If I had a dollar for every time I heard this question . . .
How do you find the time to write in your busy day?
Well, I’d probably have more dollars than the ones I’ve earned with 18 Things, 18 Truths, or 18 Thoughts!
Writing, Reading, Researching, Marketing, Promoting, Socializing, Facebooking, Blogging, Tweeting, Editing, Revising, Plotting, Planning, Drinking coffee, Emailing, Eating cake pops, Motivating, Teaching, Cleaning, Cooking, Laundry, Church, Playing Taxi Driver to kids, Spending time with the hubs, Remembering to walk the dog and feed the hamster, Fitness . . . HA! Yeah right! Let’s face it, something had to give;-)
You ever have those days when you wonder WHY AM I DOING THIS? *raises hand* Some days I get very very VERY frustrated trying to fit it all in. But slowly I’ve discovered some tricks of the trade, and I’d like to share my top 5 tips with all you lovelies today.
- You know that quote from Thomas Jefferson, “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” Well, I hate it. Guess what? I do the opposite, and it works! I just take one it one day at a time. Heck, I take it one step at a time! I make my list, cross each item off as I go, and don’t think too far ahead, or my head will start spinning!
- Accept help. Admitting we can’t do it all on our own frees us to accept outside help. News Flash: Most people have already realized you aren’t perfect, so quit trying to be! If people want to help, let them.
- Repeat after me: Will power is my friend. Take the “I cannot say no” stamp off your forehead, and limit extracurricular activities. Then sit your butt in the chair and write! And not just Facebook posts, Twitter messages, and blogs! Write your story EVERY DAY!
- Find a place to write and make it your own. Since our move two years ago, I have my own home office, but I used to just take up half the couch with my laptop, my books on craft, and my journals. My family, the television, and my iPod actually help to stimulate creativity. I think it’s actually best not to have a need for privacy, because then you could procrastinate forever! Now editing does take some peace and quiet, which is why I wait till my youngest goes to bed and stay up late. And yesss, I still get up at at 5:30a.m. for my day job, which leads me to my last tip . . . .
- Consume massive amounts of coffee and keep a steady supply of hidden chocolate!
This has been a post for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, the brainchild of Head Ninja, Alex J. Cavanaugh. Feel free to join us the first Wednesday of every month! Purpose: To share and encourage.
Jamie Ayres 
I willingly accept help now! Pass on the coffee and chocolate, but give me plenty of Hot Tamales and I’ll live.
Those are really good suggestions. I like the caffeine and chocolate. I do Red Bull and donuts–same idea.
Great tips! Especially the one about coffee and chocolate. 😉
Or cheese. Cheese works too.
I used to say no to every invitation until one day I realized there were no more invitations. That was in the late 90s. Today, I generally say no only on IWSG Wednesdays and weekdays. I keep my weekends open for family and friends. It generally works. Like you, I have to be disciplined or nothing would get done.
Love the button … and so true! 🙂
Love your tips, especially #5. Coffee and chocolate, yum!
I enjoyed this post so much,Jamie. I can definitely learn from them. I stopped making lists for some reason, but I’m starting again because my mind is like a sieve. I agree with every tip, but I have to tread carefully with #5 because I tend to binge the chocolate these days. Wishing you well.
Massive amounts of caffeine and hidden chocolate are definitely key!!! And, I’m like you – I work best when surrounded by my energetic family! And, then I have to edit in privacy.
Loved all of your tips!!! And, I agree, we have to take each day at a time. Sometimes, procrastination is just prioritizing.
I don’t mind help (sometimes) but I have a hard time asking for it. Great advice! I keep a mental to-do list and have to start at the top and get one thing done at a time. I can’t write until the other stuff is taken care of. It all clogs my brain otherwise. Christy
I love that button about writers and the internet. So, so true. I have a little desk tucked into the corner of our sunroom. It faces the yard, but I usually have the curtains closed so the sunlight won’t hit my eyes. It’s not fancy, but it works. I don’t need caffeine (except for Hershey bars) but quiet is a must.
These are great. I like the first one – trying to do everything at once means we won’t do them effectively and we’ll actually get more done with the “one thing at a time” approach.
I needed to read this. I estimate that for another month I’ll be flooded with non-writing tasks, because now it’s so hard to fit everything in. I am determined, though.
Love your suggestions… I think everything distracts me LOL
I go day by day too. I think writing every day is good advice. It’s very easy to get out of the writing habit. I am guilty of it time and time again.