.
Choose a Comfortable Location
It is important to have a comfortable space when you are writing. When writing you should feel at ease, mentally and physically, as you will feel more engaged in your piece. So, create a space without loud noises, poor lighting, or uncomfortable seating, that won't take away from your motivation. This way you will feel more relaxed and ready to write, which maximizes your writing time!
Practice Self-Care
Self-care deeply affects our creativity and writing schedules. As a writer, it is crucial you take care of your needs, to feel centered and focused. Before you start writing, make sure you feel creative and calm. There are many different ways people practice self-care and it is unique to each individual. Listed below are 10 possible ways to exercise self-care before you write:
Take a break/go on a long walk
Apply a face mask
Eat a healthy snack
Turn on your favorite music ( If it doesn't distract you.)
Workout
Visit the spa
Take a bath
Drink water
Physically write on paper, instead of screens
Connect to other writers
Write During Your Commute
If your commute involves taking public transportation, instead of milling around on your phone, consider writing! Writing on a bus or a train, may not be ideal, but writing with a busy schedule means writing in whatever free time. If you don't take public transportation, but drive yourself, you can still "write" your book. Although you won't physically be writing, your commute is a great time to utilize the Speech-to-Text feature. Almost all online writing programs have a feature that types while you speak. This tool is extremely helpful when you don't have time to write. Using this feature will allow you to finish your writing promptly, but it does require a lot of editing. However, if you don't have a fast typing speed or much time to write, you may want to consider speaking your writing. Being a writer means writing even in strange locations and your commute is a great opportunity to either write your novel on your computer or in a notebook.
Reward Yourself
Rewarding yourself for writing may be essential to your success. If you don't have much time to write, consider your favorite things and use them as motivation. For example, if you love a specific video game, don't allow yourself to play until you have completed your daily goal. Find a way to reward yourself and make that item synonymous with writing time. Using your favorite items as rewards may increase the speed you write and help optimize your writing time.
Carry a Notebook With you
Inspiration will randomly strike you as a writer, so it is important to carry a notebook with you. Much of writing is now online, but that doesn't mean you can't write in a notebook. To efficiently write with a busy schedule, keep a notebook with you where you can jot down important ideas. Attaching a notebook to you, allows you to write down ideas even in the most random of moments!
Even if writing is your passion, life is hectic and can get in the way of your writing time. As a writer, it is important to continue writing, instead of compromising your passion for other activities. Follow these ten tips for effectively writing, even if you have a busy schedule. For tips on how to faster, click on the button below.
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